With all the experts picking Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson to win the U. S. Open this week at Torrey Pines, who else has a chance?  There have been some first-time winners on Tour this season and others that have been there every week.  Here are some names to watch that could contend but may not be on the top of our minds.

• Anthony Kim…the second year pro has the game to maneuver a U. S. Open course but can he be patient enough?
• Sean O’Hair…could be that guy this week
• Boo Weekley…why not?  Great ball striker, solid putter and played well last week
• Brandt Snedeker…made a run at the Masters this year and has the scrambling ability to get to the top at the U. S. Open
• Aaron Baddeley…had last year’s Open in his hands but fell apart in the final round, plays well at the Buick Invitational
• Charles Howell III…solid player, especially at the Buick Invitational, always seems to be towards the top of the leaderboard
• Pat Perez…he is from San Diego and will have a good gallery of support from friends and family besides, he has put together a pretty good 2008 season