Woods seems to be going out of another first major in British Open
Scotland also -this year is too predictable for Tiger Woods. Sufficient golf preparations do not lead to uneven performance. And trying to play the best players in the world in the most difficult place is just a challenge.
Woods again shows the lightning of the shine, and at the US Open last month, it seemed a little more mobile. But after an early birdie Thursday at Royal Troon, he ran into inevitable trouble from which he couldn’t recover, shooting an 8-over 79 that signaled an early exit from a tournament he has won three times.
“I didn’t do a whole lot of good today,” Woods said after making just two birdies, two doubles and six bogeys. “I made that putt on the third hole and then I think I had three putts today. I didn’t touch my irons much today, I didn’t look at myself that much. “It should be shooting about 65 degrees tomorrow, so hopefully I can do something over the weekend.”
At this point, it’s not unrealistic, but it’s a worthy question.
The cooler, windier weather is no friend, especially to Woods, as he battles issues that keep him from playing and practicing more frequently. And Royal Troon doesn’t give out low marks very often. Shane Lowry played brilliantly, scoring five bogeys and birdies to take the first-round lead with a 66. Justin Thomas, who started the day, shot 68. There were a lot of mediocre results, but it takes a lot of work to get mediocre results. “He’s only played in majors,” said Xander Schauffele, who played with Woods on Thursday and shot a 69 to finish tied for fourth. “He’s as hard on himself as he can be, and I know he’s hard on himself, but it’s just hard. I think he’s just learning, he needs to learn a little bit more about his body, what it can and can’t do. “I’m sure if his body would allow it, he’d love to cook at home more. I don’t know if he’s spoken to you about that. However, as a Pro Tour today, I know what will enter there and what I need to do to play at a high level. If your body doesn’t let you do it, it’s just frustrating. I am convinced that he is trying to understand it. “
Woods acknowledged that he wanted to play more this year. He used to plan a one -month event schedule. But he played just one round at the Genesis Invitational before withdrawing due to illness, didn’t play until the Masters, where he made the cut but finished last in the field, and then missed the cut at the last two majors.
Over the course of the year, Woods played just 10 rounds of official golf. He hasn’t shot better than 72 and has now shot 77 or lower four times.
“I think I’ve gotten better as the year has gone on,” he said. “I wish I could have played a little bit more, but I saved it for playing in the majors in case I did something big and pulled out.
“Hopefully next year I’ll be a little better than this year.”
Woods said earlier this year that he was “too optimistic” about playing more. He suggested spending more time in the gym in the future. Which means more time on the course. Who knows after Friday when the next time that will be?
