When Serena Williams was feeling in the dumps thanks to inactivity and poor play on the tennis courts, she got some encouraging words from the guy who doesn’t live too far from her — and that would be Tiger Woods his own-self.
After her Wednesday night win against second- ranked Anett Kontaveit, Williams spoke about her support system and decision to return to the US Open in her last hurrah before retirement.
He’s (Tiger Woods) one of the main — one of the reasons I’m here, one of the main reasons I’m still playing. We talked a lot and he was really trying to get me motivated and there’s a few people, but, you know, he was — we were like, ‘Okay, we can do this together.’ You know?
“It was good cause it was like, I didn’t know what I wanted to do, but I just lost and I just — so many questions. And when you can rely on someone like that, I mean, my goodness, he’s Tiger Woods,” Serena added. “It just was really helpful to get clarity.”
Woods did even more to show his support for Williams. He hopped aboard Air Eldrick with gal-pal Erica Herman in tow and headed for the U.S. Open in Queens.
Woods was there in Serena’s family and friends box for her second round match.
Woods was into it. You could tell when Serena was in trouble in the first set by Tiger’s body language.
When she turned things around, Woods was often on his feet and at one point, offered her one of his famous fist pumps.
In the world of Nike, Tiger and Michael Jordan are the two biggest names and on the women’s side — it’s all Serena.
Ross McGown Shoots 62, Takes Lead In Denmark:
At age 40, Ross McGown is looking for a jump-start on the DP World Tour. He’s won twice in his career but has fallen to No. 613 in the world rankings.
He got off to a flying start in Denmark Thursday with an opening round 62, nine-under par at the Made In ImmerLand championship.
The Englishman started his round at the tenth at the Immerland Golf Resort and opened with a birdie and added five more before he leapt into the lead by chipping in for eagle at the par-five eighth and tapping in for birdie on his final hole.
“I’m very happy with that round, hit the ball close early doors and left myself a few birdies from four or six feet or so,” said McGowan. “Back nine I hit a couple of loose ones but got away with them. I ended up just in the collar on eight and missed my second shot short right but managed to chip it in for the eagle and then nine, there’s quite a big slope on that fairway so found the semi, and managed to get it close again.
“I felt like it’s been getting better the last few weeks but it’s nice to finally put a round together and hopefully I can keep it going for the next three days.”
Home-country favorite Rasmus Hojgaard was one of five players at eight-under par 63 on a day when the scoring was extremely low. Thirty-two players shot six-under par or better.
Lydia Ko Opens With 66 At Dana Open:
Lydia Ko shot a five-under par 66 on Thursday at Highland Meadows Golf Club and was a shot off the lead at the LPGA Tour’s Dana Open.
Spain’s Carlota Ciganda was the most recognizable name among the leaders who shot 65. She was joined at the top by Hye-Jin Choi and Ruoning Yin.
Ciganda, a two-time LPGA Tour champion whose wins came in 2014, opened with two birdies in her first three holes and added four more after the turn at 10, 11, 13 and 18. It’s Ciganda’s best first-round score of 2022, as she makes her fifth appearance at the Dana Open.
“I really like this place and I started very solid. I hit a lot of greens, great shots on 1, 2, 3, and I made like 15-footer on 2 and a 10-footer on 3 for birdie. Then I just told myself to keep giving chances, hit greens. I think it’s key on this golf course,” said Ciganda, who has already earned three top-five finishes this season. “I feel very comfortable out there. I like the place. Reminds me of home in the summer, the weather, the trees, the design of the course. I really enjoy playing here and it’s been a great day.”
Lexi Thompson shot 66, Minjee Lee 67. Danielle Kang was over par with a 72.
