The Loop
Fantasy Fix: Why it's finally Phil's time, and how Sergio could help me win $1 million
Phil Mickelson's Sunday 65 in Memphis suddenly has him on everyone's radar heading into this week's U.S. Open. Of course, he was always going to attract attention at a major championship in which he's finished runner-up a record six times. But now, with Lefty having turned 45 on Tuesday, he seems as popular a choice as ever. And sometimes you just have to give into the buzz. In other words, I've completely fallen for Phil. And Bones. Oh, wouldn't it be great to see Bones sobbing tears of joy again? There's a lot going on this week between fantasy leagues, pools and million-dollar contests, but I'm putting Phil in the anchor position throughout. Let's start with our weekly PGA Tour Fantasy Golf lineup:
Phil Mickelson: IS IT HIS TIME?! I hope so. Mickelson may seem like a sentimental pick, but he deserves to be considered the favorite, especially at a course that demands a creative short game. Mickelson has finished in the top four in three of his last five tournaments. Oh yeah, he's been runner-up in each of the past two majors.
Jordan Spieth: You're going to hear some about the 83 Spieth shot at Chambers Bay in the 2010 U.S. Amateur (Chill, he had just turned 17). You're also going to hear a lot about his caddie having worked at Chambers Bay for years and that he even married his wife there. I'm focused more on Spieth being the reigning Masters champ, having two wins and three runner-ups already this season, and being one of the game's best grinders.
Rory McIlroy: If not for his rough recent trip to Europe, McIlroy would be an even more overwhelming favorite than what he already is (5-to-1 odds). He's always valuable in this format for his staggering driving stats, but if he brings his entire A-game and adjusts to Chambers Bay's slower-than-usual U.S. Open greens, he could cruise to a third victory in the past four majors.
Patrick Reed: The only player to shoot 68 in the stroke-play portion of the 2010 U.S. Amateur here, Reed's brilliant short game will give him an edge over almost everyone else in the field. Surprisingly, Reed has yet to post a top 20 at a major, but his four wins before age 25 prove he can close out golf tournaments with the best of them.
Bench: Justin Rose and Sergio Garcia.