Capelle On Golf

At first glance it would seem that the US Open is a two horse race because Ricky Barnes (-8 and 70) and Lucas Glover (-7 and 70) are three and four shots clear of the field respectively. But final round collapses in majors are not uncommon, and with these two suspects, a dual collapse could be in the cards.

Barnes started to leak oil, pulling drives badly on 10 and 11, but was lucky to escape with a bogey and a par. However, on 18 he may have foreshadowed his demise when he yanked a four foot par putt on the 18th.

As for Glover, he played holes 6-8 in four over before closing with seven pars and three birdies. So who is the real Lucas? The one who showed he can leak oil as well, or the GIR machine who closed out his round so brilliantly? We’ll discover a lot about his and Barnes’ readiness to win an Open soon enough. But should they buckle, a sizeable group of capable players stands ready to challenge for the title.

A rejuvenated David Duval (70), the 882 ranked player in the world, birdied two of his last three to tie for third at three under with Englishman Ross Fisher (69). In the process, Duval has become the number two sentimental favorite behind Phil Mickelson.

Mickelson’s roller coaster round of 69 featured four bogeys, one double bogey, and seven birdies. The last came on a curling 40-footer on the final hole that unleashed the days loudest roar from the highly supportive crowd. He stands in a tie for fifth with Hunter Mahan, who fired a 68, and Mike Weir, who looked weary as he played the final 13 in five over.

The quartet at one under includes Sean O’Hair (71), former British Open champion Todd Hamilton (71), two time US Open winner Retief Goosen (68), and long hitting Bubba Watson, who shot the low score of 67.

As for El Tigre, he fought and clawed his way to a 68, but at one over, needs to leapfrog over 14 players to defend his title. Could he do it? Well, Johnny Miller once shot a closing 63 to win the 1973 Open, but he trailed the leaders by only six shots going into the final round while Tiger’s nine behind. Still, if Barnes and Glover blow up, then he’s only four back of the duo at three under.

So who is it going to be? The odds makers have set the odd below. But as for me and the populace of Long Island and the city of New York, we’ll all be rooting for Phil – and Amy.

2/1 Ricky Barnes
2/1 Lucas Glover
6/1 Phil Mickelson
12/1 Ross Fisher
16/1 Hunter Mahan
16/1 Mike Weir
20/1 David Duval
20/1 Tiger Woods
25/1 Retief Goosen
25/1 Sean O’Hair

Enjoy!