US Open

Preview: The 114th US Open

By Pascal Lemesre, Football League Editor | 11 June 2014

Sports Mole looks ahead to the second Major of 2014 - the US Open at Pinehurst, North Carolina.

Golf's elite are in North Carolina this week for the second Major of the year - the 114th US Open - and here, Sports Mole runs the rule over the course and contenders.

Phil Mickelson of the United States hits a shot from a bunker during a practice round prior to the start of the 114th U.S. Open at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club on June 10, 2014 © Getty Images

The Course

Name: Pinehurst No. 2, Pinehurst, North Carolina
Distance: 7,562 yards
Par: 70
Info: For the first time ever, a course will host both the men's and women's US Open this year. The men play this week, before the women tackle it next week. Pinehurst Resort has an impressive eight courses and the Championship 18 is No. 2, which has hosted the US Open on two previous occasions.

In 1999 Payne Stewart beat Mickelson by a single shot to win his third and last Major just months before his death in a Learjet crash. There is now a statue of Stewart celebrating his 15-foot par putt that clinched the title beside the 18th green. Six years later, Kiwi Michael Campbell beat Tiger Woods by two shots for his one and only Major title.

This year, the course has been re-designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. Gone is the deep rough associated with this tournament, replaced by wider fairways and sandy wiregrass that should favour the big-hitters and result in lower scores. The restoration means that the course is a mix between traditional USGA conditions and the links feel of the British Open.

Last year's winner: Justin Rose (+1), won by two shots from Jason Day and Mickelson at Merion for his first career Major.

Five Contenders

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland reacts during the third round of the 78th Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 12, 2014

Rory McIlroy - The 2011 champion is the bookies' favourite to win his third Major at the age of 25. McIlroy is one of the biggest hitters on tour and if he can keep it straight off the tee, he should be in the mix. Despite his recent split from fiancee Caroline Wozniacki, he won the European Tour's flagship event last month.

Odds: 12/1

Phil Mickelson in action on the 18th hole during the third round of the Wells Fargo Championship on May 3, 2014

Phil Mickelson - The US Open is the only Major that 'lefty' hasn't won. He recently admitted that the course is set up perfectly for him and many fancy him to break his duck at the tournament. With more room off the tee and sublime touch needed around the greens, Phil looks to be a good bet.

Odds: 20/1

Sweden's Henrik Stenson practicing at the US PGA Championship on August 5, 2013

Henrik Stenson - Arguably the most consistent golfer of the last year or so, Sweden's Stenson continues to search for his first Major. He comes into this tournament in form after just missing out on winning the Nordea Masters.

Odds: 30/1

Sergio Garcia of Spain looks happy during the final round of the Nedbank Golf Challenge at Gary Player CC on December 8, 2013

Sergio Garcia - Another European, but there's reason to believe in the contingent from East of the Atlantic as they have won three of the last four tournaments. Garcia's game should suit Pinehurst if he putts well and after two weeks' rest, the field should be wary of the Spaniard.

Odds: 33/1

Webb Simpson in action during round one of the World Golf Championships on August 1, 2013

Webb Simpson - The one American to win this tournament in the last four years is Simpson, who was victorious at the Olympic Club in 2012. He grew up nearby and recently returned to form with a tied-third finish at the St Jude Classic.

Odds: 45/1

Sports Mole says: The field looks pretty open, but we're impressed with Mickelson's confidence and fancy the loveable left-hander to complete his Major CV.