The Brit Pack: How will they fare at Pinehurst?
Lee Westwood
Age: 41
World Ranking: 30
Best US Open finish: 3rd/T3 2008, 2011
Odds: 35/1
The Englishman has a solid US Open record and stormed to a win in Malaysia earlier this year. Seems happy with his short-game under new coach Mike Walker. Hasn’t won in American for a long time but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him in the top 10.
Luke Donald
Age: 36
World Ranking: 18
Best US Open finish: T8 2013
Odds: 33/1
Until last year, Luuuuuke had a pretty rotten US Open record. He has achieved everything else in the game apart from a major, so like Westwood, I think we will see his best stuff on the biggest stage. Three top 10s so far this year show he’s not in the worst of form.
Stephen Gallacher
Age: 39
World Ranking: 35
Best US Open finish: M/C 2005, 2011
Odds: 140/1
No previous US form worth mentioning but the Scot has been one of the players of the year so far and is desperate to make the Ryder Cup squad. A stunning win in Abu Dhabi, and a tied 2nd at the Nordea Masters have helped propel Gallacher to golf’s top table. Could be worth a look in the top European/British markets.
Ian Poulter
Age: 38
World Ranking: 24
Best US Open finish: T12 2006
Odds: 60/1
It hasn’t been a vintage year so far for ‘Poults’ but he carded a superb 64 in the final round of the St Jude Classic last week so may have found form at the right time. Could be a threat if he gets into contention early on. Poor US Open record a factor for the lengthy odds.
Paul Casey
Age: 36
World Ranking: 82
Best US Open finish: T10 2007
Odds: 90/1
We’ve seen a mini-revival from Casey in the past 12 months following his win at the Irish Open. He has six top-20 finishes on the PGA Tour this season but has often fallen away badly after getting into contention. It’s good to see his name back on leaderboards but his only victory in America was five years ago.
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James Savage
Former equipment editor of NCG. Inconsistent ball-striker and tea-maker.