First, don't be so surprised when Tiger wins the US Open in 2 weeks. I know he has not played competitive golf for many weeks, but if you had money to bet (with no odds), he would clearly be the choice by almost all betters. I can already sense the media making a big deal out of his knee and down-time. Puleeze. Tiger hits the little white ball better than everyone else and has the best short game. On top of that, he does not beat himself. Lastly, his competition seems to have stagnated their games or have gotten worse. It's that simple.
Torrey Pines is not a US Open course. I was somewhat pleased to hear some of the USGA adjustments and some adjustments that they did not make, but that course is not a US Open course. The greens are not that tricky and these guys handle 450 - 500 yard Par 4's nowadays. They will need significant winds to protect par is my prediction.
You better hope the USGA considers it a true test, or their fancy of now using public course as well as prviate may just be a passing fancy. It has always killed me that the US Open or the Peoples Tournament is heald at place which most of the people could only dream to get to play.
Yes, Tiger is the odds on favorite, but I won't be surprised if if he doesn't win.
As far as the course goes; I think Torrey Pines will be set up to be a good test for the best golfers. Although when they play it earlier in the season(i can't remember the name of the tournament), the winning score is about 14 under, I doubt it will be anywhere close to that for the US Open. They have lengthened some holes, and as usual, the rough will start at 4 inches in the beginning of the week, the greens will run much, much faster and the fringe will also be very short so putts can easily roll off the green and in some cases over the cliffs. If it wasn't to be set up properly, the PGA wouldn't have it there.
I'm not convinced that Tiger is that big of a favorite this year. Had his knee been 100%, then considering how well Tiger's played at Torrey in the past, I'd say he's likely to win. However, I'm not sure how people can just look at this two-month layoff from competetive golf and full swings and still call it Tiger's to lose. The last time Woods had played in a U.S. Open after this type of break was at Winged Foot in '06, and we all remember that one. Yes, I know that the scenarios are different; there's not the mental strain this time around. Still, Tiger's human and he needs to play competetively to be able to perform at "Tiger Woods" level. Just my feelings, anyway.
Tiger is the most unbelievable athlete that I have ever seen, but winning the U.S. Open after 8 weeks off is an almost impossible task. I don't think it happen, that being said, I am not in a big hurry to bet against him.
If you want to argue about your king golfer, there's another site just down the road where they all bow to him and would lick his shoes if he told them to. You would fit in perfectly. Who really gives a toad's wart who's going to win or lose? But, if you 100% postitively think sir Eldrick is going to win the tournament, why don't you lay some big bucks on the table and see if anyone bites. I mean lay down some serious dough my friend. C'mon, I know you can do it. Just think how much you know you're going to win!
I think one under wins the thing. USGA likes par and can make the course yield any number they want. Greens will be wicked, almost unfair, with all the slopes and severe undulations. I play there once a month in Men's Club tournaments and am amazed that there is such a lack a dearth of discussion about the severe greens. Probably because the media has not seen them except at the Buick when they are totally different than in the summer. The other thing is the bunkers--It is my understanding that they will be "fluffed" in such a way that buried lies in faces will often take place. Good luck getting out to the elevated greens with severe slopes!! I know the course superintendents want to make the course as severe as they can get away with before the USGA reigns them in!!
Read this article on the link below. I think you will realize that the USGA will do what it can to liven up Torrey Pines, but this course is fairly straight all around and the greens do not offer that much character. The views around the ocean are nice, and the USGA will make it interesting, but this is certainly not a US Open course. The forecast is for light winds right now. Don't be surprised to see under par win and some less than stellar players in the top 5.
The truth is in the scores. If the wind is blowing and the greens are firm and fast (USGA definition of firm and fast greens: unplayable), par will be a good score for 72 holes. With all the attention on Tiger, Phil and a couple of others, watch for Boo Weekly. This could be his week.
It was cool to see Tiger win, but I realy would have liked to see it go the ohter way. I realy like the idea that the avrage guy stands a chance. I know he was a little better than avrage but is is just nice to know the amature still stands a chance.
I think one under wins the thing. USGA likes par and can make the course yield any number they want. Greens will be wicked, almost unfair, with all the slopes and severe undulations. I play there once a month in Men's Club tournaments and am amazed that there is such a lack a dearth of discussion about the severe greens. Probably because the media has not seen them except at the Buick when they are totally different than in the summer. The other thing is the bunkers--It is my understanding that they will be "fluffed" in such a way that buried lies in faces will often take place. Good luck getting out to the elevated greens with severe slopes!! I know the course superintendents want to make the course as severe as they can get away with before the USGA reigns them in!!
Good call...one under sent it to the playoff...solid analysis, too.
May 31st, 2008, 10:45 PM
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