AUGUSTA, Ga. (Reuters) – Tiger Woods accomplished what amounted to a ceremonial stroll round Augusta National on Sunday earlier than saying that he would play the British Open at St. Andrews in July.
Woods, nonetheless, didn’t verify his participation within the subsequent two majors, the May 19-22 PGA Championship and the June 16-19 U.S. Open, saying he wanted to see how his physique held up earlier than making a call.
“I will not be enjoying a full schedule ever once more … however I’m trying ahead to St. Andrews,” he instructed Sky Sports of the July 14-17 championship on the residence of golf.
“It’s my favorite golf course on the earth so I will probably be there for that one however something in between that I do not know.”
Woods expressed gratitude that he simply in a position to be within the discipline for this week’s Masters after practically dropping a leg following a automotive crash 14 months in the past.
His sport was nowhere close to the extent wanted to beat the title contenders and a six-over-par 78 in each of the ultimate two rounds matched his profession worst rating at a spot the place he has gained 5 occasions.
But gone are the times when Tiger, now 46, is snarling after such a poor day within the workplace. Now he’s delighted to simply flip up at work and mentioned that having the ability to play this week was his biggest achievement that didn’t contain victory.
“For not successful an occasion, sure, definitely,” he mentioned.
“It’s one factor to play with my son at a hit-and-giggle however it’s one other factor to play in a significant championship.
“It’s been a tricky street, and one which I’m very grateful to have the chance to give you the option to grind by way of it. Lots of various things might have occurred, however 14 months, I’m in a position to tee it up and play within the Masters.”
Wearing his conventional Sunday outfit — pink shirt and black pants — Woods had teed off with U.S. Open champion Jon Rahm, who performed the position of an additional on an image excellent calm spring morning underneath a superb blue sky.
With his household, girlfriend and Nike founder Phil Knight among the many 1000’s lining each side of the green, Woods caressed a drive practically 300 yards, his swing nonetheless deceptively highly effective regardless of all of his illnesses.
More than 4 hours later he limped off the 18th inexperienced to one closing thunderous ovation and made the 150-yard by way of a tunnel of followers and signed his card for a 13-over 301 whole that was merely educational within the circumstances.
“I do not fairly have the endurance that I would really like to have had, however as of some weeks in the past, did not even know if I used to be going to play on this occasion,” he mentioned.
“Some of the gamers who’re shut to me have seen a number of the photos and the issues that I’ve had to endure. They recognize it most likely greater than anybody else as a result of they know what it takes to do that out right here at this stage.
“I’ve these days the place I simply don’t need to do something. It simply hurts. It’s these days which might be robust. The days I really feel good, these are simple days, however there have been extra robust days than simple days.”
(Reporting by Andrew Both, enhancing by Pritha Sarkar)
