Stan James Analysis on the US Open

"A course should test all forms of shot-making, mental tenacity and physical endurance under extreme pressure." The USPGA mantra is once again ringing in our ears. The carnage is just around the corner. It's US Open week and we can't wait to get stuck in at Stan James. This is golf at it's best.Pinehurst No2, this years test from the US Golfing establishment, is a real gem of a course. It has all the attributes that the US Open should have. Brutal rough, super fast greens and narrow fairways. Add into the mix an abundance of small greens which run away to the edges like upturned bowls and you have the nuts. It has been quoted that players will only have a 28% chance of keeping the ball on the putting surface. You want it tough??no problem. In fact over the years the bods at US Open venues have endured criticism from the players that it is simply too brutal a test. Do we have any sympathy? A resounding no. In fact the appeal of the US Open is the fact that we can happily sit back and enjoy their discomfort. If we could we'd pat them on the back.So who will contend this week? Those golfers who are hitting the ball straight and true at the moment will have an advantage, but that is slightly stating the obvious. A more important factor will be the ability to scramble. With less than a 30% chance of landing on the green?..and staying there, the ability to get up and down consistently will be a crucial factor. Top of the stats at the moment is Phil Mickelson ( 15/2), followed by Luke Donald ( 20's), with players like VJ Singh and Fred Funk in the top ten also. Padraig Harrington is a renowned scrambler and a Major is not far away for the Irishman. At 33's he's a good bet.The favourite is Tiger Woods currently at 5/1, and although the Grand Slam is still on after his Masters win, you have to wonder whether his waywardness off the tee, will be his Achilles heel this week at Pinehurst. The rough is heavy and thick and getting out will not be the usual cakewalk. Tiger could blow the course away such is his talent, but Pinehurst has been around a lot longer and I suspect it will be the other way round. Ernie Els (11's) is going for a third US Open title and his pedigree in the event is well documented. Do not dismiss The Big Easy this week. He is playing well and despite his demeanour this man is ultra competitive. He'll love it. His compatriot Retief Goosen (18's) has been tipped as a possible winner in a lot of golfing circles. His win last year against all the odds and in the face of the biased and partisan Mickelson fan club, showed his mettle. He can't be ruled out.Vijay Singh (11's) is just such a good all round golfer that you would be a fool to dismiss his chances as well. With a good scrambling game and accuracy off the tee you have to fancy him. But the real deal this week out of the big guns has to be Lefty Mickelson. This guy scrambles well, putts well, will have a big home crowd behind him, and more importantly he's not got the millstone of not winning a Major around his neck. He has also played well at Pinehurst before. Mickelson will be a real live contender this week. At 15/2 he's a bet!!Outside the big guns everyone is tipping Luke Donald to do well this week. The money has already been put down and he's as short as 20/1. But he is due to burst onto the scene very very soon. Harrington (33's) cannot be ruled out due to his tenacity and Sergio Garcia (22's) having won last week on Tour cannot be excluded from the mix. A more likely candidate though is Adam Scott at 28/1. He's got star quality written all over him and there is a lot more to come from him. One solid player we fancy this week is Kenny Perry. At 50/1 you'll be backing a straightforward, greens in regulation man, ideal for the course. No thrills golf but at Pinehurst that what it is all about.Stan James has a host of markets to suit all tastes. There's never been a better time to enjoy the US Open so check out all our betting options?.and we'll be betting throughout the whole four days. The book will never close.An Array of US Open MarketsOutright - ¼ odds 1,2,3,4,5.Top Ten Finish - Every player priced up for a Top 10 FinishGroup Bets - 6 Groups of five playersMatch Bets - 15 Head to HeadsCutting It Fine - 25 players to make the cut?or not!Finishing Positions - 6 key players and how they'll finish.Limited Handicap - The Top 16 in handicap format, all at 11/1.Mini World Cup - 9 pairs from 9 countries.Top Players - Top USA, Australasian, European and Rest of the World.Who'll lead after 1st Round - Allplayers quoted.Bismarcks - 15 players all at enhanced win prices. Three Balls - All 1st and 2nd Rd 3 Balls QuotedSixshooters - A late and an early Sixshooter.Go to Stan James now and claim your free twenty five pound bet!