Tiger, Phil Brace for Tough US Open

This year's US Open, at Oakmont, PA, is likely to be an exceptionally difficult one, continuing a year of high scores and sloppy wins. Tiger Woods, who has won two of his last three majors, rated the first hole as one of golf's most difficult, and cites the lack of flat shelves in the course's relentless sloping.

"They are by far the most difficult greens I've ever played," said Woods. Phil Mickelson has a hand injury that has him caused to miss the last seven holes of the Memorial Tournament, as well as Memphis, and it is anticipated to give him especial difficulty in the rough. (More golf stories.)