2015 U.S. Open: Five Struggling Golfers Who Could Win

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Jun 16, 2015; University Place, WA, USA; Graeme McDowell addresses the media in a press conference during practice rounds on Tuesday at Chambers Bay. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Graeme McDowell hasn’t posted a top ten since late January at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic. It has been a real struggle for McDowell and at age 35 you can’t help but think that McDowell’s window might be on the verge of closing.

McDowell is definitely on the wrong side of the hill, but I’m not ready to stick a fork in him just yet. McDowell is playing poorly, but Chambers Bay has some elements that G-Mac can take advantage of and frustrate some of his competitors.

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G-Mac’s best attribute is probably his mental game. G-Mac has a U.S. Open mentality which is why he has had success over the years at this event no matter where it’s held.

Some players have more talent than McDowell, but their mental game isn’t where it needs to be when you are at a U.S. Open. McDowell has the mental toughness that can will him to have a good finish even if the course doesn’t suit his game.

Last year at Pinehurst No 2, which didn’t exactly suit his game, McDowell was still able to grind it out and finish T-28. In 2010, when Dustin Johnson folded, G-Mac was able to keep plugging along and eventually win the U.S. Open title.

Chambers Bay, as we’ve talked about, has some qualities that should suit G-Mac’s game. If McDowell can hit the fairway then his solid iron play and putter should keep him in it.

If he can survive and just continue to grind out those tough par putts, his experience and mental toughness will keep him in the thick of things.

Next: The Mysterious Frenchman

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