Memorial '13: Is Matt Kuchar Now The U.S. Open Favorite?
/Because his record in the majors is poor, Matt Kuchar was a 25-1 shot for the upcoming U.S. Open at Merion.
But combine his well-established ability on classic courses, his steady play over the last three years and his love for USGA golf, doesn't his Memorial win over a tough Muirfield Village make him the obvious first choice heading into Merion?
From Doug Ferguson's AP story we learn this is Kuchar's first multi-win season and his biggest win outside of his Players title from last year.
Needing two putts from 20 feet to hold off a late charge from Kevin Chappell, Kuchar punctuated a remarkably steady final round by making the birdie putt for a 4-under 68 and a two-shot victory at Muirfield Village. He joined Tiger Woods as the only players with more than one win this year on the PGA Tour.
John Strege says Nick Faldo noted what this win means for Kuchar's upcoming U.S. Open chances.
The victory was his third in less than 13 months. He also won the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship in February and the Players Championship in May of 2012 and is now firmly ensconced in the World Ranking top 10, with another strong field and elite tournament, the U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club, on deck for him.
"Maybe this is his next stepping stone," CBS' Nick Faldo said. "He's won some fantastic events. Maybe a major is next."
Steve DiMeglio also considered the U.S. Open angle and had this from Kuchar:
"Heading into Merion, I'll have a lot of confidence. It's a course I've not seen before, so I'll have to do some learning. But from what I understand you've got to drive it well, as you do in a U.S. Open, and I feel like I've been really driving the ball well. I'm looking forward to my chances there at Merion."
As for Tiger's lousy week, Bob Harig sums it up with quotes from Woods who graciously stopped for the assembled scribblers Sunday.
"Yeah, it happens," said Woods, who finished on the front nine while the leaders were playing the closing holes. "It happens to all of us. I'll go home next week and practice."
