Our National Tournament.  Pebble Beach.  It’s like they were made for each other.

As hard as it may be to believe, and even less likely to happen, the average U.S. American golfer can play in the Open.  There was a time when the anybody could show up to a local qualifier and hack it around just to say they competed.  Now, the USGA requires some kind of proof to show you belong.  (They also ask that you bring your 2 handicap).  Nevertheless, if you tried hard you could make it.  It’s possible.  That’s what made Bethpage Black, last year’s venue, so great; the Open at a public course.  This year’s venue is even better.

There’s probably not a better setting for golf than Pebble Beach.  While I’ve never been able to play there personally (I did shoot a 56 once on Tiger Woods 05), I have been there.  I’ve seen the 18th green.  I stood there for an hour, just watching foursomes play out.  Words cannot describe it, nor will I try.  If you’ve never been there you should, but not for the golf course alone.  The whole trip down Highway 1 is worth it.  Pebble Beach is just a 17 mile detour.

Here’s my 8 players I’m going with in my fantasy league:

He won the Masters.  His putting has been nothing short of great.  The only question remains can he put the ghosts of Pinehurst, Shinnecock, and Winged Foot behind him?  Can he keep it together for 72 holes in the tournament that would put the exclamation point on his career?  He’s finished 2nd 5 times.  I don’t need to say his name.  It’s already synonymous with U.S. Open heartbreak.

Believe it or not, I’ll take the Big Easy too.  He’s been to the top before.  He knows what it takes.  He’s also started off 2010 on a bit of a hot streak, winning twice.

My use for European golfers not named Padraig Harrington is limited to nobody.  And that’s good.  Not a single European player has won the Open since 1970, so we can eliminate all of them.  Or can we?  Lee Westwood is playing arguably the best golf of his golf in events not involving the Ryder Cup.  I’ll take him to break that streak.

While Pebble Beach is a different beast than the one the players saw earlier this year, it still helps if you know how to get around the place.  Dustin Johnson has demonstrated he knows exactly what he’s doing, seeing as he’s the back-to-back champion of the AT&T Pro Am.

Tim Clark has the perfect attitude for the Open.  His win at the Players should give him all the confidence he needs.

Tom Watson is a bit of a sentimental pick.  And that’s OK.  He knows what he’s doing at Pebble Beach too.  Just ask Jack.

I’ll add Jim Furyk and Camilo Villgas as my sleeper picks.

Regardless of who wins, one thing is for sure, Father’s Day will be memorable.  And we’ll have another National Champion.