Tough Challenges Of 2011 US Open Require A Special Golfer To Succeed

Twelve months ago, when he lifted the trophy at Pebble Beach, Graeme McDowell became the first European winner of the US Open for 40 years.

"No-one will break par at this year's US Open" - the next golf Major will provide a 'special winner'

That win, a full four decades after the success of Tony Jacklin, was one of the highlights of 2010 which saw the European Tour provide three of the four winners of golf's major tournaments.

McDowell started off the sequence in California before Louis Oosthuizen won the Open Championship at St. Andrews and Martin Kaymer won the US PGA at Whistling Straits - only Phil Mickelson, winning the US Masters at Augusta National, managed to win one for the Americans and the PGA Tour.

Will A Non-American Win In 2011? ... Quite Possibly

We've already seen Charl Schwartzel win the first major of the year (the 2011 US Masters) and soon the best players in the world will assemble at the Congressional in Bethesda, Maryland to compete in an event which has been played since 1895.

Some of the biggest names in golf have won the title - Tiger Woods most notably from the modern era along with the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and Arnold Palmer from yesteryear - all these names can be found on the famous trophy. However, many more have found success in this tournament hard to come by ... it is regarded as the tournament which is played in the hardest conditions, on the toughest courses.

And this year's event will be no different. Defending champion McDowell after a recent practice round said on Twitter: "No-one will break par." That's how tough it will be on the 7574 yards, par 71, Blue Course.

Last used in 1997, when Ernie Els won with a 4 under par total of 276, the course has been re-designed and will be the second longest track ever used in the championship's 116 year history. It won't be for the faint-hearted!

Lee Westwood: Former World No.1 is the European favourite

"We want the US Open to be a rigorous test," said the US Golf Association Executive Director, Mike Davis, and that's exactly what will face the world's best when they tee it up on June 16th.

Consistency The Key

Our own expert golf tipster, Keith Elliott, believes such a severe test will give the very best players a chance to prove their ability but also says that such a tough course set-up could lead to a 'special type of winner' - the player who simply manages to handle conditions the best and plays controlled, percentage golf and commits the fewest mistakes.

At the moment it's Tiger Woods (15/2) who heads the betting followed by Phil Mickelson (12/1) with the European trio of Lee Westwood (16/1), Rory McIlroy (20/1) and Luke Donald (22/1) next on the bookmaker's lists.

"Given the conditions, you might very well see a big-priced winner this year... and you can be sure I'll be providing my members with the very best bets for the US Open," added Elliott.

Make sure you're signed up ahead of all the action at Congressional. It's a going to be a tough week. Not just for the golfers but for the bookies!

To be on Keith's US Masters bets (and all his weekly golf betting advice) simply click on the link below or call 01625 583300.

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