ESPN.com - Golf Online - US Open Men 2000

By Greg Robertson
ESPN Golf Online
Thursday, July 27

1. Tom Lehman

Best finish: 2nd, 1996

Last five Opens: 1999: T28; 1998: T5; 1997: 3; 1996: T2; 1995: 3

Comment: No event means more to any player than the U.S. Open and Lehman. He played in the final group on Sunday for four consecutive years (1995-1998) and has played well this year, including a win at Phoenix. Secret weapon is caddie Andy Martinez, who was one the bag for U.S. Amateur champion David Gossett last year at Pebble Beach.

2. Phil Mickelson

Best finish: 2nd, 1999

Last five Opens: 1999: 2; 1998: T10; 1997: T43; 1996: T94; 1995: T4

Comment: Mickelson came within one stroke of the title last year and is playing with more determination in 2000. He already has three wins this year and has won at Pebble Beach in the past. A more mature player than in past, he'll turn 30 during tournament.

3. Tiger Woods

Best finish: 3rd, 1999

Last five Opens: 1999: T3; 1998: T18; 1997: T19; 1996: T82; 1995: WD

Comment: It's impossible to argue against Woods winning any tournament. Has won four times and has three seconds this year -- including a victory at Pebble Beach. Has just one top-10 finish in career in U.S. Opens.

4. Ernie Els

Best finish: 1st, 1994 and 1997

Last five Opens: 1999: Cut; 1998: T49; 1997: 1; 1996: T5; 1995: Cut

Comment: Only foreign player in last 90 years with two U.S. Open titles to his credit. Has three second-place finishes this year, including his close call at The Masters. Not a regular at Pebble Beach, however.

5. David Duval

Best finish: 7th, 1998 and 1999

Last five Opens: 1999: T7; 1998: T7; 1997: T48; 1996: T67; 1995: T28

Comment: Despite victory drought, remains the No. 2 player in the world. In the hunt at Augusta until the back nine on Sunday, and flirted with leaderboard at last two Opens. Always plays well at Pebble Beach and shares course record.

6. Davis Love III

Best finish: 2nd, 1996

Last five Opens: 1999: T12; 1998: Cut; 1997: T16; 1996: T2; 1995: T4

Comment: Nobody has contended more often this year without a win. Six top-four finishes begs the question: Legitimate contender or great player who can't finish? His 1997 PGA victory points to the former.

7. Jesper Parnevik

Best finish: 14th, 1998

Last five Opens: 1999: T17; 1998: T14; 1997: T48; 1996: DNP; 1995: DNP

Comment: Spectacular season includes a pair of wins and eight top-10 finishes in first 11 starts. Magnificent iron player who has been starting tournaments well. Handles less-than-ideal conditions as well as anyone.

8. Hal Sutton

Best finish: 4th, 1986

Last five Opens: 1999: T7; 1998: DNP; 1997: T19; 1996: DNP; 1995: T36

Comment: Sutton's picture can be found in dictionary next to definition of steady. Straight off the tee and great iron player. Went wire-to-wire at Players Championship with Tiger Woods on his tail.

9. Jim Furyk

Best finish: 5th, 1996 and 1997

Last five Opens: 1999: T17; 1998: T14; 1997: T5; 1996: T5; 1995: DNP

Comment: Furyk has been incredibly consistent in majors in recent years, finishing in top 20 in 11 of last 12 majors. Straight off the tee and a solid putter, Furyk showed ability to charge with six-stroke comeback win at Doral this year.

10. Vijay Singh

Best finish: 3rd, 1999

Last five Opens: 1999: T3; 1998: T25; 1997: T77; 1996: T7; 1995: T10

Comment: Singh has been struggling with putter of late, but don't forget he has won two of last six majors, including this year's Masters with superb greens in regulation ability. Finished second at Pebble Beach in February.

11. Darren Clarke: Proved he can handle pressure with win at Match Play Championship.

12. Fred Couples: Clock is ticking on opportunities to win more majors, but Pebble suits his game.

13. Lee Westwood: Outplayed Tiger Woods in Germany, giving him big confidence boost.

14. Greg Norman: Played better than anyone over final three rounds at Augusta.

15. Carlos Franco: Has uncanny ability to ward off pressure. Finished seventh at Masters.

16. Paul Azinger: Won at Pebble in 1992. Will memories of Payne carry him along?

17. Nick Price: Great ball-striker still comes up big in majors, but the putter needs to cooperate.

18. Colin Montgomerie: Should have won a couple majors by now, but always bothered by something.

19. Stewart Cink: Win at Harbour Town has elevated him to next level. First major since.

20. Mark O'Meara: Game has gone to pieces, but he's won five times at Pebble Beach.