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Woods relishing Oakmont challenge

13/06/2007

Tiger Woods says the changes made to the course at Oakmont promise to make the US Open one of the most challenging tournaments to win all year.

Around 5,000 trees have been removed from the course since it was last used to host the event in 1994 which means it is a lot windier than before.

The world number one says the slanting fairways and fast greens also make it a tough test even for him.

He also felt that the greens could be even harder than those at the notorious Augusta Masters because of their tilt. The viciousness of the rough was highlighted when Phil Mickelson injured his wrist during a practice round last month.

Woods said: "It's probably the most difficult championship that we face all year, because you're tested from tee-to-green and you're tested on the greens.

"Overall, the course is setup very fair; it will be a very difficult test, but also one that you just have to really grind your way round the golf course."

Woods has won the US Open twice before, at Pebble Beach in 2000 and Bethpage Black in 2002, and is looking to add to his haul of 12 majors.

The 31-year-old feels all aspects of his game must be in top form if he is to succeed in achieving this feat this weekend.

"Generally if you're missing one facet of your game, more than likely you're not going to win the championship. You have to have everything going," he concluded.

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