Fantasy Golf: 5 Dark Horse Candidates to Win 2014 U.S. Open

Matt Every is on this list strictly because of his putter. If he is on and putting well, he could make a run on Sunday. He has been in a bit of a rough stretch since his victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational as he has missed five cuts in his last seven events. However, when he does make a cut, he often contends, so look for Every's name on the leaderboard early and often.

Call this one a gut feeling, but after a top-10 finish at this year's Masters, Kevin Stadler has the chops to compete for the U.S. Open crown. He got his first win at the Phoenix Open earlier this year, and he has five top-20 finishes. If his putter gets rolling, watch out.

Russell Henley ranks in the top 50 in driving accuracy and strokes gained putting, which are both extremely important to succeed at Pinehurst this year. The 25-year-old Georgia native won earlier this year at the Honda Classic, and he finished T-17 last month at the Players Championship.

There was once a time when Paul Casey was one of the best players in the world, especially in match play, and as of late, he has begun to regain that form. In five of his last six events, he has placed in the top 25. The U.S. Open would be his fifth event in five weeks, so fatigue could be an issue, but otherwise, expect a solid week from Casey.

Gary Woodland can hit the ball as far as anyone off the tee, and that should come in handy with the length that has been added to Pinehurst. This has been Woodland's best year on tour as he has nine top-20 finishes. He always seems to be there on the weekends, but he is just unable to close the door. As long as his short game is on, I wouldn't be shocked to see Woodland hoisting the trophy on Sunday evening.