This is Tiger Wood's only fifth tournament that he has played in this year, but he returns to a course where ten years earlier he dominated the field by finishing 15 shots better than the second place golfer. There is, no doubt, still a very bitter taste in many American's mouths due to the saga that was the Tiger Woods scandal that dominated the media for the last two months of 2009 and into 2010.
Tiger is, hands down, the best golfer in the world, yet he has allowed his personal issues and lack of character to dominate how many perceive him. Much of the conversation amongst the commentators, analysts, and gallery at Pebble today and throughout the weekend will discuss the off the course issues Tiger has had, but his exceptional play will ultimately dominate the conversation. Here are three reasons why:
1) He has played in just five tournaments in 2010, and not one since The Memorial Tournament from June 3-6. I'd imagine Tiger has been thinking about the US Open since he completed The Masters back in April. He has accomplished so much in his storied career that the Major Tournaments are really the only ones that truly matter for him.
2) The last Major Tournament he won was all the way back in 2008 when he defeated Rocco Mediate on one leg at the US Open played at Torrey Pines. It was this remarkable putt on 18 that forced a playoff. I'd say he is overdue to make a run for another Major Championship.
3) Tiger is paired with Ernie Els and Lee Westwood for the first two rounds. According to ESPN.com, Westwood is ranked as the 3rd ranked golfer in the world, and Els is 7th. Each golfer will certainly push one another throughout the 1st and 2nd round.
The Lakers vs. Celtics fight for the NBA Championship tonight is probably a bigger story in the world of sports today, but I felt compelled to give some notoriety to a story that will develop as the biggest one heading into the weekend.
Fearless Prediction: Brian Scalabrine touches the floor for the first time in the 2010 playoffs.
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