Maybe it isn’t surprising that Tiger Woods will be unable to play in the U.S. Open next week. But it is disappointing — for him and for area golf fans. But this is only the latest in a string of disappointments regarding Woods and the four majors.
5. U.S. Open, 2011 » This one ranks low because it was hard to imagine Woods playing given how his knee was bothering him. Sadly, by now, you can no longer be surprised by any mishaps or injuries when it comes to Woods. It’s just the way life has gone for him the past couple years.
4. U.S. Open, 2010 » Woods reminded everyone of his greatness with a third-round 66, which included an incredible 3-wood from 260 yards that he cut by the ocean and dropped to within 20 feet of the pin. But after a sterling round Saturday, Woods shot a 75 on Sunday and never threatened.
3. British Open, 2008-09 » Woods missed his first major in 2008 thanks to reconstructive knee surgery following a win at the U.S. Open. A year later, Woods returned only to then miss the cut after rounds of 71 and 74.
2. U.S. Open, 2006 » In the previous year, Woods won two majors and finished in the top four in two others. But after a third-place Masters finish, Woods failed to make the cut at the U.S. Open at Winged Foot. It marked the first time he had missed the cut at a major. Woods responded OK — he won the season’s next two majors.
1. PGA Championship, 2009 » For the first time in his career, Woods failed to close out a major when he entered the final round with a lead. He hasn’t finished higher than fourth place in a major since losing to Y.E. Yang at Hazeltine. A final-round 75 made Woods look mortal.
