Gotta Start Somewhere

How last seven U.S. Open champions fared in their first U.S. Open:

1. Tiger Woods: withdrew in 1995 (amateur); tied for 19th in 1997 (pro)

2. Payne Stewart: missed cut in 1984

3. Lee Janzen: missed cut in 1985

4. Ernie Els: tied for seventh in 1993

5. Steve Jones: tied for 46th in 1989

6. Corey Pavin: missed cut in 1983

7. Ernie Els: tied for seventh in 1993

Be-Fore!

Majors won before winning U.S. Open:

1. Tiger Woods, 2000: Masters and PGA

2. Payne Stewart, 1999: PGA and U.S. Open

3. Lee Janzen, 1998: U.S. Open

4. Ernie Els, 1997: U.S. Open

5. Steve Jones, 1996: had won no majors in 14 tries

6. Corey Pavin, 1995: had won no majors in 41 tries

7. Ernie Els, 1994: had won no majors in seven tries

Source: World Features Syndicate