Return to Transcripts main page
American Morning
Tiger Woods Aims for Fifth Straight Major
Aired June 13, 2001 - 10:48 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: Time to talk sports. And we get to talking now about something she and I talk about all morning, every morning: golf.
NANCY NEWMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Golf.
HARRIS: Nancy Newman here.
(CROSSTALK)
NEWMAN: We're not quite on the same caliber as the guy we are going to talk about, is that right?
HARRIS: That's for sure.
NEWMAN: Is that safe to say?
(CROSSTALK)
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: I don't know. Leon got a new driver, you know.
HARRIS: That I can't find now.
(LAUGHTER)
PHILLIPS: That's a whole 'nother story.
HARRIS: That's another story.
PHILLIPS: Anyway, Nance.
(LAUGHTER)
NEWMAN: OK, we'll set that aside.
OK, and let this man take center stage.
He is the reigning champion of all four of golf's majors. From that unprecedented perch, Tiger Woods begins defense of his U.S. Open title tomorrow at Southern Hills in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
And as CNN Sports Illustrated's John Giannone reports, Tiger is a marked man at the 101st edition, targeted as the man to beat by the 155 players in opposition.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JOHN GIANNONE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Once upon a time, major championship golf represented the steely duel man vs. the elements. But those days are over. Now the most formidable obstacle isn't the golf course; it is one golfer changing the course of history.
BRAD FAXON, PGA GOLFER: It used to be a question you would get mad at if you heard. Now you've got to think about it and say: Gee, this guy is just dominating. And somebody has got to find a way to step up to the plate.
DAVID DUVAL, PGA GOLFER: If I was on the other side of this microphone, I would be asking about him, too, you know. And as a player, I think you come to the realization that you just have to play very well and nearly mistake free and expect to be battling with him come Sunday.
SERGIO GARCIA, PGA GOLFER: You know, I think you've just got to play your own game, try to play well, and try to beat the golf course every single time. And if you're able to overcome Tiger, it's perfect. If not, just congratulations.
TIGER WOODS, DEFENDING U.S. OPEN CHAMPION: Do I put that much pressure on myself? I really don't. Do I expect to execute what I set out to execute? Yes. And if I don't, yes, it is disappointing. But it is not the end of the world.
GIANNONE: Woods' major dominance the last 12 months has clearly rocked every competitor's world. Those who insist Woods isn't either in their heads or their crosshairs this week as he strives for five straight majors is either defiant or lying.
FAXON: It doesn't matter if it's a major or not; he's in your mind when he's playing and when he's not playing, you know?
STUART APPLEBY, PGA GOLFER: You're dumb if you don't sit there and look at him and go: OK, how am I going to get better?
And I guess that is the long-term plan of players who want to get better is taking things from his game and believing that they can do the same thing.
ERNIE ELS, PGA GOLFER: We're competing against a guy that is dominating a sport unlike anybody else. I don't even think heavyweight boxers dominated their sport like that.
DUVAL: If you start trying things that you might normally not try, or hit some shots that you just -- you know deep down that you can't hit, then that is just a stupid way to play the game.
WOODS: I'm not trying to win five; I'm trying to win one. I guess that is the best way I can explain it. I'm out here this week just to win this week. And what I have accomplished in the past, that is great, but it doesn't hit any golf shots for me this week.
GIANNONE (on camera): Now, Woods' past will be the basis of many storylines this week, including one that isn't exactly his fondest memory. Woods will play his first two rounds alongside Thomas Bjorn, a player Woods calls a friend, but a player who beat Woods on the final hole of the Dubai Classic three months ago.
At the U.S. Open in Tulsa, I'm John Giannone.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
NEWMAN: Thanks, John.
Tiger's opening tee-time: 1:30 p.m. Eastern -- as John mentioned: paired with Thomas Bjorn and the reigning U.S. amateur champion: Jeff Quinney of Eugene, Oregon, who's about to get the ride of his life alongside Tiger tomorrow.
And, you guys, I would like to see video of you guys out there on the links some day. Bring it on in.
HARRIS: No, you would see it on "Cops."
(LAUGHTER)
HARRIS: That's about the only place you would be see it.
NEWMAN: Keystone Cops.
(LAUGHTER)
HARRIS: Exactly.
PHILLIPS: Talented, humble.
Thanks, Nancy.
NEWMAN: All right, until tomorrow.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
