"Hardly stiffs. Hardly stalwarts."

Steve Elling considered Tiger's post-final round comments about the Mike Davis approach to course setup and quotes Frank Nobilo, who doesn't sound like a huge fan of the shift in USGA approach. Elling also offers this:

Beginning in 2005, with the exception of Woods' victory at Torrey Pines two years ago, the toughest test in golf has been won by a series of less-heralded players, some with no pedigree whatsoever on the PGA Tour. In fact, throw out the career victory total of Woods -- who, mind you, required 19 playoff holes to defeat journeyman Rocco Mediate -- and the five other winners combined had amassed three U.S. tour wins before winning the Open.

Granted, Michael Campbell, Angel Cabrera and Graeme McDowell had played only sparingly in the States before winning the championship, but their world rankings at the time of their achievement don't require any asterisks. None was higher than No. 37 heading into the tournament week, and among the winners of the past six Opens, only Woods was ranked in the top 16. Two were ranked outside the top 70.

Hardly stiffs. Hardly stalwarts.