One story-line dominates the U.S. Open.
Can Phil Mickelson complete the career Grand-Slam? He's won the Masters, the PGA Championship and the British Open just last year, but he still has never won at the U.S. Open
There are 155 other golfers who want the trophy as well. Some of the current studs of the game need a major to validate their value in the sports landscape that goes beyond golf -- Lee Westwood, Dustin Johnson, and Matt Kuchar are prime examples.
Predicting the victor at the U.S. Open is more precarious than any other national championship of the last 20 years. It's an imperfect science.
Here are golfers with very good chances this week at Pinehurst No. 2
Matt Kuchar
He has nine top-10s this year, one victory and the consistency to compete at Pinehurst No. 2.
Rory McIlroy
He clobbered the field in one U.S. Open and won a PGA Championship at another sandy place -- the Ocean Course.
Dustin Johnson
He's known for length, he's come close to winning two majors including the 2010 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach.
Phil Mickelson
He's the biggest name in the game with Tiger out injured. His short game is spectacular and needed on turtle-back greens.
Webb Simpson
He grew up in Raleigh, won a state championship in Pinehurst and is two years removed from winning the U.S. Open.
Contact David Uchiyama at duchiyama at duchiyama@timesfreepress.com or at 423-757-6484. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/UchiyamaCTFP.