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The Importance Of Being in Contention After 36 Holes

June 14, 2019 - 2:09 PM
Tiger Woods was at least in the top-6 for all three of his U.S. Open victories. (USGA/JD Cuban)

As Tiger Woods and other hopefuls position themselves for the weekend, one thing to watch as the second round unfolds is who can play themselves onto the first page of the leader board. Why? Because 22 of the last 23 U.S. Open champions were in the top 6 after 36 holes. Only Webb Simpson in 2012 at The Olympic Club was able to successfully rally, starting the weekend tied for 29th before closing with a pair of 68s. Tiger has begun the U.S. Open with two consecutive rounds under par just twice in his career. In both instances – 2000 and 2002 – he won. A second nine of par 35 or better would achieve the feat for a third time.