PACIFIC PALISADES – So, what to make of Tiger Woods these last four days at Riviera?
Should we be sad about those moments when he looked every bit of his 47 years on this earth, one of the game’s elders trying to stay with the young guys?
Should we be optimistic that, after not playing a full tournament since last April’s Masters, he made it through 72 holes this weekend and actually finished the week 1-under par?
Should we be disappointed in him for the sexist prank on his buddy Justin Thomas during Thursday’s round, when he slipped Thomas a tampon after outdriving him? (We’ll acknowledge that Tiger issued an apology to those offended, but we should also note that Tiger’s length off the tee in 2020-21, the last full season listed for him, was only six yards more than current LPGA leader Yuka Saso’s 277.1 with about the same accuracy, around 64 percent.)
But that contretemps, while igniting a justified firestorm, does distract from the greater issue: How much Tiger really has left physically, and how much we’ll see of him on tournament courses going forward?
There were moments of triumph this week, especially during Saturday’s 67, which included an eagle on the par-5 1st hole. And there were moments, especially toward the end of Sunday’s round, where he seemed sapped of energy.
But overall, just for having navigated 72 holes on his feet – with a chance for a birdie on the very last hole that would have vaulted him from a tie for 45th to a tie for 39th – the week was positive.
“It was progress, but obviously I didn’t win. My streak continues here at Riv,” said Woods, who has never won on the historic course. “I felt like the first couple days I left certainly a lot of shots out there with some putts,especially Friday when I was blocking everything. (Saturday) was better. Still wish I could have gotten within a touch of the leaders.”
Remember what he said at the start of the week. He is the tournament host, and the Tiger Woods…
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