Kuchar backs Woods to contend at Hoylake

The latest assertion that Tiger Woods has a viable chance of winning the British Open has arrived from a first-hand witness to the state of the 14-times major winner's game. Given Woods played 12 holes at Royal Liverpool in bad weather on Saturday, it was no surprise he took to the links for a full 18 at midday yesterday in glorious sunshine.

World number four Matt Kuchar and Gary Woodland were Woods's partners, with the former insisting afterwards Woods can prevail again at Hoylake this week despite a run of eight years since his last British Open win.

Woods has played only one tournament – he missed the cut at the National Championship at Congressional – since back surgery in late March.

“I absolutely think he could contend,” Kuchar said. “The Open, the knowledge he has, the skill-set he has? Yes, he could definitely contend.”

Top 10 finishes

In the five events he played from 2007 onwards Woods has two top 10 finishes, a tie for 23rd, a share of 12th and a missed cut.

“He was impressive out there,” Kuchar said. “I thought he was crazy to come back as early as he did but he thought it was the right thing to do, to see how fit he is. He said he is recovering well, that after playing he gets up the next day and feels good.

“We had a little match going and on the last hole he duly stuffed one in there close from 160 yards to beat me. So that was a bit of a bummer but totally like the Tiger we’re used to seeing.”

Another familiar sight was that of Woods opting not to use a driver throughout yesterday’s practice round. When he won here on Merseyside in 2006, he famously used his driver only once.

Physical limitation

The venue is not as fast-running as eight years ago but accuracy, rather than length, remains the key component. Woods is showing no obvious signs of physical limitation at all when on the course.

“I’ve got my speed back, which is nice,” he said. “I’m starting to hit the ball out there again. I’m only going to get stronger. As the weeks go on, I’m getting stronger and faster.”

When asked to describe his level of confidence, Woods claimed it is growing.

A counter view has arrived from Nick Faldo. The three-times champion believes Woods "has the cards stacked against him this week". Faldo says he also finds it curious Woods did not prepare by adding an extra event such as the Scottish Open to his schedule.

“He has only played two rounds and thinks he’s ready,” said Faldo. “He left Congressional saying he knew what to work on, so we’ll see. He looked rusty, and you have got to be rusty after that sort of break. You’ve got to get out there and play. He sounds confused when he says he needs reps and then doesn’t play.”– Guardian Services