For the first time this week, the USGA has opted to go with the most forward tee box at the 14th, which means the flagstick will be just 267 yards from the tee markers. That should add even more excitement to a final round in which Tiger Woods enters with a one-stroke lead.

In explaining the decision to use the forward tee, the USGA seemed to be encouraging the players to attempt to reach the green with their tee shots.

"The hole location is front right, meaning a bail-out right will short-side the player," the USGA noted in a Sunday morning news release. "A lay-up off the tee will still challenge the approach shot, since the angle will still call for shots over or hugging the right bunker. Predicted northwest winds (slightly left to right). This might help players some, taking the back canyon more out of play."

Just 32 birdies have been recorded at the 14th through the first three rounds. The hole, which has played at 435 yards, ranks as the fifth hardest this week, with a stroke average of 0.344 above par.

Given that the par-5 13th and par-5 18th have been the two easiest holes on the course this week, the final six-hole stretch on Sunday will give players ample opportunity to make up ground Sunday.

When asked after his round Saturday about the possibility of driving the 14th on Sunday, Woods replied: "You've got to read how the tournament's going, where the pin is, how they're going to put it, how the wind's blowing. But it's definitely not the USGA that we're kind of accustomed to."