Peter Diana, Post-Gazette photos Tiger Woods tees off on No. 6, a 194-yard par 3 yesterday at Oakmont Country Club.

The world's most famous athlete and greatest golfer sat comfortably in front of the assembled media in the interview area at Oakmont Country Club. Befitting his pre-eminent position in the sport, about 150 media members came to question and/or listen to Tiger Woods, the favorite to win the U.S. Open, which begins tomorrow.

When Tiger Woods comes to Oakmont to practice he stays on the course at the pro's cottage, a courtesy afforded no other competitor. He has been allowed on the course when others have not. It's the privilege of greatness. Click photo for larger image. Listen In: Tiger Woods speaks with the media Tuesday after practice rounds for the 107th U.S. Open at Oakmont: On the challenges of Oakmont What it takes to win the Open Oakmont's toughest (and easiest) holes Oakmont's brutal greens On Phil Mickelson Lessons from his parents

Although he is acclaimed by some as the world's greatest athlete, that is a debatable point. What is not open for question is that no other athlete more dominates nor means more to his sport than Woods. He is the face of golf and golf loves having him there.

Woods carefully answered questions for 30 minutes, rarely exposing himself. Unlike last year, when he hadn't played since the Masters because of the death of his father and failed to make the cut, Woods is prepared to win his third Open and first since 2002.

"I'm pleased with the things that I've been working on and pleased at the progress that I've been making in my practice rounds," he said. "Honestly, I'm really looking forward to Thursday."

That's good news for golf because a primed Tiger is what's best for the sport. Tiger sells. His presence at or near the top of the leader board ensures the best possible TV ratings, the best possible live gate and the best possible scenario for the sport. Nothing would be better for the health and wealth of golf than a victory by Woods.

Even better than having Woods atop the leader board is having Phil Mickelson, No. 2 in the world rankings, in close proximity. Even legends need challenges and Mickelson, more than anyone, provides that for Woods.

But this best-case scenario took a severe hit yesterday when Mickelson, who followed Woods into the interview room, left the impression, because of an injury to his left wrist, he'd be pleased just to finish the tournament.

Asked if his confidence was high, Mickelson, who has been undergoing a variety of treatments, said, "It's really not. That's not an area I'm really focused on right now. I'm focused on trying to play well and trying to get healthy to execute the shots I need to execute. I'm really not able to think about the results or think about trying to win or top 10 or make cuts or anything like that.

"I wish I had one more week for recovery and practice time."

As much as golf, and NBC, which is carrying the event, would love to see Woods and Mickelson dueling for the lead in the final holes Sunday, it will settle for Woods winning any which way.

This isn't to suggest golf will collapse with another poor showing by Woods. It's not hockey, after all. But in the crowded marketplace for entertainment dollar, golf needs Woods. He's the royalty of the sport. When he comes to Oakmont to practice, for example, he stays on the course at the pro's cottage, a courtesy afforded no other competitor. He has been allowed on the course when others have not. It's the privilege of greatness.

Not that Oakmont needs anything more to establish itself among the cream of the elite championship courses, but having Woods win a championship, well, that would be kind of nice.

Woods is poised to celebrate the birth of his first child.

"Last year was a complete 180 from where I am now in my life," he said. "I had not played a tournament since Augusta [the Masters]. Last year, my father, obviously, passed away in that time frame. I wasn't quite ready to play until I got to the U.S. Open. Probably not exactly the best tournament to come back to.

"So this year, I'm going to be a father. It's a complete polar opposite of where I was last year at this time."

Like everyone who paraded through the interview room, Woods paid homage to the course, although he didn't go as far as television commentator Johnny Miller, who made history by winning the 1973 Open at Oakmont with a final-round 63. Miller said, "It's the greatest course in the world."

"We all know it's difficult," Woods said, "but it's also fair. [The greens] are, by far, the most difficult I've ever played. I thought Winged Foot's [at last year's Open were] pretty tough, Augusta pretty tough. But both golf courses have flat spots. Augusta may have these big, big slopes, but they have these flat shelves that they usually put the pins on. Here, I'm trying to figure out where a flat shelf is."

Woods was asked if, in terms of his ability, it played into his hands to have the course as tough as it is.

He paused for a second, and with as little emotion in his voice as possible, said, "I've had success in the past on difficult golf courses."

Has he ever. Tiger's ready and golf can't wait.