Tiger Woods at the US Open: His Five Most Compelling Quotes So Far

For once in Tiger Woods' long and storied career, we as golf fans don't know what to expect heading into Thursday's opening round at the U.S Open.

Tiger, a three time U.S Open winner, has been humble leading up to the weekend's events.

For the most part, it seems like an eternity ago that we witnessed Tiger's incredible one shot lead over Rocco Mediate at Torrey Pines back in 2008.

However, we are once again staring toward the face of greatness, as Woods hopes to tie Jack Nicklaus' record of four U.S Open wins.

So what can we expect from Tiger Woods, who is a seemingly mysterious figure this year?

Well, if the 2010 U.S Masters are anything to form an opinion from, we can expect the same old electric Tiger Woods, who will do just about anything to see his name atop the leaderboard come Sunday.

But before we can crown Tiger as the champion, perhaps we can learn a thing or two from his recent media related quotes, which describe just what we can expect from Nike's leading man this weekend.

5. When Did It Enter Your Gameplan To Get Bigger, To Get Stronger?

“So I’m fat now huh? Thanks. No I’ve been working out ever since high school, just never ever happened. My dad always said I was going to be a late bloomer and his entire side of the family were very thin and my Dad didn’t gain weight until he got into his 30’s, and I was the same basically”.

It's no real secret that Tiger Woods is a well built guy. Compared to other players, both past and present, Woods' physical condition leaves most guys left for dead.

Much of Tiger's highly impressive play over the years has been due to his intense work out schedule.

His power comes from his strong arms and his lower body also helps him to follow through with his stroke.

Fortunately for Tiger, he doesn't appear to be heading the way of John Daly anytime soon.

He trains, and he trains hard. And realistically, that will only result in more Major wins.

4. How Do You Compare Yourself In Your Game From Then To Now?

“I wish I had that speed again, I’m not as young as I used to be, but overall my game is progressing and hopefully I can put it together like I did back in that week (2008)."

Comparing the Tiger Woods of today to his past years isn't very fair.

Aside from the off-course issues that have plagued Tiger both emotionally and physically, there was no doubt that sooner or later, age was going to play a factor.

Tiger himself states that he isn't as young as he used to be, and although he is only 34, the wear and tear of professional golf has begun to take it's toll.

Still, Tiger shouldn't use this reason as an excuse.

He played exceptionally well during The Masters back in April, and it seems just when we count Tiger out of a tournament, he shows everybody why he is one of the greatest golfers alive.

One of the key points of Tiger's game is persistence.

He isn't happy with the forth, third or second spot, and only grows hungrier for a win when he continues to fall short.

Expect to see the same Tiger this weekend.

3. What’s The Biggest Challenge Off The Course Right Now For You?

“Well I think I’m starting to get a pattern off the golf course and that sort of helps, on the golf course I’ve gotten into my routine of playing and practicing and what that entails and just being away from the game for that period of time and things that I was dealing with, it was very difficult and I’m starting to get much more of a balance in my life."

Give Tiger credit, he has handled himself exceptionally well in the past six months.

The media has questioned him, players themselves have also had a bit to say, and more importantly, Tiger's fan base was a little shell shocked when the news first broke.

Now, Tiger seems to have moved on. His life is back in order, and fortunately for us fans, golf is his number one priority.

I think most of Tiger's critics have gotten past the off-course drama. And when Tiger doesn't perform at his best, no one is blaming the issue on what happened several months ago.

However, a controversy is a controversy, and this story will more than likely follow Tiger's career like a bad smell.

So what can he do to stop it?

Well, it's simple. Like Tiger said, he just needs to get into a pattern.

His life is now stable, and he is slowly but surely returning to the old Tiger Woods that we knew and loved.

Hopefully, Tiger's scandal won't affect him this weekend. But if anyone can overcome this type of an issue, it's Tiger Woods.

2. What Is The Single Biggest Adjustment You Need To Make?

“Just be more persistent, as I said things are starting to come together which is great and now I just have to peak come Thursday through Sunday”

As I mentioned earlier, Woods is perhaps the most persistent man on God's green earth.

Much of this question relates to Tiger's off-course issues. However, his recent performance has left people scratching their heads.

Missed putts, poor fairway shots and an overall average performance leaves Tiger needing an impressive start at Pebble Beach.

As stable as Tiger's life may be, there is of course a concern.

Will the strings come undone as soon as Tiger gets mad? Or can he keep it all together and continue to play the happy golfer?

No one really knows for sure.

However, if history proves to be noteworthy, Tiger's track record at the U.S Open makes him a solid favorite.

As for the biggest adjustment for Woods, it would of course have to be his family. At the end of the day, golf is just another game, and Tiger recognizes that.

If things are right at home, then it is likely things should be right on the green.

1. What Are Your Expectations Honestly This Week?

“Get a W.”

Its simple, it's predictable, and we all expected it.

Tiger is all about winning, and anything below the top spot simply isn't good enough.

Sure "Lefty" Phil Mickelson stands in the way, along with several other big names. But this type of competition is what Tiger Woods strives for.

But how realistic is Tiger being?

Well, there is no doubt that Tiger has a great chance at winning. However, he has recently struggled to piece every single part of his game together consecutively.

At The Masters, he was putting well and was striking the ball well, but all in all there were some crucial mistakes.

Therefore, Tiger just needs to play a consistent round day after day. No silly mistakes and above all else, no lazy putting.

If Tiger can put it all together like he did in 2000, 2002 and 2008, then he may just sit atop the leaderboard.

For now though, can we really blame Tiger for wanting a W?

Of course not. It is everyone's ultimate goal in mind.