Yes, says Joe Whitley, he’s in the form of his life
Let’s get this straight – the only reason Tiger Woods has not won at least one Major this year is because of a ridiculously unfortunate deflection at Augusta.
Coming down the 15th in round two, he was firing on all cylinders and taking out flags – literally in this unfortunate case. His wedge approach into the par-5 bounded backwards off the pin and straight into the water. The resulting penalty was compounded when he admitted dropping the ball two yards short of its original position in the post-round press conference.
A media storm ensued and a disqualification debate raged. It resulted in a two-shot penalty that cost him a 15th Major.
It is therefore unquestionable that Woods has what it takes to go the distance in a Major again, and I really think he will this week.
A seven shot victory at the Bridgestone, that could have been so much more if Woods was not in defend mode over the weekend, proves he is in incredible form and, as I pointed out in our betting preview, Oak Hill sets up perfectly for him.
I really can’t see anyone stopping him.
Let’s get this straight – the only reason Tiger Woods has not won at least one Major already this year is because of a ridiculously unfortunate deflection at Augusta.
No, says James Tompkinson, he can no longer close Majors
This month, we spoke to Padraig Harrington about the five years that have elapsed since he last won a major. It seems almost bizarre to think that Tiger Woods has had a longer major-less run than the Irishman.
Tiger’s winless run stretches back to the 2008 US Open – now 21 majors ago.
Nobody can deny that Woods is a world-class player. He is a once in a generation golfer. But when you consider that six of his majors came inside two years, followed up by another four wins in 2005 and 2006, a five-year gap seems like an awfully long time.
I’ve backed Tiger in all the majors this year, particularly at Muirfield where everything seemed set for him, but a lack of return has left me wondered if he’s losing his touch when closing out majors.
My gut feeling is that the wait will go on.