Since Jack Nicklaus bestrode the earth, only one golfer has won more PGA Tour events than Phil Mickelson — some guy named Tiger Woods. Lefty's next victory will be his 40th, which would push him past Tom Watson and Gene Sarazen, pull him even with Cary Middlecoff and leave Walter Hagen (45) squarely in his headlights — with Billy Casper (51) just around the corner.
Luke Donald hasn't won a whole lot, just two stroke play tournaments in the last five years. And he doesn't hit the ball that far.
What began as an anomaly has turned into a troubling trend for American golf.
The 156-man field for the 111th U.S. Open, which starts Thursday at Congressional Country Club (players listed only in the first category for which they are eligible. a-amateur):
K.J. Choi has had success at Congressional Country Club before. He won the first AT&T National in 2007, earning a trophy that is designed like the U.S. Capitol and a purse of just over $1 million.
Fred Funk felt as if he had won the U.S. Open, his voice cracking when he tried to speak, the tears flowing moments later. He didn't earn a trophy that day, only a tee time.
GOLF
If the name Ty Tryon rings a bell, it's likely not one that inspires thoughts of success and golf riches. Sure, Tryon signed endorsement deals worth $8 million and struck it rich as a teenage prodigy, but wins on the course never followed.
Lee Westwood enjoys defending titles. So with the St. Jude Classic scheduled just before the U.S. Open, returning to the TPC Southwind course was a pretty easy decision.
