Can Phil recover from the Open? How about Tiger?

	The tough Winged Foot course produced a lot of head-scratching. AP

With the golf world still trying to recover from the U.S. Open hangover, let's address questions about the tournament and other applicable golf story lines.

• Is Phil Mickelson prime for a bounce-back after his U.S. Open meltdown? Of course. His game is too good to vanish away. Remember, he was 0-for-forever in majors, including some agonizing near-misses, before capturing the '04 Masters.

Yes, Mick's U.S. Open free fall was excruciating to watch, and his Sports Illustrated cover was eerily reminiscent of Greg Norman's exasperated bow after blowing the '96 Masters. It won't be easy to right the U.S.S. Phil in the short term, but figure on Mick's archeological studies to resume in preparation for the British Open in July.

Mickelson's thoughts now center solely on the majors, and there's talk he may travel to Royal Liverpool Golf Club soon to scout the layout. He and Team Mickelson (caddie Jim Mackay, Rick Smith and Dave Pelz) will dissect every mound and break.

After Mickelson's successful prudent play in the preceding PGA Championship and Masters, it's hard to believe he'd make the same alarming mistake again if a similar opportunity arises. Harsh lessons are the best reminder, and you have to believe they'll securely handcuff alter ego Phil the Thrill. However, don't go crazy assuming a great British Open finish, as Mickelson's record across the pond isn't stellar (1 for 13 in top 10 finishes).

• What's next for Tiger Woods? Plenty. It's ludicrous to assume he'll continue his lackluster performance from the Open. He's much too proud, talented and persistent to sell himself short.

Woods appeared wane and withdrawn (mortal?) at the Open, and it's hardly the tournament to revive optimal play after a long layoff. His demeanor and dreary play raised warning flags for those who hope Woods' greatness continues for another decade at least. Forget the swing rust from nine weeks of inactivity; Woods admitted he wasn't mentally ready for prime-time play.

Yet he may have a better chance at the British Open than Mickelson, as Tiger owns six top 10s in 10 events. Nothing motivates Woods more than hearing whispers that his best golf has already come and gone. One day those murmurs will ring true ... but not now.

• Is the U.S. Open a tough event to watch? Tough, yes -- but also fascinating, excruciating, frustrating and stimulating as well. It's a real-life Final Destination slasher flick, because you know nearly all of the characters' chances will perish -- the question is, how?

Open setups cause chain-reaction pileups, but it's a great test for the world's best players to match their skills against supremely challenging conditions. Seriously, what's wrong with five-over winning an Open? Hard-liners reacted like it was plus-20.

The ratings, however -- even with Mickelson's major trifecta run and major-hard-luck Colin Montgomerie's possible first major win (but sans a weekend Woods) -- were the lowest in three years and the second-lowest since 1994. You'd think the masses would dial in to watch pros struggle like weekend duffers, but maybe the numbers belie the belief. I'm not sure why, though, since it's a once-a-year respite from the birdie barrages of normal Tour stops. Plus, the drama never disappoints.