No surprise here -- Tiger likes his chances

The question to Tiger Woods Tuesday morning was straightforward:

If the wet conditions persist this week at Bethpage Black, making a long golf course play even longer, does Woods think it helps his chance of winning?

"I like my chances in any major," Woods said.

Two weeks ago, Woods' status as the pre-tournament favorite was shakier than it is today. He answered most questions when he shot a near-perfect final-round 65 to win The Memorial Tournament in his last start before the Open, making it easier to brush off his Sunday struggles at Quail Hollow and The Players Championship

Now the question is who might be his likely challengers. Jim Furyk comes to mind. Geoff Ogilvy comes to mind. It's probably too much to ask of Phil Mickelson given what he and his wife, Amy, are dealing with. Otherwise, the list of challengers is murky.

When 19-year old Rory McIlroy was asked Tuesday if he felt ready to challenge Woods this week, the teenager said not if he plays like he did at the Memorial. Makes him sound wise beyond his years.