TIGER COMES ROARING BACK
TIGER WOODS claimed he has a “chance” of his first win since 2013 after sharing the clubhouse lead at the Valspar Championship.
The former world No.1 showed glimpses of his old self as he carded four birdies in his second round 68 in only his fourth official event since back surgery last April. The 14-time Major winner was the solo leader until he dropped his only shot on his final hole when his wayward approach landed in the handbag of a spectator sitting greenside and he missed the six-foot par saver.
Woods, now the world No.388, said: “Nearly! I am up there. I’m there with a chance going into the weekend. Today was a good day. I keep getting a little bit better here and there making these subtle tweaks. I have done that from tournament to tournament.
“I just need to get a bit more tournament time in. I am starting to get a better feel for it, to feel the rhythm of the rounds.”
Phil Mickelson, who won his first tournament since the 2013 Open at the WGC-Mexico Championship last weekend, said: “I wouldn’t be surprised if he went out and won this to one-up me again.”
Paul Casey shared the early clubhouse lead in Palm Harbor, Florida, on fourunder par after also shooting a 68.