US Open 2013: Why Tiger Woods Will Win

Regardless of whether or not you agree with his lifestyle off the course, you have to admit that Tiger Woods is the best golfer of our generation.  

By far.

Tiger has won as many majors as Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els and Nick Faldo combined. Only the immortal Jack Nicklaus has more Masters and major championships than Tiger does. Tiger is also tied for second place with Hale Irwin for the most U.S. Open championships of all-time.

Not only is Tiger the best golfer of our generation, he could be the best golfer ever by the time he decides to call it quits.

Let’s take a look at some reasons why Tiger Woods will win this year’s U.S. Open.

History

Woods is going to have a lot of motivation in this year’s installment of the U.S. Open. With a win, he could move himself into a five-way tie for the most U.S. Open championships of all-time. Tiger’s already won three other Opens and has finished in the top four on seven different occasions.

Historically, he’s very comfortable in this tournament. This could be the year that Tiger gets his trophy back.

Field’s lack of dominance

Since Tiger first won the U.S. Open in 2000, the only other two-time winner is Retief Goosen (‘01, ‘04). The Goose, however, hasn’t won anything on the PGA Tour since 2009 and is ranked number 155 in the world. There is nobody else in the field who has dominated the tournament, other than Tiger.  

Of the past five winners, the only one who has won another major is Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy (PGA Championship ‘12). Although he’s never played at Merion competitively, the gamblers in Las Vegas still like his chances to win.  Woods’ odds currently sit at 4-1 to win the U.S. Open.  

With a weak field, 2013 looks like the year that Tiger gets his championship back.

Preparation

Tiger is known for his incredible work ethic. When he’s not golfing in a tournament, he’s out practicing in all types of conditions and on all types of courses. The eye of the Tiger has been turned to Merion for a while, now.

His first round at Merion was last month, when he went to play the course with the club’s assistant golf pro. The weather was rainy during his practice rounds but that doesn’t mean he won’t be ready. The combination of his preparation, work ethic and pure talent don’t only make him the odds on favorite for the U.S. Open—they make him the best golfer in the world.  

Tiger’s new coach

Sean Foley, Tiger Woods’ new instructor, has found inspiration from some of basketball’s most famous and successful coaches. Speaking of Phil Jackson and John Wooden, Foley said, "They took extremely good basketball players and helped them reach their fullest potential...I wouldn't say that I'm a golf instructor. I'm a coach."

Did I say he was Tiger’s new instructor? I meant to say “coach." 

I don’t know exactly what Foley is doing with Woods, but it’s working. Tiger already has four wins this year. He was extremely close to having a fifth win, too. Tiger’s got his swag back, and he's golfing like we’re used to.  

With Tiger’s new coach, and his form recovering, he’s been the favorite in every tournament that he’s played in, recently. He’s playing confidently again. Tiger finished in fourth place at this years Masters and has won four of the eight events in 2013 that he’s participated in. He’s looking as confident and ready as he’s ever been for this year’s U.S. Open.

Expect Tiger to come out on top of the field on the 16th. 

You can follow Phil Oscarson at @philoscarson or read more of his posts at AmericanGolf.com.