U.S. Open Predictions

Who is going to win the U.S. Open? We've checked with some of the top golf writers and other experts and compiled their predictions. Check 'em out below the fold, and you can also make your picks.

Jeff Babineau, Golfweek: Vijay Singh. "Aside from an uncharacteristic two days at the Memorial, Vijay has hit the ball more consistently than any of the other top guns this season, and his precision will pay off at Pinehurst, where he stayed in the hunt until late in '99. Want a sleeper? Luke Donald."

Jeff Barr, Golfweek: Ernie Els. "He's been so close in so many majors the past couple of years. He wants this. He needs this. A few swing changes have him in top form."

Gary D'Amato, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Phil Mickelson. "He's got good memories from Pinehurst in '99 and he had a close call in the 2004 U.S. Open. He's not going to stop at one major and Pinehurst suits his game."

Roger Gunn, golf instructor, golflevels.com: Justin Leonard. "Could be the year of a sleeper. Each of the Big 5 have been a little quiet lately, so they might not be quite on form. (Leonard is) playing great these days."

David Ogrin, 3-time PGA Tour winner, now director of instruction at The Bandit Golf Club: Tiger Woods. "Who do we know that hits it long, benefits from playable rough, can really chip and putt, and plays without fear? Tiger Woods by five strokes."

Richard Oliver, San Antonio Express-News: Tiger Woods. "The rough at Pinehurst is shorter than hoped, which means Tiger can go longer. He's got the swing under control, the fire-honed psyche to master the camel-hump greens and the masterful short game to manage the USGA's latest den of horrors. Woods by four strokes."

Justin Peters, "Big Break I" champ: Chris DiMarco. "If you keep knocking on the door, eventually it will open."

Jeff Rude, Golfweek: Phil Mickelson. "Overdue to win an Open. Almost won at Pinehurst last time. Course suits his game. It's a third-shot course, and Mickelson has great short game."

Jason Sobel, Golf Editor, ESPN.com: Tiger Woods. "While perusing the field, it was a tough call between Woods, Sal Spallone and Pierre-Henri Soero, but Tiger's the pick. Don't worry about the errant driver; it's his imaginative short game that will bring his 10th career major title. Besides, his buddy Annika Sorenstam has two this year. Woods needs another just to keep up."

Robert Thompson, Golf Columnist, National Post (blog: goingforthegreen.blogspot.com): Ernie Els. "Els' ability to putt strongly under harsh conditions, combined with his length off the tee, should put Els up there with Phil, Tiger and Vijay. Expect this to be a battle of the long bombers."

And my pick? I'm going with David Toms.

If you'd like to make your own U.S. Open predictions, add your picks to this thread in the Golf Forum.