U.S. Open Golf 2011 Preview: The Week's Most Intriguing Pairings

The U.S. Open will surely user in a time period of fantastic golf and intense moments.

The field is jammed packed with the world’s greatest golfers, and even though a big name like Tiger Woods isn’t in the tournament, that doesn’t mean the field is void of intriguing pairings.

Here are some of the most intriguing pairings at the U.S. Open:

Rickie Fowler, Ian Poulter, Hunter Mahan

Chris Trotman/Getty Images

BETHESDA, MD - JUNE 15: Rickie Fowler waits to play a shot during a practice round prior to the start of the 111th U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club on June 15, 2011 in Bethesda, Maryland. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

Tee Time: 1:57p.m./8:17a.m.

Hole: Thursday No. 1 Friday No. 10

These three gentlemen are essentially the boy band of the U.S. Open.

I can only imagine the commentary that takes place when we can’t hear.

Miguel Angel Jimenez, Sergio Garcia, Alvaro Quiros

Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images

BETHESDA, MD - JUNE 14: Sergio Garcia of Spain waits to play a shot during a practice round prior to the start of the 111th U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club on June 14, 2011 in Bethesda, Maryland. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)

Tee Time: 1:24p.m./7:44a.m

Hole: Thursday No. 1 Friday No.10

This group of Spaniards will be teeing off together during the U.S. Open.

I am particularly interested to see how Sergio Garcia will perform.

The most telling commentary about this grouping came from Barry Svrluga of the Washington Post saying that the USGA put together some “interesting international grouping”.

I think that says it all right there.

Graeme McDowell, a-Peter Uihlein, Louis Oosthuizen

Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images

BETHESDA, MD - JUNE 13: Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland watches a shot during a practice round prior to the start of the 111th U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club on June 13, 2011 in Bethesda, Maryland. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)

Tee Time: 7:55 a.m./1:35 p.m.

Hole: Thursday No. 1 Friday No. 10

Here we have the annual pairing of the reigning U.S. Open, U.S. Amateur and British Open champions.

This should lead to some interesting and intense golf.

Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson

Andrew Redington/Getty Images

BETHESDA, MD - JUNE 14: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays a bunker shot during a practice round prior to the start of the 111th U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club on June 14, 2011 in Bethesda, Maryland. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

Tee Time: 1:35 p.m./7:55 a.m.

Hole: Thursday No. 10 Friday No. 1

Obviously the big story in this paring is Phil Mickelson and his chase for the U.S. Open without Tiger in the field.

It should lead for some very intense moments, and I can all but guarantee you that the cameras will be keyed in on these three many times.

Luke Donald, Lee Westwood, Martin Kaymer

David Cannon/Getty Images

VIRGINIA WATER, ENGLAND - MAY 29: Luke Donald of England hits an approach shot during the final round of the BMW PGA Championship at the Wentworth Club on May 29, 2011 in Virginia Water, England. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)

Tee Time: 8:06 a.m./1:46 p.m.

Hole: Thursday No. 1 Friday No. 10

It will not get any more intriguing than this matchup right here.

The top three players in the world teeing off together!

It should be majestic.

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