Woods untouchable when it comes to creating atmosphere, says Laird
MARTIN LAIRD insists Tiger Woods is far from a ‘spent force’ as the Scot relishes the chance to again play alongside the 14-time major champion.
Woods ends a 17-month PGA Tour absence today in the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines near San Diego, California.
The last time Woods was seen on the PGA Tour was on August 23, 2015 and after sharing 10th place in the Wyndham Championship in North Carolina Woods then underwent double surgery on his ailing back ahead of returning to competition late last year in the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.
And the PGA Tour has thrown Woods right in at the deep end at this week’s £5.35m event at Torrey Pines .
Ranked 663 in the world, Woods will tee-up alongside No.1 Jason Day and No.3 Dustin Johnson.
Laird is competing a week after commencing his 10th pro career New Year with a share of ninth in the Career Builder Challenge. He still harbours strong memories of the last time he played alongside Woods, the final round of the 2011 Masters when Woods lit up Augusta with an outward nine of 31 as he shot 67 to fall short by four shots and share fourth place.
“It was the most electric atmosphere I have ever encountered at any time in my career,” said Laird. “He was fiveunder through eight holes and I just thought the place was going to explode, as everyone was getting so excited over what Tiger was doing.
“Only Tiger can do that, create that excitement. Maybe Phil [Mickelson] in the right setting could do that, but on that Sunday at the Masters, and playing alongside Tiger as I was, it was just pure crazy.
“Anyone who says Tiger no longer does not have an impact in golf is completely wrong as practically every time I go to my course in Arizona to practise, everyone I meet asks me about Tiger and when he will be returning.
“So, anyone who thinks Tiger is a spent force is kidding themselves. No-one comes close to Tiger in terms of popularity, and no one is going to touch him as to what he was like in his prime.
“And now that Tiger’s back, and looking like playing a regular season schedule, then I’d love the chance to compete alongside him.”