Want a dark horse for this week's U.S Open? How 'bout John Merrick? You heard me talking a lot about this guy after the Masters in April. He rebounded from a bad Friday and Saturday that weekend and shot a 66 on Sunday to tie for sixth place in golf's first major tournament of the year. Everyone I talked to that week agreed that he was one of the more exciting youngsters on tour. I expected big things to be heard from Merrick before June's Open. It hasn't exactly happened that way.
Since Merricks performance down the stretch at Augusta, he has been terrible. Calling him even mediocre would be a leap. In the five tournaments he has played since The Master's, Merrick's best finish came in The Zurich Classic of New Orleans, when he tied for 42nd. Merrick missed the cut at the Quail Hollow Championship the next week. He didn't break 70 at The Players, including a 79 on Sunday. His last two tourney's have also been poor, finishing 74th at The Crowne Plaza, and tieing for 73rd at the St. Jude.
A five year pro, it's time for Merrick to find his identity. Is he a lower teir player who will occasionally have a decent week and finish in the top ten? or is he a player with immense talent who has yet to harness it? I think the jury is still out. But this tournement will go a long way towards figuring out John Merrick. You don't finish in the top ten at Augusta by accident. Watch for John Merrick to be higher than you think on the final leader board on Sunday night.
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