US Open Golf 2012: Disappointing Stars Who Need a Strong Showing at British Open

The 2012 U.S. Open was one of the most unusual events in recent memory. We all expect to see the worst golf of the year at this tournament, because the people who design the course want to show these players are human. 

Since this is a sport we are talking about, there is little time for the players to wallow in their own pity as things get going again this week. While we have time before the British Open next month, there are some players who need to find their game before that tournament and make a strong showing across the pond. 

Here are the stars who struggled at the U.S. Open who need to make a strong showing at the British Open. 

Rory McIlroy (Missed Cut)

Something has happened to McIlroy over the course of the last 14 months that is almost inexplicable. We know how much talent he has, it is just an inability to show it on the golf course consistently that frustrates fans and analysts to no end. 

After one of the most dominating performances in U.S. Open history last year, big things were expected from McIlroy this year. He never found his footing at Olympic Club, and has missed three of the last four cuts. 

With his stock trending downward, McIlroy needs to show something at the British Open. Even if he doesn't win, he needs to at least remain in contention to prove that he was not just a one-hit wonder. 

Phil Mickelson (+16)

Expecting big things out of Mickelson at the U.S. Open is going to lead you to be disappointed. He has never fared well at this event. Even when he is in contention, he always finds the banana peel. 

Mickelson sandwiched two terrible rounds of golf at Olympic Club with two solid rounds, at least by this course's standards.

Always one of the most frustrating players on tour, Mickelson proved at The Masters he still has plenty of juice left in the tank in big events. He needs a big showing after such a disastrous run at the U.S. Open. 

Bubba Watson (Missed Cut)

The 2012 Masters Champion got off to a terrible start with a 78 in Round 1, before fading into the sunset after shooting a 71 on Friday. 

We all had high expectations for Watson after what he was able to accomplish in Augusta. Things fell apart in the second major of the year, though he does not have as much pressure on him to perform as McIlroy and Mickelson. 

Watson can hide his head in the sand for four weeks before making a run at the British Open. He needs to capitalize on the positive momentum he had going back in April. Perhaps that was just a one-time thing, though I don't think that is the case. 

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