A Roaring Tiger !

[x-forged]

I disagree, and I doulbt he was just sitting on his as playing video games...

point taken, but im sure when a professional golfer, let alone the number one in the world, takes time off and gets out of his normal routine, I highly doubt they will perform at their best level on their first tourney back, let alone the US Open.

[Nowsounder]

I am picking Tiger to win. First, if his knee wasn't ready, he wouldn't be playing. More importantly, the club that failed him in the Masters was the flat stick. I will bet you a dollar against a doughnut, he has worked hard on his short game and putting during his recent rehab. Second, Tiger may drop a club or two off the tee box, not only because he doesn't want to test the knee but to fulfill the goal of hitting fairways. 250 yard 2 iron stingers down the middle will drive the field (and Phil) crazy. Finally, Tiger loves it when he is discounted. His focus and ability to stay in the Now will be enhanced. Phil? Hmmmm. With Phil and Tiger paired together for the first two rounds, it maybe over for Phil on the back nine on Friday. It is all about keeping the mind out of the past and the future. Tiger gives Phil too many unintentional thoughts to deal with.

[teal]

point taken, but im sure when a professional golfer, let alone the number one in the world, takes time off and gets out of his normal routine, I highly doubt they will perform at their best level on their first tourney back, let alone the US Open.

But then again - it isn't like tiger is barely a tick ahead of everyone else. He is typically way out infront, Tiger at 80% is much better than many at 105%. Just the way he is. Will he win? Prob not in my opinion but he won't be 65th either.

[x-forged]

true, teal. i just read an interview on his swing coach after Haney and Tiger played a practice round on wednesday on the south course. Haney said he hit the ball really well but didn't walk the course....so, i could be wrong, but i dont think he'll win it. Considering the course, its anybody's trophy.

[Wisco-Kid]

If Tiger wins i think it would be utterly embarrasing for every professional golfer in that tournament. I really do. I mean, how does a guy coming off of knee surgury and not playing for months jump back in and starting whopping on the worlds best golfers?

You make a good point. I cant wait to see what happens. I think even if he places in the top 10 I agree with your statement. I wonder though if lets say Phil ends up winning will they take some of his glory away and say that Tiger wasn't 100%?

[Craig Mac]

I wonder though if lets say Phil ends up winning will they take some of his glory away and say that Tiger wasn't 100%?

I feel that you are right on the money with that statement. I can hear the "experts" now....be too easy to give the winner credit for winning.

[Klew]

anyone here going to the open? i'm trying to get a couple tix from e-bay :(

I have tix for Friday. IMO the best days will be thursday and friday because Tiger, Phil, and Adam scott, will all be in the same group. That only happens if the USGA sets it up that way, or if they all do well before the weekend, which is very rare.

I live in SoCal also, but my wife and I are struggling to get a babysitter, our usual (Grandma), is sick.... If we decide to sell and not give to my brother and sister and in law I'll post up in the for sale section.

[Crafty]

A couple of things:

They say that Tiger hasn't played a full 18 holes yet. But honestly, how often do regular tour players play a full 18 holes, discluding tournament play. As always, I have a gut feeling that the media (the Golf Channel specifically) might be overanalyzing Tiger's "not playing a full 18". Many of the professionals that I have seen over the years just play nine and practice on the range and short game area for a few hours. Tiger will be at least 85% strong for this tournament, and that could easily be good enough to win.

I honestly think that the knee issue might benefit him off the tee, and this is why: Tiger's errors off the tee are often a result of him getting greedy and trying to hit something longer, or cut of a little more corner than he ought. His still recovering knee IMO will cause him to play it safer off the tee. From the fairway, Tiger is second to none. I think his short game will be top notch, due to the fact that he has had plenty of time to practice it, not to mention that it is torrey pines, a course where he reads greens very well.

[iacas]

They say that Tiger hasn't played a full 18 holes yet.

Not true. He played 18 a day or two ago (albeit in a cart, but he often does them in a cart).

But honestly, how often do regular tour players play a full 18 holes, discluding tournament play.

At least usually two times. There's the pro-am day, and the practice round before that. Some will play just nine if they are familiar with the course.

[egehoski]

Tiger will not win the Open. I give it 50/50 on whether or not he makes the cut. That being said, I would also not be surprised if he did win. But my prediction is that he will not.
Being that Phil has always been one of my favorites, I'd like to pick him to win. But....I won't. Here are my two picks to duel it out on Sunday.....
Stewart Cink and Padraig Harrington, with Cink winning by a shot.