Mediate's an underdog -- and he knows it
Odds?
"I don't know how you make odds on that," Mediate said.
Start with this: 157 to 1. That is Mediate's world ranking compared to Woods'. Put in those terms alone, the garrulous veteran from Greensburg, Pa., could be in for a long day.
At least he knows it.
"I'm playing against a monster tomorrow morning," said Mediate, who shot an even-par 71 on Sunday at Torrey Pines to Woods' 73 to end regulation in a tie at 1-under 283 over 72 holes. "I get to play against the best player that ever played. Whatever happens, happens. I'm happy that I'm here, and I will give it everything I have and see what we do.
"We'll give you a show, I'm sure," he added.
Unfortunately, for Mediate, that show might be "Truth or Consequences."
If he is to become the oldest U.S. Open champion, Mediate will have to be as true with his game as he has been thus far on Torrey South. Otherwise, Woods will simply wear him down.
Here is the tale of the tape -- or gallery rope -- when the two Americans square off Monday:
1. Woods has won 64 PGA TOUR titles. Mediate has won five.
2. Woods has 13 major titles. Mediate has 0.
3. Woods is 32 years old. Mediate is 45.
4. Woods has a bum knee. Mediate has a bad back.
5. Woods is averaging 320.8 yards off the tee despite that bum knee. Mediate is averaging 283.3.
6. Woods ranks first on the PGA TOUR this year in five key statistical categories. Mediate's best rank is 34th in greens in regulation from fairway bunkers.
7. Mediate is the first player to win a TOUR event with a long putter.
8. Each man has hit 46 greens in regulation and struck 115 putts this week.
9. Mediate has hit 36 of 56 fairways, Woods 30 of 56.
10. Mediate loves to talk, even while he's swinging a club. Woods is stoic, and his shots heroic.
11. Mediate had to survive a playoff in sectional qualifying just to get into the field. Woods was 15 when he last had to play an Open qualifier.
12. The last of Mediate's four victories was in 2002. That same year, Woods won five times, including his second U.S. Open title.
13. Woods has won the Tiger Slam in 2000-01. Mediate finished no better than 15th in those same four tournaments.
14. Mediate has missed eight cuts this year. Woods has missed five cuts since he turned pro in 1996.
15. Woods has won six times at Torrey Pines in the Buick Invitational. Mediate has never finished better than 57th.
16. Mediate lives in Naples, Fla. Woods lives in Orlando, but is thinking of buying Florida.
17. Mediate has 20 top-3 finishes in his career. Woods has 22 top-3s just in majors.
18. Two years ago, Mediate was doing television work for The GOLF CHANNEL. Woods was on television hitting golf balls on the "Mike Douglas Show" when he was 2 years old.
"You better watch yourself tomorrow, pal," Mediate said, pointing a finger playfully at Woods on Sunday night. "See, he's a little nervous right now."
Woods smiled and nodded.
He didn't look nervous at all. Then again, neither did the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl or the handlers of Big Brown at the Belmont.
Which means, anything can still happen.
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