U.S. Open Golf 2011: 30 Players to Keep Your Eye on

Favorites? Favorites?

There are no favorites at the United States Open. You don't WIN the Open, you SURVIVE the Open.

With that age-old truth which will no doubt hold true again this week, at the 111th version of our national championship, we present for your examination these credentialed contenders who just might survive come Sunday afternoon.

Better Than Most:

1. K.J. Choi:  This guy has the perfect game for Congressional. He hits that baby-fade tee shot, he's a very accurate iron player and the only question mark is "My Big Fat Putter Grip." Choi's putting has been the most improved part of his game—it's reliable now. He's getting pretty darn comfortable on the big stages. He was right there at the Masters, then showed another level with his win at the Players Championship. He has the patience, and he's becoming a crowd favorite with his smile and interaction with fans.

2. Luke Donald: He's No. 1 in the world for a reason. World Class short game and he'll need it here. Precision iron player. He question mark in his bag is the driver. For a guy with a smooth swing, he can get pretty wild off the tee at times. That won't cut it at Congressional.

3. Martin Kaymer: Cool, calm and he has "the look." Plays a power fade, tried to re-tool that at Augusta and it didn't work. Straight ball is fine this week. Excellent putter and has shown he won't back off under pressure.

4. Steve Stricker: You'd think his game is perfect for the U.S. Open, but Stricker has a pretty spotty record in this championship. T58 at Pebble Beach, T23 in '09, T29 in '08. Best finish was sixth in 2006 and you'd think he'd do better in this championship. This might be his best shot, as he's not getting any younger.

5. Ian Poulter: Yes, you read it right—Prince Poppycock. He's had a couple of top 20 finishes in the last five years, but after beating Donald in the European match play he's got a lot of confidence. Good putter, good iron player and can drive it straight enough.

6. Matt Kuchar: Tied for 6th at Pebble, his best finish in the last five years. His swing and putting stroke has been re-tooled and he's the most consistent player on the PGA Tour. Time for Kuch to step up.

7. Phil Mickelson: The U.S. Open is Mickelson's Heartbreak Ridge. So close, yet so far. Big question mark is the driver. If Lefty is wild this week, he can kiss another one goodbye. But there's a lot of "mad scientist" in him and who knows what he'll come up with this week to try and get the ball in the fairway. World class short game, which is the reason he has contended so often.

8. Lee Westwood:  Has length and he's a consistent ball-striker. Just doesn't have a world-class putter and that's the main reason he's currently majorless.

9. Bubba Watson: His mental game has improved, and that's the reason he's won three times in the last season and a half. We haven't heard from Bubba in a while. It's time for him to resurface and add some fun to this tournament on the weekend.

10. Jonathan Byrd: Yes, JB. There needs to be someone mentioned who most don't consider a "favorite." Quietly having a really solid year. Drives it well, good ball striker and has a short game. Besides, where was Andy North, Lee Janzen, Michael Campbell, Lucas Glover, Angel Cabrera or Graeme McDowell on anyone's "favorites" list?

Best Internationals:

1. Charl Schwartzel: Who picked him to win the Masters? Has a GREAT golf swing and excellent in all facets of the game. That being said, it's pretty doubtful anyone is going to finish birdie-birdie, birdie-birdie to win on Sunday at Congressional.

2. Geoff Ogilvy: Still good enough to win a second Open. Has length, good irons and a short game.

3. Matteo Manassero: Best young player in the world. Runs circles around Rickie Fowler. Great control, doesn't have great length, but the course is running fast this week. That will help him. He's probably not ready to win a major yet. (He was a little overwhelmed when he was paired with Donald and Westwood at Wentworth at the BMW the final day.)

4. Martin Laird: Great Scot! Has the game, long-hitter with good all-around game.

5. Trevor Immelman: He's been rediscovering the game that won him the Masters.

6. Retief Goosen:  Two-time U.S. Open champ. Amazing swing, good ball striker, needs for the putter to treat him better to contend.

7. Rory McIlroy: Roared then crumbled at the Masters. Needs to get off to a good start to contend this week, has the tools and the talent.

8. Graeme McDowell:  Guys don't repeat at the U.S. Open. Not in a LONG time, anyway.

9. Angel Cabrera: Length, finesse and touch, but we haven't heard much from him lately.

10. Francesco Molinari: Another skillful player who has the game to contend. Fast track will help him hit it farther.

Americans To Cheer For:

1. Dustin Johnson: Needs to play better from 100 yards in. Major help in the form of Joe LaCava on the bag, who won't let him do anything stupid (can you say don't ground it in a bunker?) Fell apart like a cheap suit the last day at Pebble but no doubt learned something. Hopefully.

2. Hunter Mahan:  Everyone keeps telling me how talented he is. But if that's the case, he's an underachiever.

3. Ryan Moore: Here's one of those long-shots who just might play well this week. Solid player, accurate, calm.

4. Nick Watney: Same as Mahan. A lot of horsepower but seems like he's burning rubber too often and not getting enough traction. Not the calmest guy out there. Watch him fidget if he's anywhere near the top.

5. Jim Furyk: After a banner 2010, he's been in hiding this year. Needs a kick in the butt from Fluff, who by the way, is a Congressional member.

6. Gary Woodland:  Love this guy's game. Power and can putt. Not a lot of experience in the Open.

7. David Toms: Accurate enough, experienced enough, certainly more confident than he's been in a long time.

8. Stewart Cink: Isn't it about time for him to play well?

9. Jeff Overton: Here's another young guy who made a splash but hasn't kept up his momentum. Gets a little excited now and then. Needs to stay cool and play well to get in the mix.

10. Rickie Fowler: The most overrated player in golf. You see him everywhere: commercials, gets inordinate amount of time on camera and what's he done? Nothing. Looks good in orange and he makes me wonder if he's also Justin Bieber. Have you ever seen the two of them together? Thought so!

There you have them, something to digest between now and Thursday.

One guarantee is that come Thursday afternoon, there will be some names up there you've never heard of. That's typical of the U.S. Open. And often, come Sunday, the guy hoisting the hardware will be someone you didn't count on either.

Favorites?

What favorites?