Can Tiger Woods win The Open? His former coach says yes

It’s no longer the old, well-functioning machine that hit balls like a machine and won one PGA Tour title after another. Tiger Woods has changed a lot over the years. He’s become a different man, his body has changed beyond recognition. The only thing that hasn’t changed is his unbridled love of golf. But is it enough to make him enjoy winning again? Or will it forever be a shadow and a silhouette of Tiger’s faded glory?

• Tiger Woods believes he has what it takes to win another title
• The former world number one’s physical condition is very good
• Woods’ former coach says links course could suit him

Tiger Woods has put himself in a position where not much is expected of him anymore. After the mental problems that have accompanied him throughout his eventful career, dozens of back surgeries, but most of all a car crash in February 2021, it is evident that he will never be anything like he used to be.

But that doesn’t mean Tiger intends to enjoy a well-deserved retirement. At forty-eight, he still has the fire and desire to make something of himself. He still hasn’t given up on the idea of winning his 16th major and 83rd career PGA Tour title. But is it even possible anymore?

The only answer to that question is: “I’m going to play as long as I can play, and I feel I can win the tournament,” he told GolfWeek reporters at Tuesday’s press conference before the start of the 152nd edition of The Open. It’s virtually the same answer Tiger Woods gives before every tournament he enters.

He said a few months ago before the Masters that if everything comes together, he could easily win another title.

This year, however, he has only managed to play nine competitive rounds. In February, he withdrew from the Genesis Invitational during the second round for health reasons, then narrowly missed the cut for the Masters. He didn’t make the weekend rounds at the PGA Championship and U.S. Open, though.

Good physical condition

So why would anything be different now? Tiger was, as always, the centre of attention on the course in practice rounds at Royal Throon Golf Club, and not just from journalists. His every stroke and movement on the course is closely watched. Everyone wants to know how physically fit Tiger really is.

Insiders on the scene report that the former world number one is doing well in his preparation for The Open. Even very well. Tiger himself says he’s certainly not slacking off at home.

“We worked pretty hard in the gym, which was good. The body feels better when it can do things like that. It means it can hit the ball better. I can’t stay out as long as I would like during practice, but I’m able to do things I haven’t been able to do for a long time, which is good,” Woods told reporters at a press conference.

Even though the golf legend looks in good shape, a lot will depend on the weather at The Open. The rainy Scottish conditions are certainly not something that will help him. The colder the weather, the worse the impact on his body.

Links course as his home course

But a much more positive outlook was set by Hank Haney, who is Tiger’s former coach and one of those who watched his former charge closely before the tournament.

“A lot of people thought Augusta was Tiger’s best opportunity to win again. But it wasn’t, it was always the Open Championship and for many reasons,” Haney wrote on his X social media account.

“Slower greens mean less three-putts. Plus, no one has more knowledge playing golf on links courses. Based on what he’s done so far this year, it seems like now or never. His swing looks really good in practice,” he praised Woods’ current form.

Then there’s the other question of how much the absence of competitive golf will show. Tiger may have plenty of experience, but the pace of regularly played tournaments is lacking. His tee time for the opening round is scheduled for Thursday at 3:37 p.m.

Source: GolfWeek, The Open 2024