US Open Golf / Paul Krishnamurty / 14 June 2010 / Leave a comment Bet Now View Market

A clutch of young golfers are threatening to create a new golfing golden age. Paul Krishnamurty rates the chances of five from all corners of the world.

Rory McIlroy [32.0]
Five-year US Open Record: 10/-/-/-/-

To finish tenth at Bethpage Black was an exceptional US Open debut, although in keeping with the Belfast boy's phenomenal early progress. He's already won the tournament often described as the 'sixth major', the Quail Hollow Championship, with a final round 62 that will be talked about for decades. The fact that Rory has been playing links golf from a very early age must bode well for Pebble Beach, which has arguably a greater 'British feel' than any other US track. Furthermore, with St Andrews hosting the British Open next month, it could make sense to back McIlroy now at a big price to be Sports Personality of the Year.

Dustin Johnson [42.0]
Five-year US Open Record: 40/48/-/-/-

Johnson may never have been the subject of quite as much hype as his contemporaries, but he has stronger claims than most on the basis of what he's already achieved at Pebble Beach. The 25-year-old has won the last two renewals of the annual Pro-Am here, and if driving it straight, has the extreme length to make mincemeat of the par-fives again. Dustin certainly warrants respect, though that course expertise is very much factored into odds that are at least half of we could expect to see in any other major.

Anthony Kim [46.0]
Five-year US Open Record: 16/26/20/-/-

After a disappointing 2009 campaign, Kim has reaffirmed his considerable potential this year, winning the Houston Open and finishing third at the Masters. However, as impressive as his shot-making was on those occasions and others, it must be a concern that he misses so many fairways. Whereas Augusta and Redstone offered much scope for recovery shots, US Open venues tend to penalise such erratic play, as there is no escape from deep rough. I can see Pebble Beach teaching Kim a painful lesson in course management, especially if the wind gets up.

Rhys Davies [130.0]
Five-year US Open Record: -/-/-/-/-

Back at the start of this rookie season, Davies could barely have dreamt he'd be making his US Open debut so soon. Nevertheless, after one victory, three runners-up spots and a couple more top-six finishes, there will be few golfers at Pebble Beach in better form. As romantic a story as it would be were the young Welshman to figure on the weekend leader-board, he won't be carrying my cash. This is just too tough an ask, and Pebble Beach will be about a lot more than putting, an area in which Rhys clearly excels.

Ryo Ishikawa [260.0]
Five-year US Open Record: -/-/-/-/-

Golf fans in the Western world may not yet be too familiar with the 'Bashful Prince', but it's a pretty safe bet they will be soon. Still just an 18-year-old, Ishikawa has already won seven professional titles on the Japanese Tour, most famously when shooting an incredible 58 on his way to victory at The Crowns Tournament in May. Granted, that tour represents a much lower grade, but there are plenty of competitors over there who've made an impact at a higher level. On his few PGA Tour starts to date, Ishikawa has shown promise without ever looking a serious candidate to win anything. Don't be surprised if he produces some fireworks, but this US Open debut will be primarily a learning experience.

Recommended Bet: Rory McIlroy to win outright @ [32.0]