Power Rankings: U.S. Open

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Any other week, I close this header with a few words about the weather forecast.

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Given what transpired at Bethpage State Park a year ago, it gets top billing. However, Mother Nature will be a virtual non-factor at Pebble Beach. Zero rain is expected and seasonal winds will be moderate at worst.

We will never forget the break the late-early guys received in the '09 edition of this major, but there will be no such advantage this week. With ideal conditions on tap, the USGA's setup of Pebble Beach should play true to form, which means that greens will play to a 12 on the Stimpmeter throughout.

You know the rest -- graduated rough, drivable par-4 opportunities and a premium on ball-striking.

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Power Rankings: U.S. Open

Rank Player   Comment Lee WESTWOOD Looks to become the first to win the week before the U.S. Open and the big event itself. He's in great shape, so he'll rebound from the taxing heat and humidity of Memphis. Placed tied for fifth during Tiger Woods' romp here 10 years ago. Jim FURYK The 2003 U.S. Open champ is still the poster boy of what it takes to contend at this major. He's currently sixth on TOUR in scrambling and third in scrambling from the rough. Has cashed in 13 of 14 starts in the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. Phil MICKELSON Five-time runner-up in this tournament. He's the all-time earnings leader (and three-time winner) of the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. Sits 20th in putting inside five feet and eighth in putting from 3-5 feet, which is critical on small greens. Luke DONALD Currently a career-best sixth in the Official World Golf Ranking. Enters following three consecutive top five finishes, including a win in Madrid. Leads the TOUR in scrambling, sand saves and three-putt avoidance. Four top 20s in six starts at Pebble Beach. K.J. CHOI Perfect record of 13 cuts made in 13 starts this year, with seven top 25s including a T4 at the Masters. Finished T21 at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am in February. Ranks 11th in ball-striking and fifth in greens hit. Dustin JOHNSON The unofficial ambassador of the PGA TOUR at Pebble Beach, given that he's the reigning two-time champion. In his last three rounds at Pebble, he's scored 65-64-74. This week's weather is identical to the conditions in which he won here in February. Graeme MCDOWELL My European darkhorse is coming off his win in Wales, where he closed with a 63 to win by three. He leads the European Tour in greens in regulation, and has not missed a cut in four starts at the U.S. Open. Placed a career-best T18 at last year's event. Nick WATNEY My American darkhorse leads the PGA TOUR in greens hit and ranks fifth in GIR from lies off the fairway. He has four top 10s in 14 starts this year, including a solo seventh at the Masters. Already a winner on Poa annua greens (2009 Farmers). Tiger WOODS Naturally, what jumps out is his 15-stroke victory here in 2000, but that was eons ago. It's going to be a long, er, short week if he continues to spray it off the tee, but he earns this spot for being the big-time gamer that he is. Ernie ELS The forgotten co-runner-up here in 2000 hasn't won a major since the '02 British, but he has two TOUR wins on the board this season. The Big Easy is 11th in greens hit and 13th in GIR from lies off the fairway. His greenside touch clinches his value here.