NO ONE IN the field has more majors – 14 – and, you’ve got to believe, still counting. No one in US Open history has decimated a field the way he did, by 15 shots back in 2000. On that day, as everyone else struggled to beat par, no one had ever looked as invincible as he did.
Yesterday, Tiger Woods – the world’s number one golfer for the past 206 straight weeks, which equates to just two weeks short of four years – returned to this favoured haunt of his hard by the Monterey peninsula and, if that aura of invincibility has disappeared due as much to his off-course indiscretions as any change in club or ball technology, there was evidence of a man regaining control of his life.
Of course, the question of his marriage came up. It got short shrift.
“On the basis that all of our professional lives are affected by our personal lives, can you tell us if you’ve got any resolution one way or the other with Elin yet?” he was asked.
Woods gave a five-word answer. “That’s none of your business.”
Instead, Woods – who will seek to add another major title to his own CV and consequently cut into the career record of 18 held by Jack Nicklaus – is entirely focused on his golf and renewing his battle with this tough old links against the world’s best players.
And, reassuringly for him, the neck injury which caused him to withdraw during the final round of the Players Championship in May, and which forced him to take a second unintentional break from the sport this season, has healed sufficiently for him to approach this major with a renewed air of confidence.
“The neck is better. It’s not where I want it, but it is better, no doubt. It gets sore from time to time but I can recover for the next day. And I haven’t had any days where I couldn’t go (and play) the next day. That’s a big step in the right direction.”
On the state of his game now compared to the Masters? Woods’ response?
“Way different. Way different. I’ve played so much more since then. I only had a few weeks to get ready for Augusta after being off for quite a while.”
Woods has made only four appearances on tour this season, with a best finish of tied-fourth at the Masters in April. Certainly, he has got a good draw for the first two rounds, being grouped with Lee Westwood – “where I play I seem to get Lee” – and Ernie Els.
“As far as my game, I’m very excited about how it’s progressed, since before the Memorial (two weeks ago) and now here. It’s gotten better. The more time I’ve been able to practise and play, it’s started to solidify. I’m actually really excited to see it up on Thursday.”
Back in 2000, the examination that was set posed problems for everyone – except Woods. How did he perceive the challenge this time? “Well, it’s the toughest rough we play all year. It’s the narrowest fairways, the hardest greens, the trickiest pins. Other than that, yeah, it’s pretty simple.
“As far as the set-up is concerned, you have to be patient. You have to understand it’s a long haul. You’re not going to make a lot of birdies and the whole idea is not to make any big numbers.”
