Woods missed his first major since turning pro because of stress fractures in his left leg and a torn ACL in his left knee. The only other top-ranked player to miss a major since the World Ranking began in 1986 is Greg Norman at the 1988 British Open. Norman was recovering from a wrist injury suffered at the U.S. Open.
British Open 2008 Report Card
July 25, 2008
1. Tiger Woods, did not play
Grade: DNP
2. Phil Mickelson, T-19, 294 (+14)
Grade: C
What worked: With solid play in even rounds, his T-19 looked good despite his problems on links courses.
What didn't: He had trouble controlling his ball flight in the wind (see page 70) and hit just 28 fairways.
PGA prospects: Oakland Hills was the site of the failed Ryder Cup pairing with Tiger Woods in 2004.
3. Geoff Ogilvy, MC, 151 (+11)
Grade: F
What worked: Was third in putts (52) after two rounds, but that was more a function of his failure to hit greens.
What didn't: The wind and rain derailed his game Thursday when he hit three greens and made eight bogeys.
PGA prospects: He was playing well before Birkdale, and with three top-10s at the PGA, he should rebound.
4. Adam Scott, T-16, 293 (+13)
Grade: C+
What worked: Scott was pleased with his play in his first-round 70, but admitted he had to grind to go that low.
What didn't: Another long hitter who didn't hit many fairways in the wind and rain. Scott was T-56 in accuracy.
PGA prospects: The injured hand appears healed, but he needs to keep pace early to contend in a major.
5. Ernie Els, T-7, 292 (+12)
Grade: B-
What worked: Talk about odd day/even day schisms, the Friday/Sunday 69s gave Els his 12th British top-10.
What didn't: Thursday and Saturday. Thursday's 80 was his highest PGA Tour score since the '06 Memorial.
PGA prospects: Els has finished T-5 or better in three of the last five PGA Championships.
More on GolfDigest.com
Slideshows
The 18 Most Annoying Golf Partners
The only thing worse than playing with one is being one.
Golf Courses & Travel
The 20 Toughest Courses
Approach these courses with caution, and at your own risk.
News & Tours
Final Round Flameouts
In a season of memorable collapses, a look at the biggest in history.
