OUT OF PLACE

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- So Tiger Woods is still stuck on 13 major championships and looking forward to the chance to get another one in June at the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines, where he will once again be reminded he’s chasing Jack Nicklaus’ record 18 majors.

Here’s another reminder, one that he doesn’t like to hear: Woods is edging closer to Nicklaus in another category -- finishing second in majors.

While Trevor Immelman hung on by his fingernails to win his first major in Sunday’s final round of the Masters, Woods was fairly sure Immelman wasn’t going to cough up a three-shot lead in the last two holes, so he retreated to the clubhouse at Augusta National Golf Club to grab a bite to eat.

Woods had some time Monday to chew on this one, his second straight runner-up finish at the Masters. He has been second five times in majors, including three times in the last five and four in the last 12.

That’s not close to Nicklaus’ record of 19 second-place finishes in majors, but Woods is creeping closer, and he’s not that pleased about it, either.

Second place means you’re the first loser, as Woods often ruefully acknowledges.

With his Grand Slam thoughts slammed now, Woods joked Sunday after his round that he wasn’t going to say anything more about that kind of goal and blamed the media, while fully aware he was the one who raised the possibility in the first place.

Woods said that visions of a Grand Slam never visit him while he’s busy playing.

“It’s just one of those things when you’re out there playing, you couldn’t care less,� he said. “You’re just trying to win a golf tournament. You’re trying to put yourself in position, which I did. I just didn’t make the putts I needed to make this entire week.�

Chief beneficiary of all those missed putts -- Woods had only 11 birdies in 72 holes -- was Immelman, who is wearing his first green jacket because of it.

He is also the Masters champion because he had only five bogeys all week, led the field in fairways hit and tied for second in greens in regulation. Plus, Immelman had only two three-putts.

Immelman said he felt fortunate to win a major playing in the midst of the Woods era.

“You know, the guy boggles my mind,� Immelman said. “I’m an avid sports watcher, I’m an avid sports fan and I study top sportsmen, and this guy is frightening in what he gets done and how he gets it done and the ease in which he gets it done.

“To win 13 majors at an age of 32 is just frightening. To win a major while he’s playing, and he’s playing at his peak -- he’s told us he’s playing at his peak -- it’s a hell of an achievement.

“I’m not sure if I’ll ever get it done again, but I’ll be trying my best.�

For Immelman, his victory under extremely trying conditions -- swirling winds and rock-hard greens -- naturally moves the 28-year-old South African into a more prominent role in the professional golf scene.

He vaulted 14 places in the world rankings, from 29th to 15th.

Immelman also attracted the attention of oddsmakers, who ignored him at Augusta National. He’s listed at 40-1 to win the U.S. Open, tied for the 10th-best odds with Luke Donald, K.J. Choi, Steve Stricker and Stewart Cink.

Woods is the favorite, according to golfodds.com, at 5-4; Phil Mickelson is second at 10-1. Woods figures to play three more times before the U.S. Open -- the Wachovia the last weekend of April, the Players a week later and the Memorial the last weekend in May.

The 108th U.S. Open begins June 12 at Torrey Pines, where Woods has won the Buick Invitational event four straight times and five times in the last six years.

There will be much discussion about the 7,643 yards that Torrey will play for the Open, at par 71, instead of 72 as it is played for the PGA Tour event in January. The last time the Open was played on a par-71 course was in 2000 at Pebble Beach.

The 13th hole at Torrey Pines has a tee area that would allow it to be played at 614 yards, if the USGA decides to set it up that way.

It’s the longest course in U.S. Open history.

When June comes around, the only player with a chance to win the Grand Slam this year will be Immelman, who has actually thought about it.

“It’s probably too early to think about that,� he said. “You know, I’ve always dreamed about winning majors, and deep down, I always thought I was good enough, but at times, you obviously doubt yourself because you miss a few cuts and you screw up a few times and you’re just like, ‘Man, maybe I’m not as good, or good enough.’

“But this is a tremendous confidence boost.�

And for Woods, another second-place finish.

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REMAINING MAJORS

* U.S. Open: June 12-15

Torrey Pines, San Diego

* British Open: July 17-20

Royal Birkdale Golf Club

* PGA Championship: Aug. 7-10

Oakland Hills Country Club,

Greensboro, N.C.