june13 USOpenpreview

There is a real buzz in the humid air here at Oakmont that maybe, just maybe, this could be the year for a European (and who knows maybe even a British) victory.

The fact that Tony Jacklin is still the only European to have won this title in the past 75 years sticks in the throat of those used to seeing our boys hammer the Americans in numerous Ryder Cups. So, who is the best placed to lift the trophy?

Paul Casey certainly has the length and seems to be in very relaxed mode. Just starting out on a practice round today, he spotted a bunch of photographers in the rough. “Don’t drop those cameras guys,” he quipped, “you’ll never see them again.”

Kenneth Ferrie has great memories of this tournament, after finishing tied for 6th last year, and he starts his first round alongside the American Paul Goydos and Kaname Yokoo from Japan.

Interestingly, there is a new air about Ian Poulter this week. He doesn’t seem to be practising with the his usual Brit-pack mates; instead preferring to go out by himself.

Perhaps even more surprisingly he has so far not worn any outrageous outfits. Could this be a new, more serious Ian Poulter; one that can win majors? Certainly he will be hoping to improve on his 12th place finish last year at Winged Foot.

But, a quick poll of golf writers and photographers in the Media Centre came up with Ireland’s Padraig Harrington as the man most likely to follow in Jacklin’s footsteps. The 35-year-old finally looks comfortable with his place in the game’s elite; at ease playing alongside Tiger and Phil.

He finished 5th last year (which equalled his best finish in a major championship) and seems to be ready for one of the big ones. Unlike most people who came into the press centre with furrowed brows and complained the course was incredibly tough, Padraig seemed to love the set up.

“It’s a great set up,” he said, “and at the moment is very fair. I’ve been very happy with how things have gone so far this my. I’ve felt like I’m swinging the club better than I’ve ever swung it. My short game has not been as good as it has been in past years, but often when you get one thing right, the other thing seems to drop off a little bit.

“Results-wise I’ve been in contention quite a bit and felt good about that; and winning the Irish Open was a big goal of mine. To have done that, I wouldn’t say I was content, but I’m comfortable with how the first part of the year has gone and feel good about the second half.”

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