It’s great that youth doesn’t seem as if it’s being wasted on the young anymore on the PGA Tour.
It’s great that Jason Day’s victory Sunday at the HP Byron Nelson Championship was the ninth by a player under the age of 30 this year.
But greatness is defined solely in majors.
With no player currently under 30 holding a major championship title, here’s one man’s early handicapping of the top twentysomethings in their bids to win the U.S. Open:
Rory McIlroy (8-1) – That 62 to win in the final round of the Quail Hollow Championship still resonates. It was a major championship quality field on a major championship caliber course.
Dustin Johnson (10-1) – Three-time PGA Tour winner at just 25, Johnson’s claimed two of his titles at Pebble Beach.
Hunter Mahan (15-1) – With a victory already this year, with typical command of his driver (he’s No. 1 on Tour in total driving) and with that T6 at Bethpage Black last year, Mahan looks like he’s got the goods.
Camilo Villegas (15-1) – Three-time PGA Tour winner has two top 10s in majors, including a U.S. Open.
Martin Kaymer (25-1) – More major championship seasoning may be required, but the young German has excelled against quality fields before.
Adam Scott (40-1) – Seven-time PGA Tour winner has momentum with the Valero Texas Open victory, but he also has an undistinguished major championship record.
