The ultimate test

Three years ago, the left leg of Tiger Woods was a mess and the then world number one was told he was not fit enough to play in the US Open.

Invincible in those days, the American ignored the advice of the doctors and played at Torrey Pines.

As it turned out, Woods not only had to go the regulation four rounds, he also needed to win an 18 hole play-off that extended into sudden death. In all, he played 91 holes as he sealed victory in America’s national championship on effectively one leg.

Even by his standards, this was a superhuman effort that further enhanced his growing status as a legend of modern sport. Not only was he playing with torn ligaments in his knee, he was also suffering from a double stress fracture elsewhere in his left leg. Still, his victory did not come as that much of a surprise.

Thirty-six months on, we should be equally unsurprised that he has decided to heed the advice of the medics and steer clear of this year’s US Open, which takes place this week in Maryland.

Despite a drop in form in the early part of this season, Graeme McDowell will be looking forward to defending his US Open crown this week. However, nobody will need to tell him that he will be in for a tough test at the Congressional Country Club.

The Northern Irishman, 31, became the first European US Open champion in 40 years when he claimed victory at Pebble Beach in 2010. But replicating that success this week will be a difficult task because of both the complexity of the Congressional course and the talent of the players around him.

Looking at the form horses going in to the week, of course Luke Donald is the form player in world golf so far this year; 10 top 10 finishes in a row, a couple of victories, all new self-belief of confidence and the world number one berth to boot he is many peoples favourite to add his first Major to his CV at Congressional.

But the list is much longer than one man … much longer. Take the European contingent of Westwood, McIlroy, Poulter, McDowell, Casey and more. Could Matteo Mannessero become Italy’s first ever Major champion this week? The teenager is so talented I wouldn’t put it past him.

Sergio Garcia has qualified to play and tops the stroke averages for 36 holes on the PGA tour so far this season; if he could find a weekend maybe even he could break his long overdue Major duck.

The Americans, of course, will be out in force to try and secure a ‘home win’. For many Steve Stricker could be the man to deliver following his victory at the Memorial and, of course, the big tournaments usually bring out the best in Phil Mickelson.
 
Whoever triumphs at the end of possibly the toughest 72 holes of tournament golf to be played all year will be a deserved champion.

In the history books there will be no mark against their name saying ‘Tiger Woods was not there’; those days for now are gone. Tiger has been the dominant force in golf for the past decade and more; possibly he will dominate again, but now it may be even harder to win than when Tiger was at his peak.

There is so much more strength in depth in world golf now and that will make it even harder for Woods to climb his way back to the top on his dodgy knee.

The USGA has worked the draw so that the world’s top two, Luke Donald and Lee Westwood, are in the same group for the first two rounds. The English duo is joined by world number three, and another former number one, Martin Kaymer of Germany. It is the first time the US Open has put the top three together since 2008, when Woods, Mickelson and Adam Scott were in the same group.

I think this will help the three Ryder Cup team mates and if the USGA wants an American winner, then it might not be the smartest move.

This week I am going for another European winner, but as the name suggests, the US Open this year really is as wide open as it gets.

Enjoy!