Bahamas Returning to the Hero World Challenge 2023 after eight months off the PGA Tour due to health issues, Tiger still hasn't reached under par due to three bogeys near the end of round 2.
The Hero World Challenge 2023 took place at the Albany par-72 course in the Bahamas with round 2 on December 1. At the end of this stage, Woods ranked 15th with a tournament score of +1. This was a regrettable result because the former world number one American lost his fire at the end of the course, just like round 1.
In the opening match, Woods was up -1 thanks to a birdie on hole 14 but double bogey on hole 15, bogey on holes 16 and 17, and kept par on hole 18. That performance brought Woods down to +3 and ranked 18th. The tournament had 20 players, all famous on the PGA Tour, no cut, but was calculated based on the World Golf Ranking (OWGR) of professional men's golfers.
Tiger Woods tries a tee shot in the warm-up area during round 2 of the Hero World Challenge at Albany Golf Course, Bahamas. Photo: AFP
In the second round, Woods proved that he is still formidable in the first nine holes, despite his nearing 48 years of age and a body full of injuries. In that period, Woods did not bogey, scored four birdies with the same scenario - using an iron to hit the ball within 1.8 meters of the hole and then putted it cleanly. Thanks to that, the owner of 15 majors and a record 82 cups on the PGA Tour reached a round score of -4, holding on until the end of the 12th hole. But from holes 13 to 16, he recorded three bogeys, of which the most notable mistake was at hole 15 - hitting the ball into the sand trap on a putt nearly 20 meters from the target. That trap, he fell into on his second shot, when it was 182 yards from the flag.
Thanks to his fifth birdie on the 17th hole and a par on the 18th hole, Woods raised his round score to -2 and his tournament score to +1. The lead is now -9, with Jordan Spieth and Scottie Scheffler currently leading the world men's professional golf rankings (OWGR).
"Unfortunately, I missed a few holes near the end. That's normal after not playing for many months. But overall, this match was better than the last match. This is a progress that I'm satisfied with. This tournament also helps me review my physical and professional skills to plan for the upcoming matches," Woods told Golf Channel after round 2.
The Hero World Challenge 2023 marks Woods' return after eight months out of action.
The "Super Tiger" last played in April. At that time, the former world number one American competed in the Masters major, but withdrew from the third round due to a relapse of plantar fasciitis in his right foot. A few days later, he underwent surgery and left the date of his rematch open.
Nearly two weeks ago, Woods announced his participation in the Hero World Challenge 2023. This tournament on the PGA Tour calendar, which he has hosted since 2000, combines fundraising for his own charity.
Over the past 26 years, "Super Tiger" has won 15 majors, currently holding the record of 82 cups on the PGA Tour with the legendary Sam Snead. But in the process of achieving that great feat, he has had to go under the knife at least 10 times due to professional injuries, five of which were in his left knee, the other in his back.
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