Tiger Woods misses US Open at Torrey Pines but 2008 memories dominate build-up

Tiger Woods won the US Open the last time it was held at Torrey Pines in 2008 (Niall Carson/PA)

Tiger Woods will sadly be absent when the US Open returns to Torrey Pines next week for the first time since his epic play-off victory over Rocco Mediate.

Yet the manner of that extraordinary triumph in 2008 means the 15-time major winner will dominate the build-up to the event as he recovers at home from the serious leg injuries suffered in a car crash in Los Angeles in February.