June 18--Rory McIlroy: He did not shrink when asked if he could relate to LeBron James, saying: "Do I feel like the best player in the world? Yes." McIlroy missed two recent cuts in Europe, but when he's on, no one hits it as pure.
Jordan Spieth: The reigning Masters champion has a brilliant short game and superior mind, even at 21. And his caddie has looped about 40 rounds here, though Michael Greller points out he was carrying the bag for hacks, not tour pros.
Ryan Moore: They don't come more local than Moore, who grew up and still lives a short drive from the course. He called the Pacific Northwestern a "golf-starved area," and Moore is hungry for his first major.
Phil Mickelson: The six-time U.S. Open runner-up says all those silver medals don't discourage him: "Ever since I was a kid, I have always been motivated by failure." Plus, at 45, he's running out of chances for a career Grand Slam.
Kevin Kisner: Need a dark horse? Kisner was added to the field Monday, so maybe he will play like he's on a free roll. The South Carolina native has four top-10s on the PGA Tour since April, including a tie for second at the Players Championship.
