TIGER’S STILL NOT OUT OF THE WOODS

Tiger Woods was still a strong contender to win the U.S. Open on Saturday, but NBC’s telecast of the U.S. Open drew only so-so ratings. While the telecast of the golf tournament dominated the ratings on Saturday night among total viewers, it placed second among the key 18-49 demographic group, most of whom apparently preferred watching Fox’s Cops and America’s Most Wanted. Woods returned to the links on Sunday but closed with a 4-over-par 75 to place fourth in the Open. Nevertheless, the golf telecast drew solid preliminary ratings through the night, placing first in every half-hour and averaging 9.62 million viewers. Meanwhile ABC debuted two new scripted series Sunday night that produced so-so results. Scoundrels drew 5.17 million viewers to place second in its time period; The Gates debuted with 4.65 million viewers, also placing second in total viewers — but first with adults 18-49.