Can Tiger do the Grand Slam?

There can be no debate when it comes to the best golfer in the world, because the argument begins and ends with Eldrick “Tiger” Woods. The list of accolades for Woods is almost a mile long, as he has claimed the PGA Player of the Year honor a record nine times and counting, along with four AP Male Athlete of the Year awards. He has even created the “Tiger Slam”, when he held all four major championships at one time between 2000 and 2001. But Woods has yet to hold all the majors in a calendar year, and he made waves before this season began when he said it was possible.

The Masters is first on the major schedule in April, and Woods is very fond of playing at Augusta National Golf Club. Beginning with his 12-stroke domination to become the youngest Masters champion in 1997, Woods has since won three more Masters, and he has not finished out of the top three since 2004. Woods also has a flair for the dramatic at Augusta, shown by his massive chip-in at the 16^th hole in 2005. Next will be the U.S. Open in June, which will be held at Torrey Pines Golf Course, where Woods roared to an eight-stroke victory in the Buick Invitational in January. That was his fourth win at Torrey Pines, but many point out that the course will be much different in June than in January, when it was pretty soft and it was easier to go for the pins. The United States Golf Association is notorious for making courses as difficult as possible for the U.S. Open, but if anyone in the world can get accustomed to these conditions, it is Woods, who has “only” won this major twice so far.

Then it is off to the British Open at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in July, and Woods will be aiming for his fourth win in the world-renowned Open Championship. The last time the Open was held at Royal Birkdale, Woods finished third to eventual winner and good friend Mark O’Meara. For Woods’ first time playing on such a tough course, third was an impressive performance for him to build on. Woods is also a huge 150 favorite in this year’s edition of the Open. Finally, Woods will try to complete a three-peat of the PGA Championship title at Oakland Hills Country Club in August, where Woods last played in 2004 when the United States were hammered by Europe. This is the wild card in Woods’ hunt for the Grand Slam, as he lost three of his matches. However, he won his singles match with Paul Casey, and it is no secret Woods is better in the singles matches than in the pairs.

So, who will be gutsy enough to bet against Woods pulling off the Grand Slam? It sure will not be me.

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Tags: golf, major championship, tiger woods