us open 2009

us open 2009

Casey, the world No 3 after three victories already this season, has the power to prosper at Bethpage, but will he drive the ball well enough? Much of his success in 2009 has been based on hitting his "strong" 3-wood. At Bethpage he will have to hit more drivers. If Casey can control his greatest weapon, then he has the game to become the first Brit of his generation to win a major.

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Luke Donald, 31, England

Donald made his US Open debut at Bethpage in 2002 and finished 18th. He remembers a dreaded 'air shot' when he went right underneath his ball, and being told by the crowd to "pick it up". But the Bethpage crowds also started the chants of "Luuuuke". Playing partner Bernhard Langer didn't understand what was going on and asked Donald: "Why are they booing you." Donald sounds like he is relishing the return to New York.

Ross Fisher, 28, England

Fisher missed the cut on his US Open debut last year, but speaking a few weeks ago he sounded like a man who thinks he will win several majors. There were signs at Augusta that Fisher has a big game for a big course and Bethpage is as big as they come. A colossal driver of the ball, and a pretty straight one, Fisher has a good draw. He is partnered with Justin Rose and Sean O'Hair and should do well.

Rory McIlroy, 20, Northern Ireland

After all the hassles of Augusta and 'bunkergate', it will be fascinating to see how the kid from Holywood does on his US Open debut. My money is on McIlroy having a stormer. Of all the US Open courses this is the one that should suit his game. The greens aren't too small and funky so his short game won't be exposed. It's a course that requires length and peerless long irons and McIlroy is a genius in those departments.

Ian Poulter, 33, England

You just never know with Poults. It seems odd to leave Lee Westwood out of our quintet after he finished a stroke out of a play-off last year, but he hasn't had a top 10 since February. Poulter finished second at the Players Championship and loves the big occasion. He walked out of last year's US Open with some sort of injury and a bad mood, but New York is just made for our brashest player.