 After closely reviewing over 56,000 entries, we have narrowed the field down to five finalists who have best demonstrated their desire, passion, and determination to be the average golfer who gets to play Torrey Pines South Course under U.S. Open conditions. Plus, NBC cameras will track the winner's every shot in a foursome with Matt Lauer, Tony Romo, and Justin Timberlake. Now we invite you to select the winner. View each of the five finalists' information below and vote for the one you'd like to see succeed on golf's greatest stage. By signing up to vote, you can also win a trip to the '09 U.S. Open. 
1/
John Atkinson
 
Height/weight
6-0/180
Born
11-10-68, Lincoln, Neb.
Residence
Omaha
Family
Wife, Lori (13 years), daughters Machaela (10), Andrea (7), son Christopher (4)
Education
B.A. Journalism - Universityof Nebraska (Lincoln)
Ocupation
Sales (Bard Peripheral Vascular)
Handicap index
8.0
Home course
Indian Creek, Elkhorn, Neb.
Tiger or Phil
Love them both, but I have to go with Tiger
Best round
After being diagnosed with lung cancer last year, I shot 78 with my dad. I realized that life wasn’t over because of a diagnosis
Worst round
Having a side effect from the cancer meds, I was concerned that I wouldn’t be able to play golf. I’ve learned to deal with it. Nothing is stopping me!
The U.S. Open is ...
where my friends and family will be in 2008!
2/
Phil Dembure
 
Height/weight
5-9/160
Born
4-15-72, Buffalo, N.Y.
Residence
Atlanta
Family
Wife, Kasanje (12 years), daughters, Zani (11), Seka (8), Naya (3)
Education
B.S. Biology - Emory Univ.
Ocupation
Health-care services
Handicap index
7.9
Home club
The Strokers G.C. of Atlanta
Tiger or Phil
Tiger! Not even close
Best round
75, Oak Mountain Championship G.C., Carrollton, Ga.
Worst round
Selective memory will not allow me to recall
The U.S. Open is ...
a means to bring humility to the touring professional. It’s a test that no one passes
3/
Erik Norton
 
Height/weight
5-11/175
Born
7-1-71, Portland, Me.
Residence
Boston
Family
Wife, Melissa (seven years), daughters Hannah (2), Samantha (1)
Education
B.S. Mathematics - M.I.T.
Ocupation
Hedge-fund trader
Handicap index
4.7
Home course
Old Sandwich G.C., Plymouth, Mass.
Tiger or Phil
I love ’em both. There will never be another golfer like Tiger, ever
Best round
72, in college, at C.C. at New Seabury. Too bad it was in the practice round
Worst round
I’ve blocked them all out
The U.S. Open is ...
special and quite often magical. As sacred as Augusta
4/
Matt Rice
 
Height/weight
6-0/185
Born
12-14-71, Santa Clara, Calif.
Residence
Los Angeles
Family
Wife, Michele (13 years), son Xavier (3), daughter Monica (1)
Education
B.A. Kinesiology - Cal State Northridge
Ocupation
Police officer
Handicap index
Approximately 10
Home course
Lost Canyons G.C., Simi Valley, Calif.
Tiger or Phil
Tiger — best combination of athleticism and mental toughness
Best round
75, Pumpkin Ridge G.C., North Plains, Ore.
Worst round
River Course at Alisal (near Santa Barbara). Left course after nine holes (first and ONLY time) because of 35 mile-per-hour winds.
The U.S. Open is ...
the ultimate physical and mental test of golf
5/
Ross Troike
 
Height/weight
6-1/210
Born
8-13-69, Dayton, Ohio
Residence
Collierville, Tenn.
Family
Wife, Alissa (13 years), daughter Marin (11), son Wyatt (8)
Education
B.S. Mathematics - U.S. Naval Academy
Ocupation
Pilot, Federal Express/U.S. Navy Reserve
Handicap index
6.4
Home course
Windyke C.C., Memphis
Tiger or Phil
Although I love rooting for the underdog, I have to say Tiger. I don’t think anyone will be able to touch him in my lifetime.
Best round
72, even par, on a course I had never seen, with my dad. I was 17 and will never forget playing with him
Worst round
There have been a lot. During a high school match I holed out a sand wedge to card a 96
The U.S. Open is ...
the ultimate test in golf
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