How DREADFUL was it watching golf while Tiger Woods was on the shelf recovering from knee surgery?

Oh, you didn't watch either, eh?

Face it, without Tiger roaming the fairways, golf just isn't the same. Nobody else grabs my attention the way that Tiger does. As far as I'm concerned, the cameras can stay on Tiger the entire 18 and never once pan over to any of the other players.

Unfortunately, from what I have seen so far, Tiger may not be a big factor in deciding the outcome of this week's U.S. Open at Torrey Pines come Sunday. I'm watching now and Woods just doesn't look right.

He double-bogeyed the first hole and flew shots into the bunker on two of his other first six holes. He is sitting at +1 now and even though it's early on in his first round, Tiger just doesn't look like his dominant self.

The knee may not be affecting his golf swing that much, but the fact that he has to walk the nearly 7,700 yard course is a BIG DEAL. Listen, these pros don't have it easy like we do. They don't get to ride in a cart. They don't stop at the clubhouse after 9 holes to grab a pop and a hotdog. If Tiger's knee starts to bother him from all the walking, look for him to stuggle even more. Remember, he hasn't played a round since Sunday at the Masters. That knee could mean that somebody else will take the reigns at this tournament.

So if not Tiger, who will win this baby? My bet, Stuart Appleby hoists the trophy come Sunday.

Even if Tiger doesn't take home the championship this weekend, golf is 1000% better just having him on the course. You can't argue with that.