Bet Now on the US Open with UKBetting
Click here for special US Open site
Click here for Fantasy Competition

Former US Masters champion Ian Woosnam gives us his verdict on who could be the men to watch in this year's US Open at Bethpage State Park.

Question: Woosie, what can you tell us about the Black Course at Bethpage State Park?

Woosie: It will be a typical set-up for a US Open with very narrow fairways and very thick rough. The greens will be very hard and small so if any player misses the target it will be extremely difficult to get up and down.

Question: Tiger Woods is the overwhelming favourite as usual. Can you see beyond another Woods victory?

Woosie: Tiger Woods will surely be somewhere there in contention but even he could be penalised with the golf course being so hard and every little mistake is punished. If he has got his 'A' game with him he will be difficult to beat as he has that all-round ability.

Question: If not Tiger, can Phil Mickelson finally make the breakthrough and win his first Major?

Woosie: Mickelson also has the chance to get into the thick of things as he has a wonderful short game and that fantastic flop shot that will be ideal on the very firm greens. The one thing at the moment is his putting. I saw him at the Players' Championship four-putt from not very far away and he seems to be missing too many from close range. I don't think he is being too aggressive but after a while it just becomes a mental thing.

Question: What about David Duval?

Woosie: Duval has been suffering from inconsistency lately which is very unlike him. He has also had problems with his back but if back on song he could go very close and be up there.

Question: What other American players could make a big impact in their home Open?

Woosie: Chris DiMarco has played extremely well for the last 18 months and the US Open would be his type of tournament. He is a very steady player, very straight off the tee and could be the man this week.

Question: South Africans Ernie Els and Retief Goosen have both won this tournament in recent years. Can they shine again?

Woosie: Ernie has won the event twice and you would always think of him having a big chance in this event. Retief Goosen is defending the title and would have a decent chance if in the same sort of form as last year. He has not shown too much recently and the added pressure on him could have an effect but he is a cool customer and should handle it.

Question: No European has won the event since Tony Jacklin in 1970. Which of the European players has the best chance of ending that winless streak?

Woosie: Sergio Garcia loves the spotlight and loves being right in the thick of the action while Philip Price is a very interesting contender and has been doing very well recently. The course should suit as he is very straight off the tee. Colin Montgomerie has been in cracking form and I don't think his back will cause him too many problems. He has done a few more exercises and doesn't have to have an operation on it so looks set for a good week.

Question: Finally Woosie, what do you think the winning score will be this year?

Woosie: Considering the degree of difficulty of the course, anything under par after four rounds will be a very good effort indeed.

Ian Woosnam was speaking to Dave John