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U.S. Open Power Rankings: Top 10 contenders at Shinnecock Hills

By Mike Randleman

The clubhouse during the final round of the 2004 U. S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, June 20, 2004. Scenic Golf (Photo by A. Messerschmidt/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
The clubhouse during the final round of the 2004 U. S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, June 20, 2004. Scenic Golf (Photo by A. Messerschmidt/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /
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SOUTHAMPTON, NY – JUNE 16: Tiger Woods hits a shot on the 16th hole during the third day of practice at the 104th U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club June 16, 2004 in Southampton, New York. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, NY – JUNE 16: Tiger Woods hits a shot on the 16th hole during the third day of practice at the 104th U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club June 16, 2004 in Southampton, New York. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Even in a disappointing week for him back in his heyday in 2004, Woods still finished T17 in the last U.S. Open at Shinnecock. An uncharacteristic 73-76 on the weekend spoiled an otherwise excellent first 36 holes.

This year’s wider fairways should suit Woods who is 182nd in driving accuracy (and 26th in distance).

His driving looked better en route to a T23 at the Memorial where his ball striking was plenty good enough to get him into contention most weeks.

Woods has five top-25 finishes in nine starts in 2018 on the strength of his abilities tee to green.

Woods is sixth in that stat and is fourth in SG approaches and fifth in SG around the green.

To address the elephant in the room, it’s his putter that’s the question mark.

"“Consequently I missed a bunch of putts. But I hit it really good this week, so that’s a positive going into Shinnecock, where ball striking is going to be a must,” Woods said after the Memorial. “Obviously way different golf shots around the greens, lots of bump and runs and putters or spinners. It will be a very different golf course, but overall if I hit the ball like this, I’ll be pleased in two weeks.”"

If Tiger can win the U.S. Open on one leg, he can win it with one cold putter.

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