Unreal Woods Snatches 54 Hole Lead at '08 U.S. Open

A "see it to believe it" back nine gave Tiger Woods a one stroke lead over Lee Westwood at the 2008 U.S. Open. Woods stands at -3 with Westwood one back. Rocco Mediate was the only other player under par at -1. At +1 were D.J. Trahan and Geoff Ogilvy. Five players were tied at +2.

Woods was languishing on the front , but jump started his round with an eagle on 13. A 65 foot bomb brought his round back from the dead even without finding many fairways. On 17 he popped a chip shot from green side rough that one-hopped into the hole for birdie. The smirk on his face told everyone the shot was pure luck. Still, a bird's a bird. 18 was a surreal hole from the get go. With obvious pain from his recently repaired knee he found the fairway with a huge cut shot, ostensibly to be easier on the knee. His second on the par 54 was the same shot with a five wood. He found the green with it and of course drained a lengthy snake that broke about four feet. Four thousand people in the stands roared and set the stage for tomorrow's finale.

Woods and Westwood play last tomorrow. Anybody within five shots probably has a chance, especially with an injured Woods. He admitted in a post round interview that the pain was increasing every day he played with it. I'm sure he was headed straight to an ice machine.

Phil Mickelson shot himself in the foot on 13 when he carded a nine. He kind of tin cupped it from about 65 yards and that effectively ended his tournament. Rocco's a story. From tee to green he been better than anyone, even being a short hitter. Just goes to show that with a U.S. Open course set up, staying out of the deep stuff is paramount. Average Golfer would love to see Rocco do well. He's one of the nicest guys out there. Westwood was very steady and will be tough to beat. Ogilvy's won this before so nerves won't be a problem and he's got a great game. Can't wait for it to start.

Til' next,


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