2012 US Open Golf: Veteran Golfers to Watch at Olympic Club

The 2012 US Open kicks off today at the Olympic Club in San Francisco, as many golfers take the field. 

Everyone in the golf world is looking forward to watching this event unfold. All eyes are on every player on the field. Who should fans keep an eye on during this tournament?

Here are four veteran golfers to watch at the Olympic Club.

Tiger Woods

At 36, Woods enters this U.S. Open as a three-time tour champion. He’s won the tournament in 2000, 2002 and 2008.

He’s coming off a recent victory at the Memorial Tour, his 73^rd win overall.

Woods wants to keep his momentum going and win the US Open again. As stated earlier in Michael Fitzpatrick’s article “2012 US Open: Why the Olympic Club Fits Tiger Woods’ New Game," Woods should benefit from the Olympic Club.

If that’s the case, Woods will make the US Open his to win once more.

Phil Mickelson

Mickelson is looking forward to the Open but is not coming off recent success.

The 41-year-old California native hasn’t had luck in the Open in the past. He’s only come in second in the tournament, and his last second-place finish at the Open was in 2009.

Mickelson will be partnered with Woods and Bubba Watson. Expect Mickelson to look more determined than ever. 

If the Phil Mickelson of old shows up, Mickelson can make something special in this tournament.

Ernie Els

Els will attempt to win a tournament he hasn’t won since 1997.

The 42-year-old from South Africa is a two-time U.S. Open winner, also winning in 1994. Since then, Els has been declining in his game.

This could be where Els makes a comeback. He stands as a real dark horse in the tournament, as many don’t expect Els to win the Open this year.

Everyone loves a comeback story.  This could be where Els makes his.

*Stats are from usopen.com