Will Tiger Win The Grand Slam This Year? The answer, I think, is a cautious yes.
With Tiger, it’s all about the courses. There are a few courses that he totally dominates. In fact, by my count, 40% of his victories have come at just six courses: Bay Hill, Augusta, Muirfield, Medinah, Firestone and Torrey Pines. Six of his thirteen majors have come at just two courses: August and St. Andrews. Eight have come at three, if you add Medinah.
Given this year’s venues, hes got a pretty good shot at the Slam.
Augusta, of course, is home of the Masters. He’s always played very well there and has to be the favorite.
The US Open is at Torrey Pines. Over the years, Tiger has absolutely OWNED Torrey Pines, having won four of the last five Buick Invitationals. I predict that he wins both the Buick Invitational and the US Open at Torrey Pines this year. The USGA has practically handed him this victory.
Royal Birkdale, site of the Open Championship is a bit of an unknown. In 1998, Tiger finished third here, after shooting a 66 on Sunday and missing the playoff by just one stroke. Familiarity is Tiger’s friend. In the final analysis, I think he has a very good chance here.
The most problematic of the quartet is Oakland Hills. Tiger has played here in competition just twice. At the 1996 US Open, he was the reigning US Amateur Champion, but tied for 82nd after having two rounds of 76 and 77. Then there was the 2004 Ryder Cup. He was involved in 3 losses out of four in team events, but won on Sunday over Paul Casey 3 and 2. Not exactly impressive.
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I think the grand slams very unlikely, but hes playing great on courses that suit his eye, so mabey 3 of 4.