Check in to GOLF’s Tour Confidential every Sunday night for the unfiltered opinions of our writers and editors as they break down the hottest topics in the sport. This week, with the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, we’ll hit one key topic every night.
The 126th U.S. Open begins on Thursday at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, where Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy are the betting favorites. While both have already won this season and been in contention several times, they have also exhibited flaws. Who has the better week at Shinny?
Josh Berhow, managing editor (@Josh_Berhow): I’ll pick Scottie, although I’m sure both will still be in the mix after 36 holes. Scottie has just been so close this year — three 2nds, two 3rds — and played so well. First in SG: Off the tee, even 19th in putting; the latter will really be the key out here.
Josh Sens, senior writer (@JoshSens): If the winds are as fierce as the forecasts suggest, McIlroy and Scheffler should have their hands full, given that they both favor the high ball. But even in volatile conditions, I’ve got to go with the steadiness of Scheffler. Even when he’s off, he contends. That’s less true for Rory.
Jack Hirsh, associate equipment editor (@JR_HIRSHey): I like Scheffler. For no other reason than he’s due. He’d have to go without a win for more than a year before I start picking against him.
Nick Piastowski, senior editor (@nickpia): If I’m picking between them, let’s go with McIlroy. I think his putting will hold up better on what’s sounding like some tricky greens; bumpy poa could unnerve Scheffler, though he is out earlier on Thursday, when things should be less severe. But after a few days on the grounds out here, I’m liking Jon Rahm’s chances more and more.
Josh Schrock, associate news editor (@schrock_and_awe): I’ll go the other way and back Rory. Despite not winning a U.S. Open since 2011 at Congressional, Rory has become one of the best U.S. Open players over the past decade. Prior to last year’s T19 at Oakmont, which came in the midst of his post-Masters malaise, Rory has finished in the top 10 in his each of his last six U.S. Opens, including runner-up finishes at LACC and Pinehurst No. 2. He embraced the grind and demanding mental test that the USGA puts on every year. Rory has also said that his current goal is to put as many meaningful pelts on his wall as possible before he hangs it up. He wants to win another U.S. Open at a U.S. Open cathedral. Shinny certainly meets that definition. The wider fairways should help mitigate the driver issues that have plagued him for most of the year. I expect Rory to be in the mix on Sunday. Scottie will likely hang around but I won’t be surprised to see him fade over the weekend — like he did at the PGA — in his first chance at the career Grand Slam.
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