Fansided

U.S. Open 2019: 5 dark horses to win at Pebble Beach

By Cody Williams

PEBBLE BEACH, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 10: A general view of the 18th flag and the leaderboard is seen during a practice round prior to the 2019 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links on June 10, 2019 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)
PEBBLE BEACH, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 10: A general view of the 18th flag and the leaderboard is seen during a practice round prior to the 2019 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links on June 10, 2019 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
U.S. Open 2019
HAMILTON, ONTARIO – JUNE 07: Henrik Stenson of Sweden reacts after a putt on the 17th green during the second round of the RBC Canadian Open at Hamilton Golf and Country Club on June 07, 2019 in Hamilton, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

3. Henrik Stenson (66-1)

By his standards, Henrik Stenson hasn’t had a great season on the PGA Tour to this point. Yes, he’s only missed one cut to this point on the year in 12 tournaments played, but the 43-year old Swede has yet to register a top-five finish on the season. Considering what he’s proven to be capable of throughout his career, he’s been subpar to this point in the season — and not in the way a golfer would like to be.

While that may be true, it’s certainly worth noting that Stenson played quite well last week at the RBC Canadian Open, posting a score of 10-under for the tournament and finishing tied for eighth, his best finish to date this season. Thus, the extremely recent form is promising.

What’s most promising about Stenson heading into the 2019 U.S. Open is how the way he plays fits to what Pebble Beach is going to demand. Stenson isn’t a long hitter, but he’s been extremely accurate off the tee this season, ranking sixth on the PGA Tour in driving accuracy. Furthermore, he’s been fantastic with his approach game, ranking first on tour in Strokes Gained: Approach the Green, which is critical when hitting into the smaller greens on this course.

If Stenson can stay clean, he has a viable chance to find himself in contention at this tournament, especially if he can find any sort of rhythm with the putter, which has been an issue this year. Even still, the recipe is there for him to come out and be in the mix.

Home/PGA Tour