Tiger feeling smiles better
TIGER WOODS is just happy to be back at the US Open as he bids to end his decade-long drought in the Majors.
The American won the event in 2008 but has drawn a blank in golf’s biggest tournaments since then.
Career-threatening injury problems along with off-course issues have derailed Woods’ progress.
But the 42-year-old knows he’s fortunate to simply be competing at the highest level again.
Goal
Ahead of tomorrow’s first round at Shinnecock Hills he said: “I had no expectation to think
I could actually be here again. This time last year I was given the okay to start walking again.
“It was about just having my standard of life. Forget about golf.
“Could I participate in my kids’ lives again?
“That was the main goal, being able to play again was a bonus.
“A lot of this is a pure bonus because of where I was. To be here is a great feeling and one I don’t take for granted.
from PETER LAING
I have given myself chances to win which I did not know I was ever going to do again.
“But I’m not happy with the fact that I didn’t win.
“Of the tournaments I’ve played in this year there’s been something missing.
“Hopefully this is one of those weeks where I put it all together and we’ll see what happens.”
Woods is one of 20 players in the field this week who played at the same New York venue 14 years ago – when playing conditions caused havoc.
The 2004 US Open descended into farce as the par-three seventh green was branded ‘unplayable’ and had to be watered during the last round after two players putted off into bunkers.
Only winner Retief Goosen and runner-up Phil Mickelson finished under par.
US Golf Association event chief Mike Davis said: “We admit that we as an organisation erred.
“In that final round we were seeing well-executed shots not only not rewarded but in some cases penalised.”