With a goal of being ready mentally and physically for next week’s British Open at St Andrews, Tiger Woods left The Greenbrier Classic convincingly happy with his game. After shooting a three-under 67 Sunday, his first bogey-free round in his last 56 competitive tries, Woods was effusive in his assessment.
“Today was a good day,” he said, finishing T-32. “It’s the best I’ve hit it in a very long time. … I had it all on call today.”
Woods hit 12 of 14 fairways on the rain-softened course with no wide misses, and 15 of 18 greens in regulation. Woods also hit the ball close all week, leading the field in proximity to the hole. At one point Sunday, he missed eight straight putts from inside 20 feet for birdie or eagle. Woods said at the Memorial, where he posted his highest 36-hole score as a pro, he made a technical swing breakthrough he termed a ‘giant step’. “Just had to refine it, and this week was definitely that,” he said.
“It’s been a very positive week. I’ve made some nice strides heading into the British Open. I’ll do some work and be ready by Thursday [of Open week].”
The question is still this: Ready for what? In the statistical department, nothing stood out in a way that suggested he was ready to launch an assault in a bid to assume his rightful place in the golf hierarchy. At least he began to reacquaint himself with the fairway.
When he heads to the Old Course, where he’s won two claret jugs, Woods might or might not be close. But he’ll be closer.
