Tiger on the prowl

If Tiger is ever going to add to his Major tally, then surely 2019 offers his best chance. Having spent the first half of last season searching for his swing, he found a rhythm and ended up coming close in two Majors and winning his 80th PGA Tour title.

This year he can take a different approach, safe in the knowledge he has the game to win tournaments again. He’ll come in to 2019 fully rested and be able to build his season around the Majors, rather than search for his competitive edge.

And what of those Majors? We all know his record at Augusta, but the next two on the schedule are also at venues he knows well. First comes the rescheduled USPGA at Bethpage Black, a course where he won the 2002 US Open. Then, as mentioned, the US Open will be held at Pebble Beach, the scene of his record-breaking 15-stroke victory in 2000.

Last up is The Open at Portrush and perhaps his best chance of the lot. If he can control the golf ball like we know he can, his experience and ingenuity may well be the difference.

Away from the Majors, Sam Snead’s mark of 82 PGA Tour wins is also up for grabs. If he can stay fit, the records may soon start to tumble again.