I’ll put neck on the line for 15th Major
GOLF THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP
BY DALE RANKIN TIGER WOODS insists he’s “on track” for a tilt at a 15th Major title at the Masters – despite failing to tee up in Florida due to a neck strain.
The American’s decision to sit out last week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational – a tournament he has won eight times – triggered alarm bells about his future.
Former Ryder Cup captain Paul Azinger had warned fans of the former world No.1 to “hold your breath” as he suggested it was a “serious issue”.
But the 43-year-old played nine holes in practice at Sawgrass yesterday as he prepares to tee up tomorrow in the Players Championship, his fourth event of the year.
Having had four back ops, Woods celebrated a return to the winner’s circle last season with a stunning victory at the Tour Championship.
Now he is intent on capturing what would be his first Major title since the 2008 US Open.
With Augusta set to host the season’s first Major in four weeks’ time, Woods revealed the neck problem is linked to the spinal fusion surgery he underwent in April 2017.
But he said: “It’s not painful now. It was getting to the point where it was affecting my set-up, my backswing.
“It was gradually getting worse and that’s just because my lower back is fused.
“The stress has to go somewhere if I don’t have movement so it’s very important to keep pliable or else the stress is going to go somewhere else.
“I have to stay fit, as loose as I possibly can, for as long as I play out here. I’ve played three tournaments so far and that’s about right. I’m right there heading to where I need to be.
“My finishes are getting a little bit better, I’ve gotten a little