TIGER IS LOOKING VINTAGE
Woods’ form returns
ASPORTING miracle to rank alongside the most mind-boggling in history has now moved into view following another remarkable day of progress in the comeback of Tiger Woods.
Playing alongside Henrik Stenson and Jordan Spieth, the 42year-old American made the last two winners of The Open look like a pair of pro-am playing partners by comparison, as he posted a wonderful 68 in the second round of the Valspar Championship in Tampa.
All the agonies he’s been through over recent years suddenly appeared nothing more than a bad dream, as Tiger tamed the difficult Copperhead course with a display that showcased all his incomparable artistry.
Was there anyone among us a year ago who thought he’d reach the top of a leaderboard once more? Now all bets are off, as he attempts to reach the magical number of 80 PGA Tour victories this weekend. The all-time record is 82, set by the legendary Sam Snead.
As for the Masters in a month’s time, Woods was playing with the favourite to claim the green jacket — and he beat Spieth by nine shots over the course of 36 holes.
On this day, there were no weaknesses in Tiger’s game. Off the tee, he smashed his drive on his fourth — the 13th on the card — 39 yards past the well-struck ball of Spieth. From the fairways Woods gave himself plenty of birdie chances, while even a friedegg lie in a bunker at his 11th couldn’t disturb him, as he gouged it out superbly to five feet. Then there was his putting. There were so many good putts but none were better than at his 17th hole, where he stood over a 20ft effort to remain bogey-free. Down it went to produce one of those Tiger fist pumps we feared we’d never see again. Only at the last was there a trace of nerves, as he missed from six feet to drop his only shot.
Woods remained at the top of a leaderboard for the first time since 2015 until Englishman Paul Casey — who shot a fine 68 of his own — and fellow American Brandt Snedeker joined Woods on four under. Corey Connors retook his lead with a round of three under by the turn.
The Canadian recorded three birdies in his opening nine holes, to move to seven under.
Rory McIlroy’s poor form showed no signs of abating as he went two over par by the 13th hole last night, leaving him five over for the tournament.
Shane Lowry was having some better fortune as he signed for a 70 to leave him sitting on one under par, while compatriot Seamus Power had an uneventful front nine to leave him five over at the turn.
Pádraig Harrington, meanwhile, shot a round of two-overpar 73 to put him at seven over for the tournament.