Torrey Pines, South Course

La Jolla, California

Par 71, Yards: 7640, Purse: $7,000,000

Defending Champ: Angel Cabrera

Tiger Woods returns to play his first event since April knee surgery. The world’s #1 has owned Torrey Pines in the past winning over the course six times in the Buick but … it remains to be seen how he’ll fare in the USGA’s toughest test.

Under normal circumstances, Tiger would be the even money favorite. Even off a 60-day layoff, the Tiger is still a prohibitive 3-1 favorite. Lefty is second choice at 7-1 with Sergio Garcia checking in at +1800. Padraig Harrington’s 22-1, Vijay at 25-1, and Jim Furyk 30-1 round out the favorites. Angel Cabrera defends his title at 125-1.

Torrey Pines will favor the big bangers as the course plays 380 yards longer than any other previous US Open. On the South Course, winds off the Pacific will further hinder short and moderate hitters. Players with long soft iron play will be in the best position to attack the pins.

When it’s all said and done, Tiger will likely go down as the greatest golfer to ever draw a breath but just can’t recommend anyone that hasn’t even walked eighteen holes in more than sixty days.

Allen’s Angles

Sergio Garcia (18-1 at Pinnacle): Is without question one of the best ball strikers on tour and now wears the albatross of “Best player to have never won a major”. If his putter is working like it did in the Players, he could get the monkey off his back.

Jim Furyk (35-1 at Pinnacle):  His game is custom made for courses like Torrey Pines. He won the Open in 2003 and was runner-up the last two years. A horse for the course and a Big Big chance!

Pat Perez (150-1 at Pinnacle): A San Diego native that went to Torrey Pines High School. He worked here as a kid and figures he’s played over a 1000 rounds. A legit bomb and man …. What a story!

Recommended Tournament Matchups

(Best) Ryuji Imada -117 over KJ Choi: Imada has lots of game and the likeable KJ has done nothing to follow up his break out year of 2007. Easy.

Anthony Kim +109 over Justin Leonard: Sticking with the young guns. Kim has been called by some as the next Tiger. Probably not, but shouldn’t be a dog to last weeks winner.

Steve Stricker -107 over David Toms: Stricker is another with the game to make some noise and could be in the hunt throughout. Toms still battling physical problems and figures to fade late.

World Champion Handicapper Jeff Allen is an avid golfer with a ten handicap and has played many of the world’s best courses.