I have always been partial to the U.S. Open. I believe it to be the greatest golf tournament on the planet. I love when the USGA sets up gruelingly long courses with sinewy, Usain Bolt fast greens. You’ll never hear me complain about a guy winning the tournament with a score over par.

That love for the U.S. Open might have something to do with my seven pick. Mo Golf might have put this one a bit higher on the list and moved my #8 pick to this spot. We shall see. Here’s my argument:

Graeme McDowell – 2010 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach

A major championship is a major championship. But, there’s something to be said to stepping up and winning at an iconic course like St. Andrews, Augusta National, Bethpage Black and of course –Pebble Beach.

Graeme McDowell earned his first major championship on the hallowed links of Pebble Beach, and in doing so became the first European to win the U.S. Open in 40 years. McDowell was an unlikely character to hoist the trophy on Sunday, but he did so after Dustin Johnson imploded on the front nine and Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods couldn’t quite mount enough of a comeback.

In the end, McDowell’s 72-hole score of level par proved to be enough. It also signified that when she’s at her best,Pebble Beach is a course that you can only hope to break even at – not go low. Every other challenger took home a score over par.

I remember watching the 2010 U.S. Open and hearing one of the broadcasters tell a story about how McDowell had gone to the mall after one of his Thursday or Friday rounds and worn a U.S. Open tee shirt. People, not knowing McDowell as an elite golfer, asked if he’d attended as a fan. McDowell felt no need to correct them and simply stated that he’d had a great day.

One of the most iconic courses in the world added to a historic performance for European golfers and a U.S. Open title to boot. There are very few who’ve done better over the past 13 majors. It sounds like more than just a great day….