US Open Golf 2012: Best Picks and Predictions from Around the Web

Tiger Woods' strong performance in his victory at the Memorial has helped add some excitement to the 112th U.S. Open.

Whenever Woods comes into a major with some confidence, golf is certainly going to benefit. With so many stars such as Rory McIlroy, Bubba Watson, Phil Mickelson and Lee Westwood all having a great chance to win, the action from San Francisco this week will be must-see TV.

Let's look at some of the best predictions from around the Web.

Shane Bacon, USA Today

Shane Bacon of USA Today is picking Tiger Woods to win the 2012 U.S. Open.

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... Oh well, I think the course sets up well for him and I think he's going to snag his 15th major of his career this week in San Francisco.

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Many people are joining Bacon by predicting that Woods will win the tournament, myself included. He certainly has just as good of a shot as anyone to win the U.S. Open.

Andy North, ESPN

Former PGA Tour pro and current ESPN golf analyst Andy North has picked Matt Kuchar to win the U.S. Open in San Francisco, which would be the first major victory of his career.

He finished sixth at the 2010 U.S. Open and t-14th last year. In 2009, he didn't even make the cut.

James Achenbach, Golf Week

James Achenbach of Golf Week thinks Jim Furyk is the favorite at the U.S. Open, and even though it's not a popular pick, you cannot count out Furyk given his impressive major experience.

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Has the perfect game for Olympic, where scores will be high and pars will be a valuable commodity.

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If you're looking for a sleeper pick to win the U.S. Open, look no further than Furyk.

James Corrigan, the Telegraph

James Corrigan of The Telegraph shares his analysis of Lee Westwood's chances of winning the U.S. Open:

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If he putts, he wins. Westwood must believe this. No question he is the best player from tee to green, but his form on the greens does not live up to the rest of his game.

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Alex Kay, Bleacher Report

Alex Kay of Bleacher Report is picking Phil Mickelson to win the U.S. Open.

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

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With Woods and McIlroy receiving a lot of media attention, one golfer whose chances of winning are being underrated is Mickelson.