The world’s best golfers will head this week to the famed Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pennsylvania for the 116th edition of the U.S. Open Golf Championship. A total of $10 million is at stake for the 156-man field with the winner grabbing not only 600 FedEx Cup points but also the $1.8 million top prize.
Read on as we list down three high-value long shots who we believe can record a major shock this weekend. While you’re at it, you can check out our preview and sleeper picks for the 2016 U.S. Open.
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On the lookout for a worthy long shot pick this week? How about Gary Woodland? The American is the fourth-longest hitter on the PGA Tour, averaging a whopping 307.7 yards per drive this season. That will be a major weapon for Woodland as he tackles the long 7,219-yard, par-70 course here at Oakmont. Woodland already has five top-20 finishes this year so it isn’t far-fetched to see him win his first-ever major title this week.
David Toms
One long shot who can definitely make a run at the U.S. Open title is David Toms. The grizzled veteran has finished in the top-25 in each of his last two starts. Toms, the 2001 PGA champion, made it through U.S. Open sectional qualifying in Memphis, tying for fourth at 7-under par to grab one of the 10 available spots there.
What makes Toms such a threat in every golf tournament that he competes on is his solid hitting off the tee. He is 21st in the PGA Tour in driving accuracy percentage, with a 67.54 percent clip. That will come in handy for Toms when attacking the narrow fairways of this tough Oakmont course. Toms tied for fifth the last time the U.S. Open was held at Oakmont in 2007.
Ernie Els
Looking for a sentimental pick this week? How about South African Ernie Els? The four-time major champion has had some success in this tournament before, finishing in the top-10 in 10 of his 23 career starts, including victories back in 1994 and 1997. The Big Easy has fond memories of this course as his 1994 U.S. Open win came here in Oakmont.
One advantage that Els has against the rest of the field is his deft touch on the putting greens. He is 39th in the PGA Tour in strokes gained via putting with a solid .349 average. That will be a major asset for Els when navigating the delicate greens of the Oakmont course.
