Florida Swing – Key to Success at Pinehurst

The US Open is hosted on different courses each year, but it typically features the same tough obstacles. Usually, players face thick and lush rough that only gets worse as the week progresses. This year, however, Pinehurst presents a unique challenge with sandy waste areas and wiregrass. This can result in favorable lies despite missed fairways, but it can also lead to complete disaster. It's somewhat of a lottery, but over four days, quality and class usually prevail over luck.

Given that the tournament is on the East Coast, in North Carolina, it might be wise to focus on players who perform well during the "Florida Swing," where Bermuda grass is common.

• Viktor Hovland: Has really found his form recently and exudes quality. Strong record in Florida.

• Tommy Fleetwood: It's almost incredible that such a skilled player hasn't won on American soil yet. In my notes, it says, "When he finally wins, it's likely to be in Florida." Well, we're not far from that this week. Since 2017, Fleetwood has top-10 rankings in Florida in the following categories: Strokes Gained: Total, Strokes Gained: Ball Striking, Strokes Gained: Off the Tee.

• Sung Jae-Im: Almost robotic in his consistency. Plays week in and week out, never tires. Loves golf and loves the East Coast of the USA. There are nearly 600 players who have played 40 or more rounds in Florida over the past 40 seasons. Best scoring average? Yes, you guessed it: Tiger Woods. Who's second best? Nope, it's Sung Jae-Im! Worth testing at great odds.

• Justin Thomas: Poor confidence on the greens has hampered Justin Thomas's game over the past year, but I believe there is reason for optimism. Normally loves playing in Florida and putting on Bermuda grass. It's also nice for him to stay out of the pre-tournament spotlight, reducing the pressure. He's far too talented to stay in his slump much longer.

• Sam Burns: Incredibly skilled on the greens. Always an advantage when considering the First Round Leader market. Burns hits very long and putts very well – when fast Bermuda greens are involved, his stats usually approach top class, even when looking through the history books. The odds are appealing. Sharply. I'd rather back him in the first-round market, as I'm unsure if he can handle the pressure over four days of Major play.