STROKE OF THE DAY

"A good golf course makes you want to play so badly that you hardly have the time to change your shoes. "

The U.S. Open gets under way Thursday morning in San Diego, and there is no shortage of Southland golfers eager to claim the national title.

More than a dozen players with Southern California ties will tee it up on the South Course at Torrey Pines with plenty of family and friends just outside the ropes. Here’s a brief look at 14 players to root for:

Tiger Woods. Cypress native and the greatest player of his era. He’s won the Buick Invitational at Torrey six times. But he hasn’t played since the Masters. Bum knee. And he hasn’t walked 18 holes in two months. Total wildcard.

Phil Mickelson. Grew up near Torrey Pines and now lives in Rancho Santa Fe. The three-time major champion hasn’t won one since his meltdown at Winged Foot. How much would winning here mean to Phil? Won’t even try to put it into words.

Rickie Fowler. The 19-year-old Murrieta native and Oklahoma State sophomore is the youngest player in the field. He made it in as a first alternate qualifier when Shaun Micheel withdrew with an injury. Don’t be surprised if the decorated amateur makes the cut.

Anthony Kim. He was born in L.A. and went to high school in La Quinta. He’s in his sophomore year on the Tour and gained entry into the Open via the money list. He has one win under his signature belt and a major championship in his future.

Mark O’Meara. Grew up on the fairways of Mission Viejo Country Club and graduated from Long Beach State. The two-time major champion is now out making a name for himself on the Champions Tour. What’s he doing in the Open?

Pat Perez. The San Diego native who grew up at Torrey Pines vowed prior to qualifying that he wouldn’t watch the tournament on television if he didn’t qualify to play. What a great story this would make: from Torrey Pines range picker to U.S. Open champion.

Pete Tomasulo, John Merrick, John Mallinger. This trio of Long Beach up-and-comers all made it to the Open through qualifying and all hone their craft under the watchful eye of Virginia Country Club pro Jamie Mulligan, who’d like nothing more than to see his guys contend on the weekend.

Craig Barlow. Another Jamie Mulligan disciple who’s been grinding on Tour for the past decade. This will be his fourth appearance at the U.S. Open.

Scott Piercy. This San Diego State grad returns to his old stomping grounds after making it through regional qualifying. His claim to fame? He won the Ultimate game in 2006.

Jason Gore. The Valencia native authored a Cinderella story through three rounds of the 2005 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 before a final-round collapse. He’s had a respectable few years on Tour and made it to Torrey Pines through qualifying. Chances of recapturing that U.S. Open magic? Nil.

Jay Choi. The 24-year-old Korean-born player grew up in Cerritos and currently resides in Murrieta. He’s playing in his first U.S. Open as a qualifier and works with Rowland Heights teaching pro George Pinnell.

Hunter Mahan. Born in Orange, Mahan joined the PGA Tour in 2004 and has steadily made his way up the world rankings, winning for the first time last year at the Travelers Championship.