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Taking on Tiger

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ST. ANDREWS, Scotland -- Just watched Jack Nicklaus make his much-anticipated farewell wave from the Swilican Burn, and I have to say I got a little misty-eyed. With relief. Finally, these infernal Nicklaus tributes are coming to an end. Now we can resume the previously scheduled Tiger Woods Coronation, er, Open Championship. The Great Man is about to tee off, and I have a hunch he is going to grab this tournament by its throat. Woods basically played mediocre golf Thursday, and at its best the field could only produce one better score. What happens when Woods finds his game? That said, Woods will be facing a tougher course this afternoon than he had to tussle with Thursday morning. The wind is picking up -- my perfectly coiffed hair has sadly been blown unrecognizable -- and the greens are now firmer than Britney Spears', uh, record sales.

Halfway through the second round I have to say I'm thrilled by the leaderboard. We all know Ernie Els is the only guy in golf with the cojones to get in Tiger's grille, even if he is destined to finish second, as always. (Oh, by the way, Tiger just birdied No. 1. Game on.) I think Sergio Garcia is going to keep things interesting on the weekend -- either by continuing to play electric links golf or by blowing up and weeping in his mother's arms, à la last year's British Open. I'm also happy to see Freddy Couples hanging around. Astute readers know that he was this correspondent's dark-horse pick. His back feels good, as does his equally balky putting stroke, so look out. I also like the presence of David Duval, Jean Van de Velde and Thomas Bjorn, one of my favorite Euros. Duval, especially, seems to have his game face on, that grim determination we haven't seen in a while. Not that it matters -- this is Tiger's show, and always has been. (By the way, he just stiffed it on No. 3.)

Sports Illustrated golf writer Alan Shipnuck will take you On Tour each week at golfplus.cnnsi.com. Click here to send Alan a question or a nice, friendly comment.

 

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