Tigers look on the bright side

White Sulphur Springs – Tiger Woods (above) declared his tie for 32nd at the Greenbrier Classic a “very positive week” and sounded genuinely excited about his prospects ahead of this month’s British Open at St Andrews.

Woods has won twice at the Old Course – in 2000 and 2005 – but it would be stretching things to suggest his game is quite ready to be etched on the Claret Jug once more.

Still, after signing his fi rst bogey-free card in 56 rounds on the PGA Tour, he had reason for tempered optimism after finishing six strokes behind winner Danny Lee in West Virginia on Sunday.

A day after six-time Major champion Nick Faldo concluded that Woods was still prone to blocking drives under pressure, the American former world No 1 was singing a different tune.

“It’s the best I hit it in a long, long time,” the 14-times major champion told reporters after signing for a three-under 67.

“This could have been one of those special rounds. I really could have gone low. I had full control over all clubs. I hit it great. I had shapes both ways, right-to-left, left-to-right.

“If I had just made a couple of putts, this week could have been completely different. I’ve made some nice strides heading into the British Open.”

It is only one month since Woods shot his worst round as a professional, an 85 at the Memorial tournament, and he also missed the cut at the US Open.

Although the easy conditions on a rain-softened course at the Greenbrier did not provide the most exacting test, Woods said that being in the midst of swing changes at the Memorial played a role in what appeared to be a performance that augured badly for his future.

“I made a big, giant step at Memorial, even though I shot those numbers,” he said. “I shot those high numbers, but shifting the baseline like I did, consequently I’m here now. Very excited.

“I’ve just got to get used to the feel. It’s a completely different motion. It’s not a short-term fi x. People looking for the one quick fi x and the very next day play great golf – but it doesn’t work that way.” –

This could have been one of those special rounds. I really could have gone low. Tiger Woods former world No 1