Tempered hope
Woods should consider himself fortunate to make the cut at Torrey Pines this week. The 152-strong Farmers Insurance Open will be no walk in the park, never mind his unparalleled history of success in Pacific Palisades. And with the weather far from ideal,
Arelaxed Tiger Woods showed up for the Genesis Open presser at the Riviera Country Club yesterday. Dressed in a black ensemble that complemented his confident demeanor, he didn’t look like he was about to make his first United States Professional Golfers Association Tour start in 17 months. Notwithstanding his prolonged convalescence from back-toback back surgeries in late 2015, he appeared every bit as selfassured as when he was hitherto heralded as the best of the best in the sport. “I’m excited about getting started on the season,” he disclosed. “I’ve missed playing. I’ve missed competing.”
Considering Woods’ packed schedule, “excited” may be an understatement. All the same, his presence in four tournaments over the next five weeks is as much an acknowledgment of his need for reps under pressure as of his desire to wield clubs once more alongside his peers. And while fans understandably believe he will be picking up from where he left off, the more realistic view is that of him alternating between good and bad numbers. Golf challenges the most prepared, and only with time inside the ropes will he be able to shake off the rust.
All things considered, Woods should consider himself fortunate to make the cut at Torrey Pines this week. The 152-strong Farmers Insurance Open will be no walk in the park, never mind his unparalleled history of success in Pacific Palisades. And with the weather far from ideal, his less of preparedness and readiness will be tested. As he admitted, “I’ve played a lot at home, but it’s different than being out here at tour level... I’ve been away from it for a very long time.”
Which is to say even Woods knows well enough to temper his expectations. He understands that he has to get his sea legs anew before he can take the measure of the established elite. “My body is in a pretty good state where I feel I can handle the workload. But I still have to go out and do it.” Indeed.