It’s not so n-ice for Tiger
TIGER WOODS’ bid to win the US PGA and an automatic Ryder Cup spot have been put on ice.
The former world No.1 needs his first Major victory in over a decade to qualify for the top eight in Jim Furyk’s US team.
But the American superstar last night revealed he spent Monday in an ice bath to ease his aching 42-year-old body.
Then torrential rain yesterday saw him squeeze in only five practice holes on a course he’s never played.
Woods, who finished tied 31st at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational on Sunday, said: “I needed that day off.
“Yesterday I spent a few times in the ice bath just trying to get some inflammation down and just trying to
from NEIL McLEMAN in St Louis get ready for the rest of the week. And a lot of stretching.
“The inflammation was everywhere. I’m 42 now, and I’ve had four back surgeries.”
Woods has never played the Bellerive Country Club as he was injured for the BMW Championship in 2008 and the 2001 WGC-Amex was cancelled due to the 9/11 atrocity.
He added: “I haven’t set foot on this golf course since that week.”
Woods, ranked 51 in the world, will be in Paris next month as a Ryder Cup vice-captain or a wildcard.
Asked if he would pick himself he said: “I’m trending and I like my chances in match play.” His latest comeback has seen shots of his old brilliance but no sign of his steely former consistency over 72 holes.
The four-times PGA champion will play with two-time winner Rory McIlroy and in-form defending champion Justin Thomas in the opening two rounds.
Northern Ireland’s McIlroy said: “You certainly get thrown at the deep end in a group like that.
“Justin and I just have to accept that 75 per cent of the people out there watching are watching one guy in that group and that’s it. But it’s going to be fun.”
McIlroy wants to end a Majors drought stretching back to 2014 and added: “I always enjoy PGA set ups, they seem to suit my game.”