U.S. Open Continued

Consider this: Since 2000, Tiger has never ranked better than 54th in tour driving accuracy. Moreover, from 2001-2007, he was never in the top 100. Going into the Memorial, many questions were being asked about his accuracy off of the tee. During that tournament, Tiger hit 49/56 fairways, an impressive 87.5%. As you can see from the chart below, that would be the highest percentage among the most accurate drivers in the past decade. I know, it isn't an acceptable sample, but it is still impressive. If he can continue to drive the ball well and increase his YTD percentage to the low to mid 70's, who is going to beat this guy?

Couple these fun facts with his accomplishments, and it's pretty scary.

• 2000 - 71.0% - U.S. Open, British Open, PGA - 6 other PGA wins
• 2001 - 65.5% - Masters - 4 other PGA wins
• 2002 - 67.5% - Masters, U.S. Open - 3 other PGA wins
• 2003 - 62.7% - 5 PGA wins
• 2004 - 56.1% - 1 PGA win
• 2005 - 54.6% - Masters, British Open - 4 other PGA wins
• 2006 - 60.7% - British Open, PGA - 6 other PGA wins
• 2007 - 59.8% - PGA - 6 other PGA wins
• 2008 - No Data - U.S. Open - 3 PGA wins
• 2009 - 61.9% - 2 PGA wins

U.S. Open

The 2008 U.S. Open was, in my opinion, the most remarkable golf tournament in my life. ESPN highlights last year's major in the video below.

I don't think there is any way that we will see this kind of drama again this year, but I would love to be suprised. Tiger is the clear favorite to win again this year, coming off of an impressive victory at The Memorial. He comes into this Open as the defending U.S. Open champion and the definding U.S. Open at Bethpage Black champion (2002). I am looking forward to the fireworks.