Every Tiger Woods round reveals something about him. Even his duds

Every Tiger Woods round reveals something about him. Even his duds

 

TROON, Scotland — The wind whipped through the Royal Troon Golf Club as Tiger Woods, the indomitable golfing legend, prepared for what could be his last stand at the British Open. It was 2:30 PM on a cold, dreary Thursday, and Woods, inching closer to his 49th birthday, was about to tee off in his 23rd British Open. Sporting a classic, no-nonsense look in black and gray — a nod to the legendary Henry Cotton, though Cotton wore a silk necktie and Woods donned a neck warmer — Woods stepped onto the course with the weight of history on his shoulders. Like Cotton, Woods has won the Open three times, but the challenge before him was formidable.

 

Woods’ attire spoke volumes: black shoes, black rain pants, a black cap, and a gray sweater, all paired with an intense, I-mean-business demeanor. He began his round with a par on the 1st hole, battling a strong headwind with a flawless gait. His playing partners, Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele — both fellow Californians and interlocking grip users — were alongside him, adding a layer of camaraderie to the round. The trio’s conversation was minimal, dominated instead by the grandeur of the Open and the imposing weather conditions.

 

On the practice green, Woods greeted Schauffele with a nod of familiarity, referencing the exclusive “Society of Grand Slam Winners.” It was a playful yet poignant reminder of the gap between their careers: Schauffele, with 14 more majors to go, and Woods, a legendary figure whose own achievements were now being tested against time.

 

As Woods tackled the 2nd hole, his swing showed promise — smoother and more natural than in recent times. This glimpse of his former self was a stark contrast to his 15-year-old son Charlie, who was gearing up for the U.S. Junior Amateur at Oakland Hills. Woods, a three-time winner of that event, was clearly grappling with his own shifting role.

 

The day wore on with Woods navigating the course’s challenges: a birdie on the 3rd, followed by a bogey on the 4th after missing the green on the par-5. Despite the sporadic conversation within the group and the presence of a small army of officials and spotters, the day remained focused on Woods’ performance. His double bogey on the 5th, a par on the 6th, and a bogey on the 7th further emphasized the difficulty of the conditions.

 

The short par-3 8th hole, with its minuscule green, proved particularly challenging. Woods’ bogey there was a reminder of how even the smallest errors were magnified in such harsh conditions. With a 40 on the front nine, the struggle was evident.

 

Colin Montgomerie, with his trademark forthrightness, had recently suggested that Woods should consider retirement. Observing Woods’ performance on Thursday, where he shot several nines in the 40s, it was hard to dismiss Montgomerie’s perspective. Yet, despite the rough patches, Woods’ preparation and execution remained methodical and intense.

 

On the back nine, Woods’ removal of his neck warmer seemed symbolic of a shift in approach. A birdie on the 13th was a small victory in a round marked by adversity. As he approached the par-3 14th, a marshal named Brian Rae — a local fixture who had seen Woods on TV but was now witnessing him in person — observed Woods’ intense focus. Rae’s comparison to Joe DiMaggio’s legendary work ethic was apt: Woods played every shot with the same dedication, regardless of the score.

 

After a grueling five-hour round, Woods’ walk up the 18th showed a faint, yet perceptible, sign of fatigue. Despite the sparse crowd and chilly conditions, the fans’ applause and the members peering through clubhouse windows reflected a respect for Woods’ unyielding spirit. His brief post-round interview revealed a man still deeply focused on his game, even as he acknowledged the challenging nature of the Open.

 

With only major championships on his schedule, Woods’ limited play added to the difficulty of maintaining peak performance. Schauffele’s respectful observation about Woods’ strategy highlighted the immense challenge faced by a player trying to compete at the highest level with limited preparation.

 

As Woods looked forward to potentially his last competitive round of the year, his hopes were set on improving for the future. His enduring commitment to the game, despite evident struggles, showcased a relentless spirit that refuses to bow to age or adversity. For Woods, the battle continues, marked not by the scores on the card but by the unwavering dedication to the sport he loves.

 

In the end, Tiger Woods’ round at Royal Troon was not just a measure of skill but a testament to the enduring spirit of a champion facing the relentless march of time. His performance may have been far from his best, but his drive and passion remained as powerful as ever.