The U.S. Open In Five Parts

With the start of the U.S. Open just hours away, here are five storylines that bear watching at Pebble Beach:

1. How tough will Pebble play?

It's only 7,040 yards but with no rain in the forecast, Pebble Beach is getting firmer as the week goes on. Factor in the size of the greens -- they're about the size of your kitchen -- and suddenly the targets get very tough to hit.

The USGA has reshaped some of the cliffside fairways, taking the mowed area to the edge of the cliffs in order to bring the water more into play. Especially on the 9th and 10th holes, that could be a factor.

The rough is deep but not unmanageable. Keeping it in play remains the first objective as it is in every Open. Someone might go low but not likely for long.

2. Is This Phil's Time?

Five second-place finishes are more than enough for Mickelson. He's primed for this Open but he's seemed prime before. He knows how to play Pebble -- he's won three AT&T Nationals here -- and he has the emotional support from the fans who want him to win.

He says his past disappointments don't bother him and I tend to believe him. He's wired to look ahead. I like his chances.

3. What Will Tiger Do?

A decade ago, Woods torched Pebble Beach and the U.S. Open, redefining greatness in a major championship. Now his game is in a strange place, good but not great.

He lives for the majors and he's seen this Open as another one he can add to his collection. Expecting him to win the Masters was too much. Thinking he could win this Open isn't too much.

4. Feeling European

It's been 40 years since Tony Jacklin won the U.S. Open, the last time a player from across the pond won the championship. That could change this year.

Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, Rory McIlroy and Padraig Harrington come immediately to mind as serious contenders. Robert Karlsson lost in a playoff last weekend. And don't forget about Sergio Garcia. I still think he'll win a major but I don't think it will be this one.

5. The Twentysomethings

No current player under 30 years of age has won a major championship but the under-30 set has already won nine times on the PGA Tour this year. McIlroy, Adam Scott, Bill Haas and Justin Rose are among the winners. Not all of them are here but the youth movement may be on display again this week.