Well, the thing about the USGA is they have a little sense of themselves when they make up the pairings and this US Open is no different. All of the golfing universe would like to see a Tiger Woods/Phil Mickelson showdown and the USGA has delivered by not only putting the No. 1 and No. 2 players in the World Ranking in the same group, but then they also toss in No. 3 Adam Scott to boot.

While it may be the group that anyone and everyone in golf would like to see, it more than likely can and will be a logistic nightmare for the marshals, support staff and the players in the groups playing in front of the 8:06 a.m. Thursday morning group off the first tee.

The most important aspect to this grouping is who will be where come Sunday? If this group, or even the most important two-thirds of this group, is together through the weekend leading up to Sunday's final round, the ratings will be off the charts no matter when NBC decides to run the final round (which by the way, is supposed to end at 9 p.m. Eastern time Sunday night).

Ironically, this is a home game for both Woods and Mickelson. Tiger literally owns the Buick Open and currently claims13 majors to his name. Philly Mick still lives in the area and is considered a local. It is not unreasonable to believe that either of these two will walk away the winner of the 2008 US Open. However for that to happen, each will have to get out of their own way with the most important club in the bag, the putter.

Both Woods and Mickelson are exceptional putters. The problem with that is the USGA likes to frustrate exceptional putters with extraordinary conditions. Angel Cabrera wins at Oakmont in 2007 because he is a marginal streak putter. He doesn't expect to make putts and when good putters get frustrated by greens as they did at Oakmont, rolling it well but getting nothing out of it, they start to press trying to make something happen. Patience and trust are the two hardest things to accomplish at the highest level under the most extreme conditions. Sometimes it's just better to be selectively simple, see the line and roll it in without thinking or caring about the result.

If not Woods or Mickelson, who then? As a dark horse, take a look at Steve Stricker or Davis Love III. Both know where they are in their respective careers and a US Open would do a lot to separate and solidify their already stellar play. For DL3, it would be redemption of sorts for a "nice" career, but one without the fireworks of multiple majors. For Stricker, it would be an indelible mark for someone who has been to both ends of the spectrum -- good and not so good.

Other names of note -- don't look for Angel Cabrera to repeat. Now that doesn't mean that he won't contend, but it would be hard to put together two magnificent putting weeks one year apart. Sergio Garcia has more game than most from tee to green, however, once on the flat surface he's just another pretty face with a putter in his hands. Maybe the Players changed things, or maybe Stan Utley's mentoring has returned the putting stroke of his youth, but by his own admission, Sergio is an old 28 and the majors are beginning to pile up and go to others with not nearly the same amount of talent as El Nino.

Boo Weekly could make some noise, as could Anthony Kim. I like the style with which Andres Romero plays with. I think that Jim Furyk can be competitive but to win on this course, everything would have to go right for him. I think Ernie Els is done. It's tough to put a finger on Retief Goosen or Trevor Immelman or Zach Johnson or Mike Weir.

It almost seems like Camilo Villegas or Jeff Quinney or Bubba Watson should have a win already. That said, it won't happen at this venue in this event.

Of the locals, there is Jon Turcott from Middleton, Jerry Kelly and Stricker from the Madison area and Sean English, who is a great guy and the one time head golf professional at Bristlecone Pines.

So, who will win the 108th playing of the United States Open? The Ben Hogan answer would be the player with the lowest score. The reality will be someone who drives it well, plays precise iron shots, putts well and recognizes the breaks he takes advantage of.

If push comes to shove, regardless of the time off and the knee surgery, I have to go with Tiger Woods. If it wasn't enough to have the US Open to get his attention following a long layoff, pairing him with Lefty is a motivator that revs the motor a little higher.

Regardless, this major should be a great one to get inside and enjoy.