Why struggling Tiger Woods could benefit from US Open conditions: ‘It’s like home’
Last week at the Memorial, Collin Morikawa painted a positive picture about the state of Tiger Woods’ game, which will be tested in this week’s U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2.
Morikawa had participated in a youth clinic with Woods the week prior and was asked about Woods’ ability to compete at his age, 48, and with his physical limitations with lower leg and back issues.
“The skill and the feel [are] still all there,’’ Morikawa said.
Tiger Woods putts as his son Charlie watches on the seventh hole during a U.S. Open practice round on Tuesday.AP
When Morikawa’s assessment of Woods’ game was relayed to Woods on Tuesday in advance of Thursday’s opening round, Woods didn’t disagree.
“Yeah, I do feel like I have the strength to be able to do it,’’ he said. “It’s just a matter of doing it. This golf course is going to test every single aspect of your game, especially mentally.’’
Woods comes to this U.S. Open having played in three tournaments this year — a withdrawal from his own event, the Genesis Invitational, a 60th-place finish at the Masters, which was last among the players who made the cut, and a missed cut at the PGA Championship last month at Valhalla.
The year before, Woods played in only two PGA Tour events — a tie for 45th at the Genesis and a withdrawal from the Masters after two rounds.
In the 2021-22 season, Woods played in only three tournaments — a tie for 47th at the Genesis, with withdrawal from the PGA after three rounds and a missed cut at the British Open.
Woods’ last U.S. Open was in 2020, when he missed the cut at Winged Foot.
Tiger Woods speaks to the media at the 2024 U.S. Open on Tuesday.John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
You get the picture: Woods has been reduced to what has been occasional ceremonial golf.
An interesting aspect to this week is the weather and the golf course — two things that might aid him in delivering a result.
Woods finds it physically challenging to walk hilly golf courses, like Augusta National and Valhalla.
He, too, has been hindered by cold, raw conditions that compounded his physical condition.
Tiger Woods reacts during a U.S. Open practice round Tuesday.Getty Images
Pinehurst No. 2 is a very flat layout and the weather is forecast to be in the 90s all week with no rain. Those are two elements Woods welcomes.
“It’s like home,’’ Woods said, referring to his base in South Florida. “Hot and humid is what we deal with every single day at home in Florida, so that’s nothing new. I would rather play in hot, humid conditions any day than anything cold. I think pretty much anyone my age will definitely like it a little hotter.’’
Another thing that Woods welcomes is the presence of his 15-year-old son, Charlie, who’s been at his side all week during practice.
“Having Charlie out here is very special,’’ Woods said. “To have the father-son relationship that we have and to extend it into this part of both of our lives — he’s playing a lot of junior golf and I’m still playing out here.”
From left: Min Woo Lee, Tiger Woods, Max Homa and Woods’ son Charlie walk off the second tee during a U.S. Open practice round on Tuesday.Getty Images
“It’s neat for him to see the guys that he watches on TV and YouTube and TikTok, whatever the hell it is that they do. At home he’s with JT [Justin Thomas] and Rick [Rickie Fowler] a lot. But to see other guys hit the golf ball, it doesn’t really do it justice until you actually see it in person.
“He was very excited today [in the practice round] to watch Max [Homa] and Min Woo [Lee] and watch them hit golf balls. They’ve talked to him quite a bit, especially Min Woo and him. I think they’re closer in age than I am to anybody else. It’s great for us to be able to share these moments together.’’
Woods actually said Charlie has helped him with golf advice for his game.
“I trust him with my swing and my game,’’ Woods said. “He’s seen it more than anybody else in the world. He’s seen me hit more golf balls than anyone. I tell him what to look for, especially with putting. He gave me a couple little side bits today, which was great, because I get so entrenched in hitting certain putts to certain pins, I tend to forget some of the things I’m working on. He reminds me every now and again, which is great.
“We have a great relationship and rapport like that, and it’s a wonderful experience for both of us.’’
Woods, a three-time winner of the U.S. Open, is in the field this week on a special exemption from the USGA.
He finished runner-up at the 2005 Pinehurst U.S. Open won by Michael Campbell and tied for third in the 1999 Pinehurst U.S. Open won by Payne Stewart.
He didn’t play in the last U.S. Open at Pinehurst in 2014 because of a back injury.
News
“Mom’s Been Dying for Me To Sing This”: Emmy Russell continues to bring the audience to tears*
“Mom’s Been Dying for Me To Sing This”: Watch Loretta Lynn’s Granddaughter Wow With a Breathtaking Cover Although growing up with Loretta Lynn as her grandmother, Emmy Russell wanted to explore other careers in life other than music. Even with Lynn praising…
*Angel Reese makes history with a positive record only matched three times in NBA and WNBA in over 50 years
Reese leads the league in both total (374) and per game (12.9) rebounds Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) is seen during a WNBA basketball game We’re witnessing a historic season in the WNBA, starting from the draft, which became the most-watched in league history, attracting 2.4…
*Caitlin Clark’s trophy wardrobe has one more addition – A nomination she’s been looking forward to for weeks
Caitlin Clark adds a new accolade to her growing WNBA honors-A nomination she’s been expecting for weeks Caitlin Clark named WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week. Caitlin Clark became the second Fever to be named Player of the Week…
*Simone Biles Reveals How Healing Turned Her Into Gymnastics’ GOAT
Victim of Childhood Trauma, Simone Biles Reveals How Houston’s Healing Paved Way for G.O.A.T. Tour Houston turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Simone Biles. While she makes Olympic gymnastics look like a walk in the park, her early…
*Ben Affleck’s representative quickly spoke up about the shocking news that his client was in love with Kick Kennedy.
Ben Affleck responds to Kick Kennedy romance rumors Affleck was rumored to be dating Robert F Kennedy Jr’s daughter, 36, after splitting from Jennifer Lopez As rumors of a budding romance between Ben Affleck and Kathleen “Kick” Kennedy began to…
Fans ‘Can’t Recognize’ Gwen Stefani in New ‘Voice’ Trailer
Good Genes Or Good Docs? Fans React To Gwen Stefani’s ‘Unrecognizable’ Appearance In New ‘Voice’ Trailer: ‘She Aged Backwards’ A new promotional clip for the upcoming 26th season of The Voice was just shared on Instagram, featuring upcoming coaches Gwen Stefani and Snoop Dogg discussing their exciting…
End of content
No more pages to load