U.S Open - PineHurst No.2

The World Cup might be underway, but I for one am more interested in the U.S Open which begins today. 

And the word on everyone's (or most golfers) lips? Phil Mickelson. Since Phil lifted his 5th Major title at the British Open, Muirfield in July of 2013, chatter of completing a career grand slam have been ongoing. 

As beautiful and fitting a story that would be, Phil begins his quest and arrives at Pinehurst No.2 on the back of a lucklustre season so far. With no wins yet in 2014 (including a missed cut at the Masters) there isn't much to suggest that Phil's in form. 

But as we look back to that crushing defeat at Merion in 2013 we recall how, he bounced back from that demoralizing loss and staged that amazing come back to lift the British Open.

If statistics are anything to go by, Phil's opening round will be a telling sign. In each of his 6 runner-up finishes, Phil has played par or better in the opening round and so far, he's liking how the course plays and is confident about his gameplan.

Again, the fact that most people will be rooting for Phil to win says all you need to know about him. The stuff you hear about him being that genuinely great guy? It's all true and I say that from personal experience. 

I digress, but that's me in the cap and a towel wrapped around the neck during the CIMB Classic in 2013. Phil didn't win but he still came out everyday after each round to see the fans and took the time to sign autographs in the scorching Malaysian heat. He would look you in the eye and ask with a smile "Hello, how are you?"  and thank you for the support. That's class.

Now, almost a year after Muirfield, we return to Pinehurst No.2, the site of his epic 1999 duel with close friend Payne Stewart and the first of his record six runner-up finishes at the U.S Open. For Phil to clinch the U.S Open and complete the grand slam would be epic in Hollywood proportions.

So I guess you know who I will be supporting. Let's go Phil!