Paolo Uggetti ESPN
LOS ANGELES– Tiger Woods played as well as strolled 16 holes in the Genesis Invitational Pro-Am Wednesday early morning in his initial public round of golf because missing out on the cut at in 2015’s Open Championship inSt Andrews.
Woods, that will certainly have fun with Justin Thomas as well as Rory McIlroy in the initial 2 rounds of the competition beginning Thursday, shown up at Riviera Country Club Wednesday prior to daybreak as well as exercised at the array with lights prior to his 6:30 a.m. tee time. At the moment Woods embarked on, the sunlight was simply looking out over the perspective as well as the temperature level remained in the reduced 40s. It continued to be there throughout the front 9 holes while the wind grabbed substantially. Woods, using what seemed a number of layers, looked cool yet comfy moving.
“I am very rusty, but I’ve come off a rusty situation before and I’ve done well,” Woods statedTuesday “Plus, I know this golf course. I know I haven’t had a lot of success on this golf course, but I knew what to practice for, shots to hit at home getting ready.”
During the initial component of his round Wednesday, Woods’ stride looked extra regular than it has in the past, without visible limp, though he did show up to take his time as well as treatment pacing high inclines. By the back 9, he did seem strolling even more gingerly, preventing placing excessive weight on his ankle joint. After grabbing his round on the 16th opening, Woods did not play the remainder of the means as well as took his time strolling back up the club. He did not take a cart.
As the 16- time significant victor stated Tuesday, striking shots is not a concern for him, yet strolling, as well as especially his best ankle joint, are what have actually influenced him one of the most. Though Woods stated his leg as well as the plantar fasciitis are doing much better, the job of possibly strolling 72 holes throughout 4 days continues to be difficult, yet not intimidating sufficient that he thinks he should not be out below with an opportunity to win.
“I would not have put myself out here if I didn’t think I could beat these guys and win the event,” Woods statedTuesday “That’s my mentality.”
Woods likewise invested additional time on the environment-friendlies Wednesday– which at Riviera often tend to be a few of the tiniest as well as most difficult on the PGA Tour– exercising additional putts from various placements. The wind was so solid at one factor that Woods struck a motorist as well as 3-wood on the par-4 nine opening. He chuckled as his method fired lost in a greenside shelter.
It has actually been virtually 2 years because Woods was seriously hurt in an automobile mishap near the website of this week’s competition, which Woods hosts. He after that went through several surgical procedures on his best leg as well as foot; at one factor, Woods stated doctors almost needed to truncate his best leg. Since after that, Woods has actually just played in majors previously.
“I know I’m not going to be playing a full schedule and I’ve got to pick and choose what I’m going to be playing in and it will be very limited,” Woods statedTuesday “So I’ll put all my energy into those events.”
