US Open Golf 2012: Bold Predictions for This Weekend

The U.S. Open is right around the corner, and everyone is anxious to see who will win the second major of the year.

Tiger Woods is coming off an impressive win at the Memorial. It was a big win for him, and he's put himself back into the discussion of favorite golfers to win.

But what about the other golfers? Can Bubba Watson win a second straight major? Will Rory McIlroy get back on track? Is there a surprise winner in the making?

Well, we can't be sure. However, I'm here to make some bold predictions to help you get ready for the U.S. Open.

Bubba Watson Will Not Be in Contention

After an incredible victory at the Masters, Bubba Watson has not played very well.

In fact, Watson missed the cut at the Memorial after two rounds in the mid-70s. He struggled then, and don't be surprised when his struggles continue.

Watson is too good of a player to miss a second cut in a row, but he will be hovering around the cut line on Friday afternoon. He should make the cut, but it won't be by much.

Watson will be out of contention by the end of Thursday, and he'll be a forgotten player by the weekend.

Saturday Will Cost Phil Mickelson the Tournament

Expect Phil Mickelson to start off strong and look good in the first two days.

He recovered after a rough start at the Masters, and he had a very good chance to win the green jacket. Unfortunately, it didn't all come together for him, and he fell short.

Once again, Mickelson will disappoint.

He will start strong, though, and be at the top of the leaderboard heading into the weekend. Then, on moving day, Mickelson will drop out of the top 10. Whether it's a lack of focus or some tough luck, Mickelson will have a rough Saturday.

On Sunday, Mickelson will make a late push and provide some drama, but it won't be enough due to a tough round on Saturday.

Tiger Woods Won't Have a Meltdown

At this point in his career, Tiger Woods completely understands himself as a golfer.

Unfortunately, part of that personality involves temper tantrums. When he strikes the ball poorly, Woods either drops his clubs or talks to himself in an angry tone (or both). Essentially, he acts like a child, and it's pretty sad to watch.

With that said, don't expect a meltdown from Woods.

The Memorial loosened him up. Woods remembered what it felt like to win a tournament that he traditionally plays well at.

His nerves won't get the best of him, and he'll play well, without having to throw a tantrum along the way.

Rory McIlroy Will Miss Another Cut

The defending champion won't defend his title this weekend.

Rory McIlroy has all the tools necessary to become an all-time great, and his raw talent is incredible.

Unfortunately, his mental toughness is lacking. When something goes wrong for McIlroy, he lets things snowball. One bogey turns into two, and things just get worse.

For his own sake, McIlroy essentially needs to avoid mistakes altogether. Otherwise, he starts doubting himself, and his play suffers.

McIlroy is a good player, but he will miss yet another cut this weekend.

Announcers Will Discuss Tiger Woods' Total Majors More Than 10 Times

Tiger Woods is relatively close to catching Jack Nicklaus for most career majors, but he's gone four years without capturing one.

However, with his win at the Memorial and a solid showing in the first two days, there will be a lot of discussion regarding Woods and Nicklaus. Woods will give the announcers plenty to talk about, but the favorite topic will undoubtedly be the golfers' total majors.

By the end of the weekend, all of us will be sick and tired of the announcers counting Woods' majors and comparing them to Nicklaus'.

Rickie Fowler Will Rebound from Disastrous Final Round at the Memorial

Rickie Fowler had one of the worst collapses in golf history at the Memorial.

He shot an astounding 84, which dropped him to a tie for 52nd. The tournament looked promising for Fowler, but his legendary collapse put a stop to that.

He's a solid player, and he will have a strong showing at the U.S. Open. He probably won't win it, but look for Fowler toward the top of the leaderboard on Sunday.

'Moving Day' Will Be on Friday

Traditionally, Saturday is known as moving day in golf.

For this major, don't be surprised if the biggest moves happen on Friday.

Most of the scores for the biggest names will be similar after the first day, and they will be pressing to make an impact on Friday. Some will succeed; others will fail.

Regardless, you can be sure that the biggest moves up the leaderboard will be happening on Friday.

Multiple 'Other' Players Will Be in Contention

The Olympic Club in San Francisco has been a safe haven for underdogs in U.S. Open history.

Most of the names on the leaderboard will sound familiar, but only the truest of golf fans will recognize them. It's a tough competition, and the best players could leave the door open to just about anybody.

It will be an interesting tournament because there will be at least a half dozen players in serious contention to win it.

It will be competitive for four straight days, and Sunday will be incredible.

Tiger Woods Will Have a Magical Victory

The 2008 U.S. Open was the last major Tiger Woods won, and it was one of the most impressive tournaments anybody has ever played.

On one leg, Woods played five rounds and a sudden-death playoff, winning after one of the greatest performances in history. While this weekend might not be as incredible, Woods has the opportunity to play a great weekend of golf.

A lot has changed for Woods since 2008. However, it's about time we went back to those times. Woods is one of the greatest athletes in American sports history. He deserves to be winning again. Moreover, we deserve his greatness.

Four years ago, a Woods victory would've been a cop-out prediction, not a bold one. Unfortunately for Woods, picking him to in now is slightly (if not completely) bold and/or foolish. With that said, when he wins, just remember: We didn't expect anything different.