Tiger Leads at Torrey With Pain

      With an aching knee, Tiger Woods still managed to find his way as the 54-hole leader at the U.S. Open. The 50,000 people packed in Torrey Pines roared, and Tiger showed emotion, making two eagles and holed a chip for birdie while shooting 33 on his back nine en route to a one under 70 leaving him 3 under leading the U.S. Open.

     History tells us that Tiger Woods has never lost a major while leading or having a share of the lead after 54 holes, however this year the lingering effects of knee surgery must be thrown into the equation. Woods, who underwent surgery after the Masters began showing signs of his knee wearing down around 15 when he pushed a driver to the right-hand rough. He compensated and was able to close out his last 3 holes at -3 under par. In his post-round interview with Roger Maltby, Woods admitted that he was in pain and that the knee was getting worse.

    Woods played a cut, a left-to-right shot, on 18 in order to relieve himself of the pain the left-knee was experiencing. He drove it down the center and hit the green in two, which lead to a 30 foot make for eagle to take the outright lead.

    Okay, so it is time for the final round prediction. Remember that this is the USGA Championship, the U.S. Open. It's not supposed to be easy, and with 18 more holes anything can happen. Woods' ailing knee will certainly be a factor even if it's iced, wrapped, and given a shot of cortisone. Lee Westwood, playing in the final group with Tiger, is an 18 time professional winner and yearly standout on the Eurpoean Ryder Cup has not been over par for a round this week. Rocco Mediate had a chance but seemed to falter with a double and two bogeys on the back-nine.

   Alright here it is. Remember Monty and Phil blowing it at Winged Foot? Tiger missing the cut that year? Well it's Father's Day and Tiger Woods' father Earl was  a very important part of his life. With pain and everything Tiger will be experiencing in his final round the man is so mentally tough it will be difficult to rattle him. He will remember the goal that is to win the Championship and set his eyes on it. His knee pain is just a little detour. Go out, shoot 71 and take home the prize for Earl. You deserve it kid.