Tiger Woods produced a roller coaster of form at the Hero World Challenge he is hosting to finish 15th in an elite field of 17 players.
With just a month to go until the opening event of the 2017 PGA Tour, golf fans and players are gearing up for Tiger Woods’ next chapter as the former world number one prepares for his first start on the U.S. Tour since August 2015.
Although Woods is unlikely to compete before the Jan. 26-29 Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, where he is a seven-time former champion, he has already given a taste of what to expect with his performance in the Bahamas last week.
Returning to action after a nearly 16-month absence caused by chronic back problems, Woods produced roller-coaster form at the Hero World Challenge he is hosting to finish 15th in an elite field of 17 players.
Unsurprisingly, the 14-time major winner appeared rusty in some areas of his game and made several errors of judgment over the four rounds, but also showed flashes of the brilliant golf he was once renowned for and finished the week with a record 24 birdies.
Woods was clearly excited to be back competing with his peers and fellow American, world number five Jordan Spieth, echoed the views of many in the Bahamas with a positive and enthusiastic assessment of the tournament host’s return to competition.
“What seems to be happening is he’s patient, he’s making a comeback, he’s confident in his game,” Spieth, 23, told reporters of the 40-year-old Woods. “It’s really exciting for us and for golf.
“He’s a guy that can continue to make an impact on the golf course for the players…he can really help bring the numbers back up in golf.”
Story continues below this ad
Spieth, who won the Masters and US Open in 2015, said Woods should not be judged on the success of his comeback until at least the end of next year, saying any player needs at least one week of competition for every two weeks away from the game to establish a good rhythm.
“But what he did (in the Bahamas) showed that he’s certainly up for the challenge and his game is there, he’s ready to go,” Spieth said.
“Even with Tiger, whenever we set expectations, he exceeds them.
“But sometimes it’s not fair to set higher ones, so I certainly hope he gets his time…and I’m sure he will. He’s as mentally tough as anyone who’s ever been in this game.”
