Thursday 18 June 2015 11:43, UK
Robert Lee has high hopes for a veteran US Open campaigner at Chambers Bay this week, but he believes it could be the course that proves the real winner.
Before heading to Seattle to join the Sky Sports commentary team for the second major of the year, Robert told us that patience and creativity are the keys to surviving 72 holes of golf on one of the toughest courses ever to be used on the major rota.
"The course looks amazing, and visually it’s a treat with the torn-away, rough-edged bunkers, numerous waste areas and the way the fairways run. It’s quite incredible, but the players might not find it such a treat," he said.
"The green complexes, all the tiers, the multi-levelling, the roll-off areas – it’s all going to cause a few headaches. We’ll see some crazy golf, and players will need a lot of invention to get close to the hole, and there are some holes where they will be lucky just to hit the green. And as for chipping around the greens, missing on the wrong side is not an option.
"Chambers Bay suits a player with incredible patience, someone who will just chip away and still be standing on Sunday afternoon without having made too many mistakes.
Five to follow
"I can’t not pick Rory McIlroy as the world No 1, and on his day he is the best player in the world by some distance. When he turns it on, everybody else is playing for second, but he'll need to figure out the course and play canny golf, and I’m not sure that’s his game.
"Rickie Fowler is a natural for links golf and has played well in terrible conditions. He got his second PGA Tour win at The Players which proved he’s not a show pony any more. He’s a proper player and has a great chance this week.
"Adam Scott is in my five to follow and he has got Steve Williams back on his bag. He’s also using the long putter again and he has shown in the past he can play links golf. The Williams factor is absolutely enormous. Steve gives Adam the hard edge he sometimes needs to contend.
"Jim Furyk is my tip for the US Open. He's a player who does not make many mistakes, and he hits more fairways and greens than most. He's a very tidy player and also very clever, and he won't make any mental errors. He's in form, and he could win the US Open for the second time.
"Jordan Spieth was superb in his Masters victory, and his caddie is from Chambers Bay. This layout is probably the most demanding in terms of course knowledge, and that has got to give him an advantage.
"But what of the "big two"? It's going to be a tough gig for Tiger Woods given the way he has been playing. Watching him shoot 85 - the worst round of his career - at The Memorial was mind-blowing. Hopefully he's got a swing figured out to get it round here and at least make the cut. If he makes the top 30, he's had a great week.
"Phil Mickelson has been runner-up six times and probably would have won a couple if it wasn't for Tiger. A third place last week will give him confidence, but for Phil it's all about driving. If he keeps it straight and hits a few fairways, he has every chance to complete the grand slam.
Robert's Sky Bet tips:
Jim Furyk (35/1): He's like a boxer who keeps grinding you down and wins on points. He's got experience, patience and a very good game from tee to green and he's my top tip.
Alex Noren (150/1): If you want a European outsider, have a look at the Swede. He played very well in tough conditions to win his home event and showed the kind of creativity that you need at Chambers Bay.
