(BBC Sport Photo)
Tiger Woods shot a 71 in today’s opening round of the U.S. Open at Oakmont. It’s a good start for Tiger. He did a pretty decent job of hitting fairways and greens. And Tiger had 30 putts, not exactly burning up the greens but respectable.
We all know that when Tiger starts well the rest of the tournament (especially if it’s a major) can go his way.
However, something else reminded me of why Tiger will win the U.S. Open. I just saw John Feinstein interviewed on Charlie Rose. Feinstein was talking about his new book, Tales from Q School.
Rose asked Feinstein what separated the first-tier PGA Tour players from everyone else. One thing Feinstein mentioned was putting. Then Feinstein cited this statistic: Tiger Woods attempted 485 putts within 5 feet of the hole on the PGA Tour in 2005. Tiger made all of them. ALL OF THEM.
(Ponder that for a moment.)
If Tiger does a reasonable job of controlling his golf ball from tee to green this week, putting will make the difference. Tiger will make those nerve-wracking par putts. While others will be wishing them into the hole, Tiger will be willing them into the hole.
If you watched any of the coverage today, you know there will be a bundle of putts in the throw-up range. The one who makes the most putts wins.
The Armchair Golfer
Totally agree. Tiger’s ability to make crucial putts (an ability Jack Nicklaus also had) puts him head and shoulders above his contemporaries. Everybody out there can hit the ball; putting separates the real pro’s from the wannabes.
Isn’t it just such a beautiful feeling when you will it into the hole. It’s happened to me. Once or twice.
Almost.
Opps! Tiger 45th in putting in a major.
Sorry to say though, that you have been proven wrong.
Still if you are interested, feel free to take a peak at my golf blog for a list of the top 100 golf courses. Just click on my name and you will be there.
Incorrect link in above. Try:
http://amateurgolfer.blogspot.com
Tiger mentioned that the course was hard, I really don’t think that he was focused for this tournament. He has other thinking on his mind.
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