TIGER Woods sent a warning to US Open hopefuls ahead of the third golf major of the year.
Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania will stage the event for a tenth time this week.
Tiger Woods sent a warning to golfers at the US Open this weekCredit: Getty
Woods finished second at Oakmont in 2007 behind Angel CabreraCredit: AP:Associated Press
And it often proves to be one of the toughest tests in golf.
Woods, 49, will miss the event as he continues his rehab from surgery on a torn ACL.
He is a three-time US Open champion having won the tournament in 2000, 2002 and 2008.
Woods finished second in 2007 at Oakmont when Angel Cabrera won it at five over par.
Dustin Johnson won the last US Open at the course in 2016 at four under par.
And 15-time major champion Woods had a warning for players in a video on Instagram.
“There is no faking about Oakmont,” Woods said.
“The golf course is big, yes, but it’s just, there’s no way around it.
“You just have to hit the golf ball well, and it favors longer hitters, just because of the degrees, the complexes.
“It just helps so much to be coming with shorter iron, to be able to sock the ball.
“It’s about missing the ball on correct spots because if you don’t, it’s horrible!”
Scottie Scheffler is the favorite for victory this week in Pennsylvania.
The 28-year-old won the PGA Championship last month to add to his two Masters titles.
The par-three eighth hole will play 301 yards this week.
An unfazed Scheffler said, “Whether it’s a three wood or driver from that back tee, basically I’m just going to try to get the ball on the green and two-putt.”
Two-time US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau told his YouTube channel, “This course doesn’t just challenge your game, it challenges your sanity.
“This is the hardest this golf course could ever play right now.”
While three-time major champion Jordan Spieth said, “This course is built to be like this.
“So they’re not doing a whole lot different to the golf course.
“You hit a good shot, you get rewarded for it here.
“And if you don’t, you’re in big trouble. It’s pure golf, no funny business about it.”
