Tiger Woods: Massive Expectations Obscure Improved Play

Tiger Woods did not win the British Open, so that makes four years since his last major championship. But that cruel bottom line hides the fact that Woods has improved steadily since he returned to the game.

Woods has ascended near the top of the World Golf Rankings. He is No. 1 in the FedEx Cup Standings, and his three wins this year are the most by anyone. But because his name is Tiger Woods, that isn't good enough.

Here's an example of two headlines describing Woods' third-place finish at Royal Lytham & St. Annes:

Steve DiMeglio of USA Today penned: "Tiger Woods Falters Again on Weekend in Major," and the Boston Herald writes: "Stubborn Tiger Woods Blows British Open Chance."

The stakes and backlash are always high for Woods. The man that once said "second place sucks" gets it thrown in his face anytime he isn't first.

It's especially bad when it's the all-important majors.

Tiger is playing markedly better now than he did in 2010 and 2011. Remember his ranking fell to No. 58 in the world at one point. Even without a win at the British Open or any other major, he's still playing the best golf of anyone on the tour this year.

He's won 14 majors, but if he doesn't win another, many people will call him a failure.

Is that fair?

No, but it's a reality for Woods. His greatness is his best quality, but also his biggest problem.

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