Here are GolfChannel.com’s Power Rankings, a weekly barometer of the hottest players in the game:
Rank
Player
Comment
1
Phil Mickelson
Putter abandoned Mickelson for three of four rounds at Pebble Beach Golf Links and yet he was still part of the Sunday conversation. Any way you slice it, Mickelson has the most complete game right now of any player.
2
Graeme McDowell
Two victories in three weeks, Europe’s first major in four decades and one of the game’s best putters is suddenly impossible to ignore.
3
Ernie Els
Tie for third at Pebble Beach was probably tougher to swallow than that runner-up the last time the U.S. Open was played adjacent Stillwater Cove. This time it was his tournament to take and he came up short with a pedestrian back nine.
4
Lee Westwood
A non-factor at Pebble Beach, but the Englishman has still been the season’s most consistent performer and may well be the betting favorite at St. Andrews.
5
Jim Furyk
Slow start did him in at the U.S. Open, where he was considered among the pre-tournament favorites, but the steady performer is still on pace to post a record season.
6
Justin Rose
Didn’t play the U.S. Open but his Memorial breakthrough was part of a European double that has Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie feeling optimistic about the home team’s chances this fall.
7
Tim Clark
Even without his best stuff the South African played his way into one of Sunday’s final groups. Given the right golf course, he can compete with anyone in the world.
8
Dustin Johnson
Final round may haunt him for some time, but his talent was unmatched for three days at Pebble Beach. If he learns from his Sunday struggles a major can’t be far away.
9
Bo Van Pelt
Top-10s pay the bills, but BVP needs to find a way to breakthrough for a victory if he’s going to solidify his place in the Power Ranking.
10
Luke Donald
Continues to struggle to contend in major championships, but his record in Europe this season is very solid. He’s hanging on by a thread in the top 10.
The ‘Grey Goose 19th Hole’ allows you a chance to offer up your own rankings by playing ‘The Feud.’ This week, rank your Top U.S. Opens Ever!
