Tiger Woods Confronts a Tough Lesson and Looks Ahead to a Promising 2025

Tiger Woods Confronts a Tough Lesson and Looks Ahead to a Promising 2025

Tiger Woods is making just his fifth start of the year at The Open but admits he’s been too optimistic this season

In a candid admission, Tiger Woods acknowledges a key error in his approach for the current season but remains optimistic about a significant comeback in 2025.

 

The golf icon faced a challenging start at The Open on Thursday, recording a disappointing eight-over-par 79 at Royal Troon. This marks only his fifth appearance this year as he battles ongoing health issues. Despite recent setbacks and Colin Montgomerie’s suggestion that Woods should consider retirement, the 82-time PGA Tour winner is resolute in his determination to continue, even as his performance at Royal Troon struggles to meet expectations.

 

Reflecting on his year, Woods confessed: “Hopefully next year will be a little bit better than this year. I thought I could play a little bit more earlier in the year. I think I was a little bit too optimistic. I need to do a lot more work in the gym and keep progressing like we have. I’m physically feeling a lot better than I did at the beginning of the year.”

 

He elaborated on his physical condition, noting: “At the end of last year, it was tough, and I haven’t played a whole lot. I think that, as the year has gone on, I have gotten better. I just wish I could have played a little bit more, but I’ve been saving it for the majors just in case I do something pretty major and then take myself out of it.”

 

Woods now faces the daunting task of improving his game to ensure he makes the weekend cut. His performance on Thursday, marred by six bogeys and two double bogeys which overshadowed his two birdies at the third and 13th holes, has left him with a significant challenge for day two.

 

Reflecting on his game, Woods admitted: “I didn’t do a whole lot of things right today. I made that putt on the 3rd hole, and then I think I had, what, three 3-putts today. I didn’t hit my irons very close, and I didn’t give myself a whole lot of looks today. I need to shoot something in the mid-60s tomorrow to get something going on the weekend.”

 

As Woods contemplates the remainder of the season and looks forward to 2025, his fans and the golfing world will be watching closely, hoping for a resurgence from the legendary player.