Tiger Woods experienced a “rusty” competitive comeback, admitting that he “went sideways at the end” after dropping four shots in his last four holes during his first competitive start in eight months.
Despite his “disastrous” three-over 75 score, the 48-year-old hasn’t competed in tournament golf since his withdrawal during the third round of the Masters in April. At that time, there were major concerns about his future in the sport due to injuries from a car crash in February 2021 that almost resulted in the loss of his right leg.
However, during his pre-match press conference at the event in the Bahamas – the Hero World Challenge promoted by his charity – Woods’s unwavering optimism created a sense of anticipation.
His first 14 holes, during which he was one-under, were notably positive and showcased excellent ball-striking abilities, emphasized by a 50-foot birdie on the 11th hole. Sadly, the “rust” began to show, causing issues such as a wild drive on the par-five 15th, eventually leading to multiple bogeys.
Following his performance, Woods expressed dejection, mentioning a lack of commitment and errors in mental preparation. He also acknowledged soreness in his leg, back, and neck, revealing the apparent need for physical recovery. Beyond these difficulties, his position on the leaderboard remained below most, with only two players scoring lower than him.
The absence of a cut in the 20-man field adds urgency to Woods’s situation, as the event requires him to complete four rounds. However, the focus now shifts to rehabilitation and mental improvements for the remainder of the competition.
Despite facing numerous challenges, Woods remains determined to improve his game in the upcoming rounds, both physically and mentally. The event also saw Open champion Brian Harman leading the way on five-under alongside fellow American Tony Finau, while England’s Matt Fitzpatrick posted a two-under score.
Daniel Miller takes readers to the greens with his passion for golf. He offers coverage of major golf tournaments, player achievements, and insights into the sport’s rich history, making him a trusted source for golf enthusiasts.
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