Woods is trying to become the first player since Nicklaus in 1972 to win both the Masters and the U.S. Open. No one has won the four majors that make up the professional Grand Slam - Ben Hogan came the closest in 1953, winning the Masters, U.S. Open and the British Open. His legs, battered from a car crash, did not allow him to play in the PGA Championship. Nick Faldo said. The allure of Woods is his ability to thrive under any conditions, topping even the wildest of expectations.
Tiger is no different.
Woods won't be the only favorite. No one can play Augusta like Woods, but U.S. Open venues bring a lot of others into the hunt. Ernie Els, the 1994 U.S. Open champion, has the length off the tee and the brute strength to power the ball out of the rough. Montgomerie plays well in this tournament because he consistently hits the ball straight. Jones was nobody's favorite last year.