Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are the top two ranked golfers in the world heading into this week’s U.S. Open. Mickelson, who won the season’s first major at Augusta National in April, could supplant Woods for the top spot this week.
Each is battling his own demons. Woods brings an unsettled private life and game to Pebble Beach, the site of his historic 15-shot win at this event in 2000. Mickelson carries the baggage of five second-place finishes at the U.S. Open, the major he most wants to win.
Demons aside, they are the favorites, though, but here are four others who could challenge:
LEE WESTWOOD
Reason to believe: After finishing second to Mickelson at the Masters, Westwood has finished no worse than third in the last three major tournaments.