US Open Golf Results 2012: Most Demoralizing Performances from Top Players

Tiger Woods is held to a certain standard, and his plus-four, No. 18 position heading into the final round of the 2012 US Open is unacceptable.

And although Woods hasn't won a major since 2008, taking 14 has us anxious for Tiger to close in on Jack Nicklaus. So, each time Woods fails to put up impressive numbers, he will get criticized more than most.

Before we get to Woods, though, let's check out some other top players that vehemently failed to meet expectations at the Olympic Club.

Note: Overall scores are through three rounds of play.

Phil Mickelson (+8, 218)

Barring a catastrophic breakdown from the rest of the field, Phil Mickelson has absolutely no chance to win the 2012 US Open.

Entering the final round at plus-eight, Mickelson birdied just five holes in the first three rounds and bogeyed 13 holes. The good news is that he had zero double-bogeys and parred holes seven through 15 in Round 2 and holes seven through 17 in Round 3.

Provided that Mickelson can jump a few of those to birdies in future tournaments, he'll see himself competing near the top. As for this US Open, it's simply one for Mickelson to forget and avenge himself in the next two majors.

Rory McIlroy (+10, 150)

According to the official world golf rankings, Rory McIlroy was ranked No. 2 entering the US Open. Unfortunately, disaster struck, and McIlroy failed to make the cut after Round 2.

Shooting a 77 in Round 1, McIlroy didn't answer the call in the second round and shot just 73 by bogeying five holes. Only three times did he birdie a hole for his showing, and McIlroy just never hit a rhythm.

On the bright side, he is only 23 years old and has one major to his credit (2011 US Open). We'll see plenty more of McIlroy as he gains experience because the 2012 US Open was a reality check if anything.

Tiger Woods (+4, 214)

It was a great start for Tiger Woods, as he shot a 69 in Round 1 and a 70 in Round 2 of this year's US Open.

Then, Round 3 happened and Woods shot a 75, stooped down the leaderboard and was plus-four entering the final round (plus-five from the leaders). With two majors left in the season, Woods has to remain consistent throughout a tournament.

2012 altogether has been rough, as he has been up-and-down all year. Woods has two wins coming from the Memorial Tournament and the Arnold Palmer, but he missed the cut at Wells Fargo and finished just 40th at the Masters.

And although the US Open was a better showing than Augusta, it's extremely disappointing when Woods fails to dominate throughout the duration of a tournament.

John Rozum on Twitter.