The Tiger Woods thread

[The Bald Eagle]

Woods missed sleep over Trump assassination attempt​

And rather than turning up fresh for a practice round on Sunday, before this week's 152nd Open Championship at the Scottish links, the 48-year-old told BBC Sport: "I didn’t accomplish a lot because I wasn’t in the right frame of mind.

"It was a long night [because of the assassination attempt] and that’s all we watched the entire time on the way over here.

"I didn't sleep at all on the flight, and then we just got on the golf course."

Woods has the same mantra this week that he has adopted throughout his career. If he is turning up, he believes he has a chance of winning.

The statistics paint a different picture. He missed the cut at both this year's US Open and US PGA Championship, and while he played all four rounds at the Masters, he finished in 60th - and last - place.

And since winning his 15th major at the 2019 Masters, which broke an 11-year drought in the game's biggest events, he has either missed the cut, or withdrawn, in eight of the 13 championships he has entered. In the other five, he has not finished inside the top 20.

He has played just nine competitive rounds in 2024, yet he has still attracted the biggest crowds so far this week on the Ayrshire coast.

"I wish I had a little bit more under my belt but I've been battling some stuff physically," he said.

"I want to save it for the majors. I don't want to burn myself out pre-major and not be able to play."

Woods, who has won all four majors at least three times, has lifetime exemptions for the US PGA Championship and Masters, and while he had to rely on an invite to play last month's US Open, he can play The Open until he is 60.

It was a point he was keen to mention when asked about comments made by former European Tour great Colin Montgomerie last week.

The 61-year-old, who lived within a short walk of Royal Troon as a child and learned to play the game here, said: "There is a time for all sportsmen to say goodbye, but it's very difficult to tell Tiger it's time to go.

"Obviously, he still feels he can win. We are more realistic."

In reply, Woods said: "Colin's not a past champion, so he's not exempt, so he doesn't get the opportunity to make that decision. I do.

"So when I get to his age, I get to still make that decision, where he doesn't.

"I'll play as long as I can play and I feel like I can still win the event."

Asked if that belief had wavered during his struggles with injury in recent years, Woods replied: "No."

Montgomerie has since posted a response to Woods' comments, writing on X: "If Golf writers want my thoughts on Tiger please ask me direct, rather than taking a quote from an interview out of context. Wishing Tiger an enjoyable and successful week."

Source: BBC

 

[BouncerGuy]

‘He’s not a past champion’: Woods hits back at Montgomerie and dismisses retirement talk

Tiger Woods has delivered a withering takedown of Colin Montgomerie, after the Scot suggested the 15-times major champion should retire. Woods has arrived at Royal Troon for the 152nd Open Championship with speculation this could be his last.

The 48-year-old, who has been beset by injury troubles, finished 60th at the Masters before missing the cut in the USPGA Championship and US Open. Montgomerie, who never won a major, used a weekend interview to imply Woods should call time on his decorated career. On Tuesday, Woods fired back.

“Well, as a past [Open] champion, I’m exempt until I’m 60,” Woods said. “Colin’s not. He’s not a past champion, so he’s not exempt. So he doesn’t get the opportunity to make that decision. I do.”

Pressed on whether he feels he deserves the right to dictate his own playing future, Woods again referenced Montgomerie. “When I get to his age, I get to still make that decision, where he doesn’t,” he said. “I’ll play as long as I can play and I feel like I can still win the event.” There was a firm “no” to whether or not his belief has wavered during turbulent times.

News of the Woods broadside reached the 61-year-old Montgomerie quickly. “If golf writers want my thoughts on Tiger please ask me direct, rather than taking a quote from an interview out of context,” he said on social media. “Wishing Tiger an enjoyable and successful week.”

This was as punchy as Woods has been for some time. He was more expansive on the subject of the Ryder Cup captaincy, which he passed over after months of negotiations with the PGA of America. The 38-year-old Keegan Bradley was revealed as the shock choice to lead the US at Bethpage next September after Woods determined the role was not for him. The likelihood is Woods will be captain at Adare Manor in 2027. For now, he is immersed in negotiations that may or may not lead to the PGA Tour forming an alliance with the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund.

“The decision was very difficult for me to make,” Woods said. “My time has been so loaded with the Tour and what we’re trying to accomplish. I’m on so many different subcommittees that it just takes so much time in the day. I’m always on calls.

“I told Seth [Waugh, the PGA of America’s chief executive] that I just didn’t feel like I could do the job properly. I couldn’t devote the time. I barely had enough time to do what I’m doing right now. And add in the TGL [a tech-infused golf league] starts next year, as well as the Ryder Cup. You add all that together and then with our negotiations with the PIF, all that concurrently going on at exactly the same time, there’s only so many hours in the day.

“I just didn’t feel like I would be doing the captaincy or the players in Team USA justice if I was the captain with everything that I have to do.

“Keegan is going to be a great leader. He’s very passionate about what he does. He’s very passionate about the event. This is going to be probably a turnover year for us for the captaincies, whether it’s the captain itself and his vice-captains. This is the natural progression, one we’ve been looking forward to.” Woods has not been asked to serve as a vice-captain to Bradley.

An indication that tales of Woods’s demise may be premature came in context of the PGA Tour’s lucrative set of signature events. Starting in 2025, Woods has a lifetime exemption into them. This seems a futile exercise if he has no intention of playing.

“I told them, if I was going to get that exemption I wasn’t going to take away the last player’s spot,” said Woods. “Let’s hypothetically say there’s 72 players in the field at each one of the signature events. If I want to play, I’ll be the 73rd player. There will be an odd man and be a twosome out or whatever.

“I’m not going to take another person’s spot. Even though it’s nice of them to do that and ask me to play more often and have that ability to play, these guys have earned their spots. But if I can be included somehow, that would be great.”

Woods revealed he made contact with Rory McIlroy after the Northern Irishman’s painful implosion at Pinehurst last month. McIlroy conceded the US Open to Bryson DeChambeau after dropping three shots in the last four holes. “I just sent him a nice text, that was it,” Woods said. “I waited a week before I sent it. I wanted to let it calm down. I know he was being besieged by a lot of different things.

“It was just basically, ‘I’m your friend. I know this is a difficult moment.’ We’ve all been there as champions. We all lose. Unfortunately, it just happened, and the raw emotion of it, it’s still there, and it’s going to be there for, I’m sure, some time. The faster he’s able to get back on a horse and get back into contention, like he did last week, the better it is for him.”

McIlroy later explained he had changed his number so did not receive Woods’s sentiment. Unlike on Montgomerie, this was a message that did not land.

SOURCE: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/a...lin-montgomerie-the-open-golf-retirement-talk

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Woods undergoes back surgery to 'alleviate pain'

Fifteen-time major winner Tiger Woods has had further surgery on his back after an injury-hit season.

A statement on X said Woods "underwent microdepression surgery of the lumbar spine for nerve impingement in the lower back" on Friday morning and the surgery in Florida was "deemed to be successful" by the surgeon.

The American, 48, who last played at The Open in Troon in July where he missed the cut, said he hoped it would "alleviate back spasms and pain" he experienced this year.

Woods has undergone various back surgeries in the last decade and a limited schedule since suffering a serious leg injury in a car crash in 2021.

"The surgery went smoothly and I'm hopeful it will alleviate the back spasms and the pain I was experiencing throughout most of the 2024 season," he said.

"I look forward to tackling this rehab and preparing myself to get back to normal life activities, including golf."

Woods has played at the four majors this year, missing the cut at three and finishing 60th at the Masters, and withdrew during the second round of the Genesis Invitational in February with flu-like symptoms.


BBC

 

[Cricket Warrior]

'Disappointed' Woods to miss Hero World Challenge

Tiger Woods says he is "disappointed" that he will miss next month's Hero World Challenge in Albany, the Bahamas.

The 15-time major winner hosts the tournament - an unofficial event featuring 20 of the world's top players - and was widely-expected to take an exemption spot in the competition which starts on 5 December.

The American, 48, did not cite a reason for his absence but has kept a limited competitive schedule for years because of numerous injuries.

Woods has not competed since he missed the halfway cut at The Open in July before undergoing back surgery in September.

"I am disappointed that I will not be able to compete this year, but always look forward to being tournament host," Woods wrote on X.

Woods returned after eight months out injured to play the tournament last year, finishing 18th.

He added the three exemption spots at this year's competition will be filled by Americans Justin Thomas and Nick Dunlap, as well as Australian Jason Day.

Tiger Woods to miss next month's Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas

Tiger Woods says he is "disappointed" that he will miss next month's Hero World Challenge in Albany, the Bahamas.

www.bbc.com

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Woods still has 'fire' to compete amid injuries

Tiger Woods says the "fire still burns to compete" but he remains sidelined by injury heading into 2025.

Woods, a 15-time major-winner, has not played since The Open in July where he failed to make the cut for the third consecutive major.

While the last few years have seen the American blighted by injuries, the 48-year-old remains focused on a competitive return.

"I'm not tournament sharp yet, I'm still not there," said Woods.

"When I'm ready to compete and play at [the top] level, then I will.

"The fire still burns to compete. The difference is the recovery of the body to do it is not what it used to be."

Woods' most recent setback has been because of back issues that have spread, causing pain in his legs.

In September, Woods had back surgery for the sixth time, two months on from his last outing at Royal Troon.

Tiger Woods: American still has 'fire' to compete amid injury issues

Tiger Woods has said he still has "fire to compete" despite not featuring in a golf tournament for five months following a sixth back surgery.

www.bbc.com

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Woods to make return at exhibition in Orlando

Former world number one Tiger Woods will return to play alongside son Charlie at next week's PNC Championship exhibition tournament in Orlando.

Earlier this month, Woods said he was not yet "tournament sharp" to play competitively as he continues to recover from back surgery in September.

The 15-time major-winner, who turns 49 this month, has not played since The Open in July where he failed to make the cut for the third consecutive major.

However, he and his son will make their fifth appearance at the annual 36-hole team event, which also allows players to use golf carts.

The father and son pair tied for fifth last year after finishing second in 2021.

The PNC Championship includes current and former professional golfers playing with a parent or child.

German legend Bernhard Langer and his son Jason will return to the Ritz-Carlton club to defend their title.

Fiji's Vijay Singh and his son Qass, and American Nelly Korda and her father Petr are also among those involved in Florida.


BBC

 

[BouncerGuy]

Woods pays tribute to 'biggest fan' as mother dies

Tiger Woods has paid tribute to his "biggest fan and greatest supporter" after announcing the death of his mother, Kultida.

Former world number one Woods, 49, did not reveal the cause of death of his mother, who attended his TGL match in Florida last week.

Woods said none of his personal achievements would have been possible without his mother, who regularly attended his tournaments and was present when he won his fifth Masters title to end an 11-year wait to claim a 15th major in 2019.

"It is with heartfelt sadness that I want to share that my dear mother, Kultida Woods, passed away early this morning," Woods, who lost his father Earl in 2006, said on social media.

"My Mom was a force of nature all her own, her spirit was simply undeniable. She was quick with the needle and a laugh. She was my biggest fan, greatest supporter, without her none of my personal achievements would have been possible.

"She was loved by so many, but especially by her two grandchildren, Sam and Charlie. Thank you all for your support, prayers and privacy at this difficult time for me and my family. Love you Mom."

BBC

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Woods to play first PGA event since 2024 Open

Tiger Woods is set to play in his first PGA Tour event since last summer's Open at next week's Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines.

The 15-time major champion's involvement was confirmed by tournament organisers on Friday.

The 49-year-old has not played regularly since sustaining severe injuries in a car accident in February 2021.

He missed the cut at the Open in July and had more surgery on his lower back in September.

Woods did play alongside teenage son Charlie in a 36-hole event in December, and has also taken part in the Tomorrow's Golf League (TGL) he founded.

The Genesis Invitational, which starts on 13 February and benefits Woods' TGR Foundation, was relocated to Torrey Pines in San Diego because of the Los Angeles wildfires.

The event will take place just nine days after Woods announced the death of his mother Kultida.


BBC

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Woods pulls out of Genesis after mother's death

Tiger Woods has withdrawn from this week's Genesis Invitational because he is "still processing" the death of his mother.

The 15-time major champion says he is "not ready" to return to golf following the death his mother, Kultida, which was announced on 4 February.

Three days later tournament organisers announced Woods' participation in the event at Torrey Pines.

"I planned to tee it up this week, but I'm just not ready," Woods wrote on social media.

"I did my best to prepare, knowing it's what my mom would have wanted, but I'm still processing her loss.

"Thanks to everyone who has reached out. I hope to be at Torrey later in the week and appreciate the continued kindness since my mom's passing."

Woods has not played a PGA Tour event since last year's Open at Royal Troon in July.

The American has not played regularly since sustaining severe injuries in a car accident in February 2021 and had more surgery on his lower back in September.

The 49-year-old did play alongside teenage son Charlie in a 36-hole event in December, and has also taken part in the Tomorrow's Golf League (TGL) event he founded.

Woods is tournament host of the Genesis Invitational, which starts on Thursday and benefits Woods' TGR Foundation.

It was due to take place at the Riviera Country Club but was relocated to Torrey Pines in San Diego because of the Los Angeles wildfires.

Tiger Woods withdraws from Genesis Invitational as he 'still processing' death of his mother

Tiger Woods withdraws from this week's Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines as he is "still processing" the death of his mother.

www.bbc.com

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Woods has surgery after rupturing Achilles

Tiger Woods has had surgery after suffering a ruptured Achilles during training at home.

The 15-time major champion has not put a timescale on his recovery but his participation in the Masters, which begins on 10 April, must be in doubt.

The 49-year-old had been hoping to make his comeback at Augusta, having not competed in a PGA Tour event since last July.

Tiger Woods has surgery on ruptured Achilles

Tiger Woods has surgery after suffering a ruptured Achilles during training at home, one month before the Masters.

www.bbc.com

 

[BouncerGuy]

Woods' son Charlie wins junior event in Florida

Charlie Woods has won his first American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) event to follow in father Tiger's footsteps.

The 16-year-old American claimed a three-shot victory at the Team TaylorMade Invitational in Bowling Green, Florida.

Tiger Woods played in 13 AJGA tournaments from 1991 to 1993, winning eight - the joint highest behind Phil Mickelson.

In his fifth AJGA event, Charlie began the final round one shot behind overnight leader Luke Colton.

Ranked 606th by the AJGA, the teenager mixed two bogeys with eight birdies for a six-under-par 66 on the Black Course at Streamsong Resort which saw him top the the leaderboard at 15 under.

Willie Gordon (65), Phillip Dunham (68) and Colton (70) finished three shots behind for a share of second place.

Before this week, the younger Woods' best result on the AJGA circuit was a share of 25th place at the Junior Invitational at Sage Valley in March.

He has competed with his father in the last five editions of the PNC Championship - a 36-hole event featuring two-player teams made up of a major champion and a family member - and last December they finished runners-up for a second time.

Tiger, a 15-time major winner, has been absent from tournaments since he underwent surgery in March to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon and is expected to miss the rest of the PGA Tour season.

BBC