Unlike the NBA Finals ratings which seem likely to disappoint historically, ratings for this weekend’s US Open golf tournament final rounds seem poised to exceed the recent ratings trend, because (and NBC has got to be thanking its lucky stars) even after knee surgery and not playing an 18 hole round since the Masters, Tiger Woods is one shot off the lead. The guy is just amazing. He’s practically a cripple and he birdies 5 of his final 9 holes today.

Saturday will be key. When Tiger leads a Major after the third round, he has never lost, but when he trails, he has never won. And it’s Tiger winning that brings the ratings bonanza.