I suppose when you’re the best golfer the world has ever known, and might ever know, when a few rounds of golf get away from you, people begin to speculate, to discuss, and to wonder what is wrong with you. What is going on with Tiger Woods that is causing him to play so, well, horribly as of late, why did he miss the cut at the British Open, and when will he turn things around? Looks like Tiger Woods answered just about every speculation, every question and ever rumor with his play over the last two rounds at the Buick Open. What’s wrong with Tiger? Nothing.
Battles Back from 8 Strokes Down
That’s right, despite being 8 strokes down after his first round play, which I’m sure gave rise to even more speculation and concern, Tiger battled back and returned for Round 2 to shoot a -9, 63 for the day, catapulting him into the Top 3 and setting him up for his performance yesterday in Round 3. How do you follow up a Round 2 63? If you’re Tiger Woods, you shoot a Round 3 65 and take a one shot lead at the Buick Open, a tournament you’ve won before.
Tiger Holds 35-1 Record Leading After 54 Holes
So today, Round 4 begins and Tiger goes into it with a one-stroke lead. How will he do? I suppose we’ll have to wait until 1:50 local time to find out, but keep this in mind: When Tiger goes into the final round of a tournament in the lead, he’s 35-1. Yes, 35-1 and that 1 loss came all the way back in 1996 when he was 20 years old. Confidence, it seems, will be the last thing Tiger will be left looking for.
Tiger Never Left
So, if you’re not tuning in today, to see Tiger Woods play like, well, Tiger Woods, you’re seriously missing out. It’s great to see the old play again, the fist pumps and the long putts, the great chips, the blasted drives. Tiger is back, but the big question is, did he ever leave? Ask him, I bet you can’t guess his answer.
(image via Carlos Osorio/Associated Press)
