British Open 2012: Tiger Woods' Round 4 Collapse Casts Doubt on Major No. 15

Tiger Woods had failed to win a major in his past 16 attempts. It looked like that could have changed as he entered Round 4 of the British Open. Instead, Woods' 15th major victory continued to elude his grasp.

Woods' fans, and golf fans in general, keep waiting for him to get over the hump. His performance in Round 4 begs the opposite question: Will he ever find that magic again?

He's been much better this year than he was from 2009 to 2011 combined. There's no doubting that.

His victories in the Arnold Palmer, Memorial Tournament and AT&T National were glaring signs of optimism that we haven't seen from Woods in what seems like forever. But the story hasn't been the same in majors.

He finished tied for 40th in the Masters and tied for 21st in the U.S. Open. That all could have been erased with a triumphant performance in the British Open on Sunday, but he couldn't do it. Not only could he not do it, but he also "choked." That's something completely uncharacteristic of Woods, especially a successful Woods.

Woods' collapse in Round 4 casts a doubt on his 15th major. If you don't believe that, then you are a blind supporter. I'm not discounting his ability to win a tournament here and there. I'm not even saying he won't contend for a few majors and he may even win one, but no one should expect it at this point.

He doesn't have the mental toughness to do it anymore. On the course, he's dealt with multiple knee injuries and a complete reworking of his picture-perfect swing. Off the course, he's been faced with tribulations that you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy.

That stuff takes a lot out of a player, icon or not. At some point people just get tired, and Woods seems to be at that point.

All of this was summed up on the sixth hole. He had been three under par on the hole for the tournament's first three rounds. It's not like he didn't know how to play it. Instead of playing it safe, he knocked his approach shot into the bunker and couldn't fish himself out before the scorecard read "triple-bogey."

The "old" Woods would have stared that massive moment in the eye and triumphed. He was five strokes back of Adam Scott, and he needed that hole to go well. It didn't happen and any hopes of victory at Royal Lytham & St. Annes were dashed.

It's hard to believe that pressure can get to someone of Woods' grand stature, but it can. It's not his swing anymore. Physically, Woods seems to be back where he used to be. Mentally, he paints a different picture.

That 15th major has already been a long time coming. Don't think he isn't gripping the club just a bit harder as each major chance goes by.

He showed that once again. The pressure got to him. At this point, it's obviously more mental than physical for Woods.

The golf world won't breathe again until Tiger Woods claims that elusive 15th crown, and he won't, either. That's exactly what's standing in his way.