Tiger Woods: US Open Collapse Proves Tiger Isn't Back to Old Self Yet

Tiger Woods' long journey back to the top is still far from complete.

With his most recent meltdown at the 2012 US Open, it became painfully clear that Woods has a long way to go before reclaiming his status as the best golfer on the planet.

After shooting rounds of 69 and 70 on the first two days of the tournament, Woods was in great shape heading into the weekend. He was tied for first place at one-under par.

As his 8-for-9 record when leading after two rounds of a major would indicate, he was in prime position to win the tournament.

Unfortunately, he fell apart on Saturday and Sunday. He shanked tee shots, missed putts and played himself into the middle of the pack.

It was a sad development for most golf fans, as many of us are craving for the old Tiger to return.

When he's crushing balls off the tee, sinking impossible putts, pumping his fist triumphantly and, of course, winning majors, golf as a whole is better off.

Conversely, when he struggles, like he did at Olympic Club this weekend, the entire sport loses.

Woods was looking like his old, unflappable self in the first two rounds, and it seemed like he would finally end his four-year drought at major tournaments.

Then he had 10 bogeys and a double-bogey over the weekend, and the harsh reality of the situation became apparent.

Tiger is still a great golfer. He's third in the FedEx Cup points standings, fourth in the official world golf rankings and his 2012 scoring average of 69.28 is the best on the PGA Tour.

However, he's lost that killer instinct. Until he finds it again, he will continue to disappoint with his solid, but unspectacular, play.