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A Quick Nine: Who do you think will win the U.S. Open?

By T.J. Auclair, Interactive Producer
Published on
A Quick Nine: Who do you think will win the U.S. Open?

If you're a fan of the game of golf -- and there's a good chance you are if you're reading this -- the playing of major championships is like having four, four-day Christmas celebrations per year. This week provides the second such celebration, as the U.S. Open tees off on Thursday at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md.

As is always the case with a major championship, we reached out to our Facebook fans to ask: Who do you think will win the U.S. Open?

With over 300 responses, here's a look at the players who you told us would be contenders. Let's just say I like the chances for any one of these players:


1. Luke Donald. The No. 1 player in the world and the most consistent player in the world for several months. Donald hasn't won a major yet. Is this the week? If he's mistake-free -- which he often is these days -- and the putter is hot, there's a good chance.

Facebook fan quotes:

"LUUUUUUUUUUKKKKEEEEE." -- Richard Wyllie

"Luke Donald... playing very consistent." -- Bob Mackley

"Luke is the leading candidate." -- Ken Bass

2. Dustin Johnson. If there's one thing we've learned about Dustin Johnson after two monumental major collapses in 2010, it's that he doesn't let it get to him. He bounces right back as if nothing happened. That makes him dangerous this week at Congressional.

Facebook fan quotes:

"Dustin Johnson for sure." -- Mitch Smith

"Dustin Johnson! He's out for redemption." -- Zain Nawab

"Would like to see Dustin Johnson win." -- Jamie Roberts

3. Steve Stricker. Stricks is the No. 1 U.S. player in the world rankings right now. Find me one person who wouldn't love to see Stricker put an exclamation point on his brilliant career with a major championship. He deserves at least one, doesn't he?

Facebook fan quote:

"The ever-threatening Stricker." -- David James Peterson

4. Rickie Fowler. Rickie is the only player on this list who has yet to even win a regular PGA Tour event. He's only played in five career major championships and has yet to crack the top 10 off that small sample size. Can he find the magic this week that he found over those last nine holes of the 2010 Ryder Cup? If so, I like his chances.

Facebook fan quotes:

"I say it every tourney -- Rickie Fowler!!!" -- Matt Burnett

"I want Fowler to get his first win; he needs it and so does Puma!" -- Shane Hogel

"I got Tiger... What!?!?!?! He isn't? *pauses* I guess I'd like to see Rickie Fowler win then." -- Josh Kirby

5. Rory McIlroy. How will Rors bounce back from that Masters meltdown? We finally get to see this week. He's already got four top-10 major finishes in his very brief professional career. Look out.

Facebook fan quotes:

"Rory -- it's his chance to win a major." -- Michael Main

"Rory! He's back for redemption! And he's awesome." -- Michelle Schoch

6. Phil Mickelson. Lefty was the overwhelming favorite in this week's poll. As someone pointed out, it's hard to believe Phil hasn't won a U.S. Open. Over the course of his illustrious career, he's posted eight top 10s, including FIVE runner-up or co-runner-up finishes. Is this finally the week?

Facebook fan quotes:

"Phil will phinally phinish phirst!" -- Sue Essig Null

"I'm pulling for Phil!!" -- Donald Webster

"I think it's to close to call at this point. I would love to see Phil take this home though!" -- Robert Julie Kimbell

"Phil for the win!" -- Billy Tha Rebel McCreary

"Phil and I say this because this course is designed for the golfer who can hit it high and shape the ball, and excel around the greens... That's what Phil does best. If he hits fairways then he is definitely in contention." -- Michael Cavanah

"Let's go Phil!" -- Mike Wilkinson

"Phil, can't believe he hasn't won this tournament." -- Rachael A. Wanamaker

7. Adam Scott. All told, Scott has five top-10 finishes at majors, highlighted by a tie for second at the Masters in April. Will his loaned caddie -- Steve Williams -- get him over the top this week?

Facebook fan quotes:

"Adam Scott the new guy on the bag will make the difference." -- Richard Spencer Churchill

"Having Stevie on the bag may help Adam Scott." -- Stephen MacLeod

"I'm gonna have to say Adam Scott. He has been pretty good in the past majors and with Steve Williams as a caddy he should be a threat to win." -- Austin Childress

8. Matt Kuchar. Supplanted by Steve Stricker as the No. 1 U.S. player in the world ranking just a couple of weeks ago, Kuchar has been outstanding for the last couple of years. He hasn't missed a cut in a major since 2009 and he tied for sixth and tied for 10th in the 2010 U.S. Open and PGA Championship, respectively.

Facebook fan quote:

"Kuchar is quietly been good. Keep an eye on him." -- Jay Dee

9. Bubba Watson. Bubba was the runner-up in a playoff at the PGA Championship last summer. His only other top-10 finish in a major was a tie for fifth at the 2007 U.S. Open. However, he's never had more confidence than he will this week thanks to two early-season wins already.

Facebook fan quotes:

"I would love to see Bubba Watson hoist the trophy... Rickie Fowler is my second pick." -- Christian Morlan