No open and shut case for Woods

GOLF USPGA CHAMPIONSHIP:THERE REMAINS a quaint custom in many parts of the United States, a throw-back to the old days of the "Wild West", where a town's population is proudly displayed on a signpost as you enter its limits.

In the case of Chaska, Minnesota – where Hazeltine National is located – the official populace is 17,449; and, to a man, woman and child, every one of them expects only one winner to emerge from this 91st USPGA Championship: Tiger Woods!

Indeed that is the overwhelming view from locals and infiltrators alike, as Woods goes in search of a record-equalling fifth PGA title and a 15th career major in all.

And yet as Pádraig Harrington, one of those who doesn’t mind staring Tiger in the eye when the chips are down, puts it, there are so many what he calls “interventions” in a round of golf to make Woods’s quest for another major championship anything but a predestined path.

It could, just like the other three majors this year, prove to be a rocky road.

For sure, Woods – as ever – is again the man to beat. Since missing the cut at last month’s British Open, the world number one’s response has been perfect. Two appearances, two wins. You suspect, though, that he’d trade either or even both for this one.

All that Woods strives towards are the majors; and, so far this season, that is the only thing that has escaped his dominance.

This major, as the PGA of America deems it, is “Glory’s Last Shot”; and it is especially true in the case of Woods. More than anyone, he is aware of the challenge. “It’s the best field that we get, the deepest field that we get . . . you know if you win this championship you’ve beaten the best field in all of golf.”

Perhaps Angel Cabrera (US Masters), Lucas Glover (US Open) and Stewart Cink (British Open) may think otherwise. Still, the challenge for everyone – not just Woods – is to conquer a course that possesses the longest par three (13th), par four (12th) and par five (15th) in USPGA history and which, at 7,674 yards, is also the longest course that has ever staged this championship.

Yet, it won’t play that long. Graeme McDowell called it a “hidden length” and Harrington was of the opinion that the yardage was deceptive.

“If we were playing this golf course in Ireland, it would be a long course. But, in the heat, the ball goes a long way. If it’s a sunny day, we’re hitting the ball 320 yards (off the tee), so it’s not such a big hole . . . I don’t see it being a big factor this week, the length,” said Harrington.

Also, with four par fives and a driveable par four on the card, there will be birdie opportunities.

“You still expect the scoring to be good, it’s pretty generous off the tee. If you hit it good tee-to-green, you’re going to have a few birdie chances, I would imagine,” observed Lee Westwood, a player who left Turnberry last month wondering what might have been after bogeying the 72nd hole to finish one shot outside a play-off.

Cink became the second maiden winner of a major at Turnberry, following Glover’s win at Bethpage. Of this season’s three major winners, however, Cabrera is probably the one most suited to the demands of Hazeltine: he’s long off the tee and, when his putting is on song, the man known as “El Pato” – aka “The Duck” – carries himself with confidence. He shouldn’t be dismissed here.

Harrington, who is paired with Woods and 2002 champion Rich Beem for the first two rounds, is attempting to defend a title he won so impressively at Oakland Hills last year where he shot back-to-back 66s in the final two rounds.

His overdue return to form in last week’s Bridgestone Invitational, where he went head-to-head with Woods, should provide sufficient momentum.

As far as Harrington is concerned, it will be a case of focusing on his own game. “I always feel like I’m competing against myself, that’s the only way I can do it . . . there’s a lot of stars out there, if I looked at their games I would think they are all phenomenal players and how I could never beat them. If I start concentrating on them, I’d feel inferior.

“If I look after myself, that’s controllable. I can’t control them. The focus is on myself and not to worry about the opposition at all.”

Which is a good thing as far as Harrington is concerned, given that he will be up close and personal again to Woods for at least the first two days. If he were to be in his company over the weekend, you’d have to imagine he would again be in contention.

If you were to listen to Cink, however, they should be putting the crown atop Woods’s head already. “He’s driving it pretty well. He’s got a short game that history has never known. He’s got clutch putting that history has never known, and he’s got the ultimate tank of confidence to draw from. So, case closed!”

It shouldn’t be as simple as that. The case remains very much open.