Mikes 2008 US Open Preview

The U.S. Open is always one of the most difficult events we play all year. The USGA likes to set up a tough course and stick to their old adage of trying to identify the best golfer. I'm looking forward to it as I've played well in this tournament over the years, with two finishes in the top five and three more top-20 finishes since 2000.

Patience is one of the keys this week as you hear whenever this major is held, but it's really only one of a few things you need to have a shot this week. You have to be really good inside 10 feet with the putter. You know you're going to miss fairways and have to wedge out and then you need to make those saving putts. You know everyone is going to struggle during the week so you have to realize that and just get through it.

Early in the week, there's been a lot of fog in the air which has kept some moisture on the greens but it's supposed to get hot so the course is going to play a lot different than it is during the first part of the week. That's pretty well expected for a U.S. Open. Every day it gets a little bit harder, they like to get it firmer and faster as the week goes on.

I think they've done a great job in setting up the golf course. Since Mike Davis took over, they've had this graduated rough so if you barely miss the fairway you can still get it up by the green but it really penalizes a wide shot which it should.

It's funny but since Memorial, a lot of people have asked me about the putting tip that Steve Stricker gave me. We were on the green at Colonial on the Friday and Strick just suggested something and I proceeded to go out the next day and shoot 66. I've felt good with the putter since then, really.

I have some momentum with my putter, my ball-striking hasn't been quite as sharp. I have weeks where I don't always strike it well and I have to rely on my putter and short game. Memorial is an example of that. I hit it pretty good but wasn't really on but my short game was really good so it's different every week. It's just like every golfer alive. I can go through the wins I've had and half the time I've hit it well and half the time it was short game that won it for me. The idea, of course, is that it all comes together on the same week. But realistically, if you ask the guys out here, they'll tell you it doesn't happen that often, but when it does, when everything is a 10 out of 10, I don't know how you can't win.

I looked at how many events I've played this year and I have to say I was surprised. I played a lot early in the year and I felt really worn out, through March and April. Actually right before Colonial, I went away for a little vacation and that helped me recharge the batteries. I've got to watch that - after all, I turned 38 a few weeks ago!

I'm hoping for a good week here at Torrey Pines. It certainly won't be easy, but I'm ready to give it a shot.

As always, thanks for your support.

Mike