Woods eager to take on the challenge of Oakmont

OAKMONT, Pennsylvania, June 12 (Reuters) Tiger Woods is prepared for a gruelling challenge at this week's US Open. He would not want it any other way.

''I think it's fantastic,'' the American world number one told reporters at Oakmont Country Club today. ''This is probably one of the most difficult tests we'll ever face.

''The way the golf course is playing right now, it's only going to get drier and faster and become even more difficult.

''You're going to have to play well from tee to green, and then the fun really begins.

''Overall the course is set up very fair. It will be a very difficult test but one where you just have to grind your way around the golf course really well.'' Twice champion Woods, gunning for his third major title in four starts, was asked if he felt the difficulty factor at Oakmont gave him a possible advantage.

After a brief pause, he replied with a smile: ''I've had success in the past on difficult golf courses before, yes.'' Much of the talk in the build-up to the second major of the year has focused on Oakmont's reputation as the toughest layout in the US.

DAUNTING TASK For Woods, the most daunting task facing the players will tackle the lightning-fast, sloping greens.

''They are by far the most difficult greens I've ever played,'' the 12-times major winner said.

''Winged Foot's were pretty tough and Augusta's are pretty tough,'' he added, referring to last year's US Open venue and to Augusta National, permanent home of the Masters.

''But those two golf courses have flat spots. Augusta may have these big, big slopes but they also have flat shelves where they usually put the pins on. Here, I'm trying to figure out where a flat shelf is.

''On this course, it depends on how the pins are set. If they go crazy, they can make it impossible. But if they put pins in generous spots, I think it will be just a fantastic test.'' Woods, US Open champion at Pebble Beach in 2000 and Bethpage Black in 2002, rates Oakmont's 482-yard par-four first as one of golf's toughest opening holes.

''It's a pretty narrow hole and, if you hit the ball in the bunkers there, you're probably not going to advance it to the green,'' he said.

''With the second shot, even if you hit it well, it's 50/50 whether it stays on (the green) or not. I think that's one of the more difficult holes I've ever seen as your opening hole.'' Woods is scheduled to tee off with title-holder Geoff Ogilvy of Australia and US amateur champion Richie Ramsay of Britain at 0806 (1206 GMT) in Thursday's opening round.

Reuters AKD VP0145