Memorial Tournament 2012: Tiger Woods Must Win at US Open to Cement Comeback

I'm not going to utter the phrase "he's back," but I'll say that Tiger Woods' confidence has to be sky high after an impressive win at the Memorial. A win at the US Open would make me remove all restraint in my acknowledgement of his resurgence. How's that for a realistic and level-headed assessment of the world's most famous golfer?

I may also be calling him the world's best golfer again—not just the most famous—soon enough.  His two-stroke win at Jack Nicklaus' tournament was impressive for several reasons. He had an outstanding final day, especially that EA Sports' Tiger Woods 13 shot on the 16th hole seen here:

That was truly the "are you serious" moment of the tournament. He gave us the trademark fist-pump, followed by the yell, and it reminded me just how amazing he can still be. The rest of the day was outstanding as well for Tiger. He showed his classic poise and execution in claiming this title.

His confidence and swagger reappeared in the post-event interview. He knew he hit the ball well today, and it was refreshing to see him so sure of himself again.

I never rejoiced in his discomfort, and as a matter of fact, it made me uncomfortable just to watch him squirm. Well, there was no worm action today.

Tiger is moving to a crucial segment of the golf season and his immediate career.

The US Open begins on June 14, if Woods wins in San Francisco, I'll happily utter the phrase: "He's back."

It was a really great accomplishment to tie Nicklaus for second all-time in tournament victories (73), at his event. But to be brutally honest, it's not a major.

Tiger's standards are on a different level. He's the LeBron James of golf, meaning it's all or nothing for him. If he doesn't win the big ones, then it's nice, but it doesn't really improve his legacy. This win today was the equivalent of James' third MVP award this season.

It's nice, and in retrospect we might say: "James won three MVPs" or "Woods won the Memorial five times, and 73 events overall," but they know and we know it means nothing without the big ones.

When he captures his next major—which I firmly believe he will—then I'll say: "He's back."

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