Tiger Ready For Final Major, Says Masters Victory Took Toll On Him Physically

As the golf season unwinds into its final major of the year, Tiger Woods says that he is still feeling fatigued from his triumph at Augusta in April.

“It’s not quite as sharp as I’d like to have it right now,” Woods said Tuesday morning after a seven-hole practice session at Royal Portrush. “My touch around the greens is right where I need to have it.

“I still need to get the shape of the golf ball a little bit better than I am right now, especially with the weather coming in and the winds are going to be changing. I’m going to have to be able to cut the ball, draw the ball, hit at different heights and move it all around. Today it was a good range session. I need another one tomorrow. And hopefully, that will be enough to be ready.”

Playing just ten rounds of competitive golf since April, one has to wonder about Woods confidence and approach heading into Royal Portrush. Since winning the Masters, Woods missed the cut at the PGA Championship, finished tied for 21st at the U.S. Open and tied for ninth at the Memorial Tournament. Gaining his form since winning the Masters has proven to be a clear obstacle for Woods thus far.

“Well, getting myself into position to win the Masters … it took a lot out of me. That golf course puts so much stress on the system,” said Woods, who then noted the slew of contenders over the back nine and how much he relished having his kids and his mom there to share the win. “It was a very emotional week and one that I keep reliving. It’s hard to believe that I pulled it off and I ended up winning the tournament.”

“I want to play here as long as I possibly can. And you have to understand, if I play a lot, I won’t be out here that long,” Woods said. “So it’s understanding how much I can play, prepping how much I do at home and getting ready. And that’s the tricky part is trying to determine how much tournament play I need to get the feel for the shots and also understanding where my body is.”

Woods will only hit the driving range on Wednesday this week, barring an unforeseen change in his schedule.

Article by Jason Hirsch