Whatever “swing problems” his naysayers were talking about must not be coming out quite yet. Looks like Tiger has any and all “problems” in check so far, as he’s surged to an early lead at the Quail Hollow Championships.
1 Off Course Record
Looks like his first round was only 1 off the course record after he shot a 30 on his final nine holes of today’s round. So what we know now is that Woods is done for the day, and in the clubhouse at -7, after shooting a 65 today. Impressive considering the fact that he’s coming off surgery, time off, and supposed “swing problems” that have people just about everywhere inside the golf world wondering how he’ll be playing.
Swing Problems? What Problems?
According to reports, this round is even more impressive when you consider how poorly he’s done off the tee, consider this:
“Woods obliterated the front nine — his final nine after starting on the back — at Quail Hollow, closing with three straight birdies and seven altogether in a bogey-less round in which he hit just 5 of 14 fairways, but found 14 of 18 greens in regulation…”
5 of 14 Fairways, 14 of 18 Greens
Raise your hand if you’d be absolutely elated finding 14 of 18 greens in regulation after only hitting 5 of 14 fairways? Yeah, everyone. All of this just reaffirms how he’s not only the most exciting golfer in the world, but also the one with the deepest arsenal in which he can hurt you.
Tiger In Front, 4-Way Tie For 2nd
The tournament rages on as we speak, with Tiger out in front by 3 strokes over a huge tie for 2nd between Jeff Maggert, Retief Goosen, Hunter Mahan and Lucas Glover. This will most certainly change and we can’t wait to see how Tiger responds to what is sure to be increased pressure on his lead in the days to come.
(image via Lecka/Getty Images)
You know, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with Tiger’s game. He took some heat at Augusta after having a blow-up with Haney but he says that was all just “getting it out” (of his system.) I believe him. However, I’m of the opinion that because he so wants to break Nicklaus’s record in wins at Augusta I really believe he just tries way too hard there. Maybe its me, but haven’t we seen this sort of disposition from here in the past couple of years. He looked the same last year as he did this year and going back to the year where he tried so hard to win right before his father passed. He wasn’t able to give his father one more win there before he went. It just seems from that point on, and every year since then he comes to Augusta and his demeanor is plainly different and he just agonizes over everything. I understand Augusta is hard, but Tiger needs to get back to being Tiger; which is mostly fearless. I just think he wants it too much there that he does end up getting in his own way. Before Augusta he won once and looked very good. Now today after Augusta, goes out and shoots 65. He’s fine.
The only place Tiger went was the hospital. He hasn’t falling in skill. Anyone that has watch him know he will e back stronger than ever.