Ahead of the third start in comeback story, Tiger eschews new, pre-major normal
Ahead of the third start in comeback story, Tiger eschews new, pre-major normal. Woods and Justin Thomas hit the Old Course at 7 p.m. local time Saturday with two clubs. Their presence turned a quiet evening into a must-see event before the Open.
Photographers rushed down the first fairway to capture Tiger Woods’ triumphal return to the home of golf, probably for the last time as a non-ceremonial golfer. In the dimming light, Woods walked all 18 holes, putting and testing shots around the green to feel for the turf. A couple of dozen (including a few dogs and maintenance workers in buggies) grew to around 100 stunned bystanders by 10:30 p.m. on the 18th.
Thomas subsequently commented, “That was sick.” Cool. I don’t know why we thought it would be less busy, but we wouldn’t do it in the U.S. because it’s usually simply missing green, take a 60 [-degree wedge], and hit chips, versus the different areas you might have to lay it up to, chip, putt, wood, whatever you end up using.”
The two reappeared with full sets 10 hours later.
Lee Trevino peeked out of the R&A clubhouse before 8:40 a.m. Sunday.
“Need another?” Trevino yelled at Woods as he put.
I can see both sides,” Thomas stated. It’s flatter for sure, but it’s also a lot quirkier. Compared to other people, you have a lot more unusual footwork. However, only he can provide that information. (Woods announced on Sunday that he will address the media twice before the tournament begins, once after Monday’s function honoring past champions and once during a press conference on Tuesday.)
At last week’s JP McManus Pro-Am, Woods finished in a tie for 39th out of a field of 50 professionals despite using a cart for most of the round and appearing in high spirits despite being competitively rusty. After playing a practice round with Rory McIlroy at Ballybunion, he used the next four days to rest, heal, and get back to work on his game with the Old Course in mind.
Last week he stated, “I don’t know when they are ever going to go back while I’m still able to play at a good level,” and added, “and I want to be able to give it at least one more run at a high level.”
As a result, it’s possible that this is why Woods has abandoned his pre-major routine.
To keep his fragile physique in check for the first tee time, he played a maximum of nine holes per day in the first two majors of the year. Five hours on a scorching Scottish summer day revealed a lot to fix during his first 18-hole practice round of the year, which he played on Sunday for the first time.
In a strong left-to-right wind on the back nine, Woods’ spinny drives were battered by the wind and kicked into the right rough. At the ninth hole, he made a change to his driver’s head in an attempt to increase spin and hit a more consistent draw. He used Thomas’s launch monitor to see how much of an improvement there was, and from then on out, he seemed to be in command of the situation.
The final nine played primarily downwind and Woods typically used iron for the position due to the south-southwest wind on Sunday (which is forecasted to blow for the entire tournament week). However, he hit the fairway in two from the challenging 17th tee, and on the final hole, his drive chased onto the green from around 25 feet out. With a crowd of over a thousand spectators pressed up against the fence, Woods missed the eagle putt but was still pleased with the way the grueling 36 holes in under 19 hours had gone.
Thomas was asked if he would be shocked if Woods had a run at The Open this week, on his favorite course in the world, despite his recent struggles.
“No. Not at all,” Thomas emphasized emphatically. To paraphrase, “I know better than to question anything he says or does.”