US Open / Meijer LPGA Classic Fantasy Gold Mine

Golf Channel: Rory McIlroy’s hot putter allows him to stand out in Group 1.

Group 1: Rory McIlroy – Here, the choice is between six players: McIlroy, Jason Day, Jordan Spieth, Bubba Watson, Rickie Fowler and Dustin Johnson. We can rule out Watson and Fowler almost immediately, but it’s a tough call between the other four. Ultimately, my choice is the man from Northern Ireland – he’s been surging for almost two months and putted well in his last start, a recipe for success.

Group 2: Matt Kuchar – No one in this group is as hot as Kuchar, who’s reeled off a top six finish in each of his last four starts. A consistent, steady player, he’s the kind of guy who shouldn’t be overwhelmed by Oakmont. If the Georgia Tech product isn’t to your liking, there are a bunch of other options, including Patrick Reed, Justin Rose, Hideki Matsuyama, Sergio Garcia and Phil Mickelson.

Group 3: Martin Kaymer – Not the easiest call here, but I’m giving the nod to Kaymer. The former world No. 1 and US Open champ has been on his game over the past few weeks, posting three top 10 finishes in his last five starts. He’s been known to show up for the majors, tying for 12th at both the British and PGA last year. That kind of big-stage prowess gets him the nod over the likes of Harris English and Tony Finau.

Group 4: Retief Goosen – Now up to No. 135 in the world, his best position in more than two years, Goosen looks primed to notch his first major top 10 in four years. The South African is on a run of three straight top 15s and has some experience at Oakmont. Those credentials make him a marginally better choice than Gregory Bourdy and David Toms, your other best bets in this group.

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