Each week on GolfChannel.com, we’ll examine which players’ stocks and trends are rising and falling in the world of golf.
BUY
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The U.S. Open: Tiger poised to end his majorless drought (again). Phil trending upward again. Kooch, G-Mac and Sneds looking to take the next step. A fascinating course setup. Birdies in bunches. No shortage of TV coverage. What’s not to love?
Harris English: Saddled with outsized expectations coming out of college, Harry responded by winning in his second season on Tour, much to the delight of his peers. No doubt, the St. Jude is his first of several titles.
Inbee Park: The machine-like South Korean became just the third player in nearly 40 years to win the year’s first two women’s majors. Is anyone not picking her at Sebonack?
Phil: Just when he appeared at his most unpredictable, Lefty summoned enough good form in Memphis to make you wonder if he’s in store for more Open heartbreak.
SELL
Course conditions: Much to the USGA’s dismay, Merion has been pounded with rain over the weekend and into Monday, all but eliminating the prospect of a fast-and-fiery U.S. Open. Any more wet stuff during the week will turn the most grueling major into target practice.
Scott Stallings: A winner in both 2011 and ’12, Stallings has kicked away chances to win this season at PGA West, Colonial and now TPC Southwind. Sure, he has three consecutive T-4 finishes. But that’s a lot of scar tissue for a 28-year-old.
Secrecy: Perhaps next year we should file an open records request with the USGA to learn the pecking order for alternates from U.S. Open sectionals.
Duffy Waldorf: Sorry, Duffy, but light khaki pants in humid conditions … never again. His unfortunate wardrobe malfunction at Shoal Creek will live in infamy, especially after it was memorably captured by the great tweeter Steve Elkington.