This is the "give Phil a last good shot" Open. Reminds of the Open at Pebble Beach that Watson won. It was late in his career and, like Phil, Tom spent little time in the fairway off the tee and relied on a brilliant 100 yard and in game. Best short game I ever saw. Tom, like Phil today, couldn't hit a straight drive and couldn't deal with the thick 6-8 inch rough at typical US Opens. But the Open committee decided to cut down all the rough at PB and Tom took advantage.
Phil will be in the hunt and if his short putting holds up this will be his big chance.