Tiger happy with short game and putting as he preps for THE PLAYERS
Tiger Woods returns to competition this week in the 42nd edition of THE PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrass (Stadium Course) in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. He is coming off a tie for 17th in the Masters Tournament last month.
This marks Tiger’s 17th start at THE PLAYERS, where he won in 2001 and 2013 and was runner-up in 2000. He has posted five top-10 finishes and is one of only six players to win the event multiple times. Woods did not compete last year due to a back injury.
“When you’re on, this golf course doesn’t feel that hard,” Tiger said Tuesday after playing nine holes with Jason Day. “Then there are days I can’t break 75. It’s very polarizing. Either you have your game or you don’t.”
Tiger has worked hard on his short game, making a few more tweaks, and feels good about the time he has put in.
“I’ve had some pretty good practice sessions,” Woods said. “I’m happy with my short game and my putting.”
Woods admitted the last few days have been tough. His father passed away nine years ago on May 3, and last Sunday, he and girlfriend Lindsey Vonn announced they were no longer a couple.
“Obviously, it does affect me,” he said. “It’s tough. There’s no doubt. I’m not going to lie about that. And on top of that, this time of the year is really, really hard on me. I haven’t slept.”
Tiger said he is looking forward to getting back on the golf course.
“Once you’re inside the ropes, it’s time to tee it up and play,” Woods said. “You go out there, for me, I focus. I get into my own little world, my little zone, and do the best I possibly can for, well, it used to be four hours. Now it’s five-hour rounds, a five-hour time period, grind it out and win the golf tournament.”
Last week, Tiger committed to five tournaments this summer and is excited about returning to full-time competition.
“I’m going to play a regular schedule and get after it,” he said. “I’m finally healthy enough to do it.”
Woods is hopeful his good play at the Masters will carry over this week. He was in fifth place starting the final round and posted two rounds in the 60s.
“To go from where I was to being in contention was a big step,” Tiger said.
Woods said his right wrist is fine. He hit a tree root with his second shot on the ninth hole at Augusta National in the final round and popped a bone back into place.
“It’s like a self-adjust on your spine,” he said. “I just did it on my wrist.”
Woods will be paired with last year’s winner Martin Kaymer and 2004 winner Adam Scott during the first two rounds. They begin play Thursday at 1:49 p.m. ET on the first tee, then start Friday at 8:39 a.m. ET on the 10th tee. The tournament features a $10 million purse, with $1.8 million going to the winner.
