ST. ANDREWS (Scotland) Tiger WoodsMight have He played his final roundOf The OpenHe will be at St. Andrews on Friday but he is positive it wont his last start in this championship and another major.
Because of the R&As rota, The Open probably wouldnt return to the Old Course at St. Andrews until 2027 at the earliest. Woods will turn 51 in that year. Woods isnt certain if his right leg or fused back from surgery will be in good enough condition to continue playing at a high-level at that point.
Woods return from St. Andrews where he won two Open Championship titles in 2000, 2005, didn’t go as planned. He scored a 6-over 78 in round one and was a 3-over 75In the second. His 9-over total was well below the cut, so he won’t be there for the weekend at The Opens 150th playing.
Woods stated that it felt like the British Open at St. Andrews was over. And the fans, their ovation, and the warmth, it all was incredible. Jack is right. [Nicklaus]Arnold [Palmer]I had been through in the past. It was almost like I felt that way at the end.
They understand the game of golf and what it takes for an Open champion. I have been fortunate enough to win this twice. It was very emotional because I dont know what my future health will be. And while I feel that I will be able and able to play future British Opens I dont know how long Ill be capable of playing so that I can still play when it returns around here.
What do you think of Woods comeback after watching him compete in three majors in the last four months?
The state of Woods’ game
Its difficult to gauge Woods’ game state as it is evident that his right leg has been surgically repaired. Hes also not playing any golf.
The 15-time major winner is currently No. The Official World Golf Ranking currently ranks 994. He isnt ready to commit to additional tournaments besides the majors. After he skipped Junes U.S. Open, it became apparent that he doesn’t feel the need to play in all of these tournaments. He will pick and choose which spots he wants to play depending on how he feels and the course.
Despite Woods disappointing score at St. Andrews, there were some bright spots. His longest drive was 412-yards, which was the longest by any player on Thursday. After two rounds, he averaged 338.9 yards from the tee. This was among the top 25 players in this field. He managed to hit 65.6% of fairways in regulation and 72.2% of greens.
Woods problems were centered around the Old Course and its expansive greens. Woods used to be the best at short game, but he is playing so little these days that it may be difficult for him turn on his feels . He had 70 putts, and four three-putts in 36 holes.
Woods stated that during her two-day play, she made many mistakes. I struggled once again [Friday]to feel the greens. I made a lot more putts this time. Similar to [Thursday]. I had missed a few poor shots and ended up in bad spots. I was just unable to get anything going.
Woods days competing for major championships might be behind him. He won the Masters in 2019, his fifth major championship, and no one predicted that he would win another. This comeback is more difficult.
The health of Woods
Woods was asked Friday if he would play in additional tournaments besides the majors to help him prepare for the important events. He said that his body wasnt capable of handling it.
Woods said, I understand all that. I understand being more battle-hardened but its hard to just walk 18 holes. People dont know what I go through or how many hours it takes to maintain my body.[round]Every day, to do the same thing I did yesterday. People dont get it. Then you think about playing additional events on top of it, its hard enough to do what I did.
Woods stated at the Masters and PGA Championships that his right leg, which had been surgically repaired, would become stronger over time. He stated that the leg was stronger, and he seemed to be walking with more confidence. He walked 58 of the Old Course holes before the tournament started.
He said, Playing Augusta was something I didnt know. My leg wasnt in any condition to play 72 hole. It ran out of gas. Its different now. Its stronger and better. It will hopefully continue to improve. It is a challenge because of all the hardware that is in there.
Woods was severely injured in a Los Angeles car accident in February 2021. After which, he claimed doctors nearly had his right leg amputated. Its easy for people to forget that Woods body already contained more hardware then a Home Depot.
Woods had just completed his fifth back surgery in seven years, one month before the accident. He had his fourth microdiscectomy to relieve nerve pain in the lower back. This was also his first back surgery since April 2017, when he had a spinal fusion. He also had operations on his left leg and Achilles tendon.
He said, Well, my body can get better, but realistically, not a lot, before The Open. Its been quite a journey, and 46 is not the same age as 26. It is what it is.
Whats next for Tiger
Woods didnt specify when his next tournament appearance would take place. Woods has not committed to any event. However, it is hard to imagine that he will miss the Hero World Challenge in Nassau in November. He is the tournaments host, and it benefits his foundation and other charities.
It would be surprising, however, if Woods and Charlie didnt participate in the PNC Championships in Orlando, Florida on Dec. 15-18. The event saw the pair finish second last year. Woods played for the first-time since the car crash.
Woods rivals hope theyll see them more on the PGA Tour.
Wish him nothing but success. Jon Rahm said. Obviously, he has done amazing things here and incredible things all over the world. At this point [Im]We wish him well and a normal life. You can see that he is suffering. Although he may try to keep it a normal life, you can see his pain when he walks down hills. You can see he is suffering.
So hopefully they can — I dont know if itll be possible to fix it completely, but they can minimize it. [he can]Maintain a normal lifestyle. As normal a life as Tiger Woods can, evidently.
