US Open Favorites 2012: Quick Predictions for Phil Mickelson and Rory McIlroy

The 2012 US Open is just a few hours from teeing off, with Shane Bertsch, Martin Flores and Tommy Biershenk beginning the tournament at 10:15 a.m. ET.

We won’t have to wait long to see Phil Mickelson get started at the ninth hole, with the much-anticipated threesome of Tiger Woods, Bubba Watson and Lefty getting things going at 10:33 a.m.

Last year’s champion, Rory McIlroy, isn’t scheduled to start until 4:29 p.m., along with two other stars from across the pond in Luke Donald and Lee Westwood.

Let’s make some last-minute predictions on how these stars will do in the tournament.

Rory McIlroy           

McIlroy will be looking to defend his crown at the Olympic Club in San Francisco this year.

The 23-year-old won his first and only major of his short career at Congressional in Maryland during the 2011 US Open and will be attempting to make it two straight on Sunday.

The odds are long, as only one golfer in the past 61 years has been able to win this tournament back-to-back.

According to The Daily Mail, the young man has a strategy in mind.

“I’m coming in with the mindset that I’m going to attack the golf course and play aggressively when I can," McIlroy said.

"Obviously you have to be smart, but you’ve got to take your chances around here. It gives you a few opportunities where you can make birdies.”

This aggressive style just might pay off.

Phil Mickelson

Mickelson should not be afraid of the pressure of being paired with Woods and Watson. If anything, it should force him to elevate his game and play his best, which is something that Lefty must do to win this tournament.

The 41-year-old has never won the US Open, despite finishing second or tied for second on five different occasions.

He hasn’t given up hope on winning the event and is one of the favorites for a reason.

Predictions

Rory McIlroy: T-3

McIlroy will be in contention through the weekend but eventually fall short on Sunday after his aggressive style eventually costs him.

Phil Mickelson: Winner   

Being partnered with Woods and Watson will force Mickelson to play some of the best golf at the US Open in his career, and it will lead to a win.