Woods upbeat after sluggish start
| • | Three tied atop U.S. Open; Tiger 9 shots back |
Long-time Maui resident Mark Rolfing, an NBC golf analyst, will be providing commentary for the network at the U.S. Open. He also will chronicle his observations for The Advertiser.
By Mark Rolfing
Special to The Advertiser
TULSA, Okla. — Southern Hills definitely played easier today primarily because yesterday's torrential rain softened up the fairways and greens. It still is a very difficult course, though, and I expect the surfaces to firm up as the weekend goes on.
Once again, overwhelming pre-championship favorite Tiger Woods had a very disappointing day. He really didn't play any better than he did Thursday ... perhaps even worse. He hit a number of very poor iron shots and his two-round total of 5-over-par barely made the cut.
I followed Tiger the entire day, and with about eight holes to go I began getting a little worried about the post-round interview that I knew I would have to do with him. He was great though, very frank with his answers but also very positive.
I commented that I was intrigued with his smiling demeanor after some of his bad shots and he said, "Hey, if you can't laugh at yourself who can you laugh at?"
He also said that he could still win.
I think Tiger can still win also, but it will take a monumental effort the next two days. Mark Brooks played a great round today and shot 64. If Brooks can shoot 64 at Southern Hills in the U.S. Open, Tiger Woods certainly can. He needs to get off to a good start this morning.
Phil Mickelson, David Duval, Sergio Garcia and Colin Montgomerie are all looking for their first major championship. This is now their best chance.
I really like the way Garcia is playing. He has a great youthful attitude and isn't afraid of any shots or of the U.S. Open. Mickelson is still making too many mistakes. I continue to wonder about his judgment on some shots.
As play is winding down in the second round, Retief Goosen, Brooks and J.L. Lewis are all at 4-under-par. I would be surprised if any one of them is leading going into the back nine on Sunday. I thought Hale Irwin would play better today. He couldn't buy a putt early in the round.
Each year I cover the U.S. Open I gain more respect for what it takes to win. It's the most important championship in golf and the toughest test.
