Tiger Woods will be playing in Pennsylvania for the first time as a professional at the U.S. Open. And he can only hope it goes better than the last time he played in the Keystone State. Woods played the famed Sunnehanna Amateur in 1992 when he was 16, finishing in fifth. “Allen Doyle beat me by about five shots,” Woods said.
GOLF STORYLINES
The U.S. Open is always a challenge for Tiger Woods. Yes, he’s won the event twice, but he’s also won more majors everywhere else — Tiger’s a four-time Masters champion and three-time British Open and PGA Championship winner. Woods missed the cut last year at Winged Foot (though he had a legitimate reason with his father, Earl, dying prior to the tournament). This year, with a baby on the way, Woods appears more focused than ever. He’s spent the entire week making preparations for what should be a challenging course at Oakmont.
Defending champion Geoff Ogilvy spent the past year as an accidental champion after Colin Montgomerie, then Phil Mickelson, coughed up their opportunities, leaving Ogilvy with a 5-over 285 at Winged Foot. At the same time, he has the ability to get the job done when it comes to majors. Though the defending champion is flying under the radar this year, Ogilvy is set out to prove that he’s deservingof being among the elite players.
Speaking of Lefty, there are a couple of issues regarding Phil Mickelson, his injured left wrist and whether he can rebound from a forgettable final round at last year’s Open. Stay tuned.
THIS WEEK’S TEE TIMES
PGA
EVENT: U.S. Open
WHEN: Today-Sunday
WHERE: Oakmont, Pa.
COURSE: Oakmont Country Club, par 70
DEFENDING CHAMP: Geoff Ogilvy
LPGA
EVENT: Wegmans LPGA
WHEN: June 21-24
WHERE: Pittsford, N.Y.
COURSE: Locust Hill Country Club, par 72
DEFENDING CHAMP:</B> Jeong Jang
CHAMPIONS
EVENT: Bank of America Championship
WHEN: June 22-24
WHERE: Concord, Mass.
COURSE: Nashawtuc Country Club, par 72
DEFENDING CHAMP: Mark McNulty
NATIONWIDE
EVENT: Showdown at Somerby
WHEN: Today-Sunday
WHERE: Byron, Minn.
COURSE: Somerby Golf Club, par 72
DEFENDING CHAMP: Brandt Snedeker
EURO PGA
EVENT: Saint-Omer Open
WHEN: Today-Sunday
WHERE: Saint-Omer, France
COURSE: Aa Saint-Omer Golf Club, par 71
DEFENDING CHAMP: Cesar Monasterio
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