Tiger Woods got an early look at The Open.
The three-time champion answered an overnight flight across the Atlantic with a full round at Royal Troon in preparation for the 152nd Open.
Woods, 48, played all 18 holes.
While he walked with a limp, according to Bunkered, Woods was sharp overall and appeared to be improved following disappointing runs at the Masters, PGA Championship and US Open.
Even more promising for golf fans was the sight of Woods almost making a hole-in-one on the Postage Stamp eighth hole.
Woods’ ball rolled within three feet of the flag before falling short of perfection.
As photos and video emerged of Woods at Royal Troon, fans alternated between optimism and a fear of recent history repeating itself.
“Tiger’s swing looks great right now!” one fan tweeted.
“He looks pretty good,” a second fan posted.
“Zero chance he makes the cut but who cares … forever the GOAT,” a third fan wrote.
Woods has won 15 majors and took first place at the Open in 2000, ’05 and ’06.
But injuries, career setbacks and personal problems have derailed his career in recent years.
He’s suffered through a poor 2024 season, withdrawing from the Genesis Invitational and fishing 16-over at the Masters.
It was even worse at the PGA Championship and US Open, as Woods failed to make the cut at both tournaments.
“He looks lean,” a fan tweeted. “He also looks like he hasn’t played in seven weeks. Be lucky to make the cut with that weather this week.”
First round action at Royal Troon starts Thursday.
Scotish-born Robert MacIntyre won the recent Scotish Open, while Rory McIlroy returned to action by finishing tied-for-fourth.
Woods’ first goal at Royal Troon has to be making the cut and playing in the third round.
Then one of the greatest golfers of all-time can try and win his first Open in almost 20 years.
News Summary:
- ‘Limping’ Tiger Woods nearly makes hole in one on Postage Stamp at Royal Troon in impressive prep run for Open
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