Tiger Woods: Continuing to Play Safe Will Make Tiger the 2012 US Open Champion

No, Tiger Woods isn't leading the 2012 US Open field in driving distance. He's not making every putt, either. 

But by playing the difficult Olympic Club safely through 36 holes, Woods has put himself in prime position to win his 15th major championship this weekend. And if he continues to drive the ball as accurately as he has, while hitting greens at a similar rate, Woods will win his first major since the 2008 US Open at Torrey Pines—ending a stretch of four long years without a grand slam win for golf's most recognizable player.

Don't be fooled by Woods' drive off the tee of the 670-yard 16th hole, where he outdrove Bubba Watson, the tour's longest hitter, by 15 or so yards. For the better part of this tournament, Woods has been ultraconservative with his first shot. 

The long irons and fairway woods have routinely come out of the bag before the big drivers. 

The result? 

Woods is leading the field in driving accuracy through 36 holes, after hitting 21 of 28 fairways (75 percent). Only three players—Woods, Graeme McDowell and German Alex Cejka—have hit 20 or more through two days at the Olympic Club. 

Throughout the last handful of years, Woods' driving accuracy has been erratic and unpredictable. That simply hasn't been the case through two rounds at the US Open. He's been smart and calculating with his first shot all week. 

Woods has made the most of his looks from the fairways he has continually found, too. 

He is currently tied for third in the field in greens in regulation, behind just co-leader Jim Furyk and fellow tournament favorite, Matt Kuchar. Through 36 holes, Woods has found 25 of 36 greens in regulation (69.44 percent). Furyk has found 27 of 36 (75 percent), while Kuchar is one back at 26 of 36 (72.22 percent). 

The putting hasn't always been perfect for Woods in this tournament, but it hasn't had to be. He's rarely facing pressure-packed par putts because of his proficiency in finding the fairways and greens so far. 

One of Woods' best shots of the tournament—and possibly most important—resulted in a three on the par-3 eighth Friday. It came after Woods learned just how unforgiving the Olympic Club can be.

After bogeying three straight holes to fall out of the lead, Woods perfectly lofted a five iron onto the tricky green. He two-putted for par, but the shot helped take the sting out of the previous three holes—and Woods then went on to play two under for the rest of the round. 

This golf course eats alive those who attack it, while rewarding those who take calculated, conservative risks. Woods crossed that delicate line on Nos. 5, 6 and 7, but quickly learned and adjusted to finish his round with a very respectable 70 Friday.

As long as he stays on the safe and conservative side through the weekend, Woods has a sound chance to win his 15th major.

That will absolutely come into play Saturday, where temperatures are supposed to be as hot as they will be all tournament. Hot weather can lead to a firmer, faster golf course, even if the USGA adds moisture manually. 

No player—especially veterans David Toms and Jim Furyk—are going to lay down for Woods to win this tournament. But given how well—and safely—Woods has played through 36 holes at the Olympic Club, there's no reason Woods shouldn't win this tournament. 

Play conservatively off the tee, continue to hit fairways and greens, and the 2012 US Open is probably Tiger's. It's much easier said than done, but Woods has accomplished that strategy thus far.