Tiger Woods looked game-ready last Sunday at The Match II.
He looked relaxed and healthy, a different player from the last time we saw him.
It was last February when Woods made the cut at the tournament he hosts — The Genesis. But Saturday and Sunday were a struggle for him. His back was tight and by the final round, he finished dead last in the field.
Perhaps no player benefited more from the tour’s long vacation from action more than Woods.
At The Medalist, in the rain, his swing looked free, he hit every fairway prompting on-course newbie broadcaster Justin Thomas to declare Tiger “a driving machine.”
On the par five third hole at The Medalist, the long drive hole for the pros, Phil Mickelson’s drive was wild, nearly out-of-bounds. Woods responded with a perfect swing — “fairway, oops, dead-center,” Tiger quipped.
His irons were sharp, his overall game excellent despite rain storms that hung around for most of the day.
Yes, Tiger looks ready to come back but the compressed 2020 schedule may present a problem.
The Tour cranks up in just two weeks at Colonial but in seven of the first eight events on the new schedule, Tiger has either never played in any of then or not played at any in at least 20 years.
Best bet for his return to action is Jack Nicklaus’ Memorial tournament on July 16.
The problem for the 44-year-old Woods and his fragile back is the three remaining majors, the FedEx playoffs and Ryder Cup are crammed into 15 weeks.
Charles Barkley tried to get something out of Tiger but the best he could come up with from the elusive Woods was:
“It’s going to be interesting.”
One thing’s for sure, Tiger’s game was solid last Sunday from tee to green.
With what looks like a month-and-a-half until we see him again, his body should be pretty rested and ready.
2 Comments
baxter cepeda
Tiger looked better than most at Medalist but 2 were football players and the other almost 50.
It’s good to see Tiger well again but I’m not ready to guarantee tiger slam 2 from that 1 day.
It does get one thinking about what 4 straight Major wins including 2 Masters (with no British) would mean ?
Jacks place has to be assumed as tigers next start unless we hear otherwise.
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Ryder Cup :
Tiger May get more rest if Rory’s leadership postpones or cancels the Ryder Cup.
I want to say yes the Ryder Cup has grown to be an amazing spectacle thanks to the fans. But I disagree the Ryder Cup cannot be played without masses of rowdy fans.
Rolf going as far as to say from Maui a fanless cup could damage the event. While it has been rowdy lately —maybe too rowdy — Most of the Ryder Cups in history have been much quieter affairs, often resembling a Curtis Cup with just a few polite folks around.
Yes We have been spoiled by Ryder Cup fans creating so much atmosphere lately, so much we cannot imagine one without them, but imo it is a better event than most to hold in these times.
The Ryder Cup is a feel good event which people really need right now. It’s so feel good Some still call it an exhibition.
Instead of 150 players, most unknown, all they need is 24 everyone knows.
Also, I don’t get how they would have a Ryder Cup next year considering it’s a Presidents Cup year, the Olympics and all the other events waiting to return.
If they are going to be playing, Just play the darn thing. Let a few super fans in.
The main difference would be viewers hearing players and caddies interact more than verbal abuse from fans.
I’m just saying, the more I think about it, I’m NOT on team No Ryder Cup sans fans. I say play it regardless. Put in a fun show for the folks festering at home.
Tom Edrington
We’re addressing the Ryder Cup on Friday’s newsletter……