Memories of 2006 Open triumph inspiring Tiger to rule at Hoylake

Joy Chakravarty 06:03 16/07/2014
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  • Big hopes for Hoylake: Woods during a practice round yesterday.

    The last time Tiger Woods was here at Royal Liverpool, he scythed through a demanding golf course armed with a lethal 2-iron.

    Eight years and several injuries later, he hopes a posi­tive mindset and self-belief can recreate that glory.

    Woods’ recent injury woes are well documented, having under­gone back surgery on March 31 to deal with a pinched nerve that wrecked many recent tournaments for him.

    The former world No1 and three-time Open champion has played just five events this year and has slipped to No7 in the world order.

    But a missed cut in his comeback event three weeks ago at the Con­gressional, and the limited prepara­tion  ahead of the Open – as he continues his rehabilita­tion – has not dented his hopes of a 15th major title this week.

    Admitting that it is becoming more and more difficult to win majors and close in on Jack Nicklaus' record 18 wins, Woods nonetheless had a one-word an­swer when asked what would be an acceptable finish here at Hoylake.

    “First,” replied Woods noncha­lantly. “That’s always the case.

    “I think it gets harder every year, just because the fields get deeper. There are more guys with a chance to win. 

    “It’s get­ting harder to win and the margin is so much smaller. It’s only going to continue to be the case. Guys who are coming out here are bigger, stronger, faster, more athletic.”

    Woods famously won the 2006 Open at Hoylake and cried on the 18th green remembering his father, who had passed away just before the championship.

    Saying he felt completely at peace during that incredible win where he used the driver just once, Woods added: “It feels great to come back to Hoylake. To win in 2006 meant a lot to me in my life at the time.

    “That was a very emotional week. As you all know, I pressed pretty hard at Augusta that year, trying to win it because it was the last time my dad was ever going to see me play a Major championship and then I didn’t play well at the US Open. I missed the cut there miser­ably.

    “Then, I came here and just felt at peace. I really played well. On Sunday, I felt calm out there. It was surreal at the time. I’ve had a few moments like that in Majors where I’ve felt that way on a Sunday and that was certainly one of them.

    Woods also said he was happy with where his physical health is at the moment.

    “It’s getting better. Playing at Congressional was a big boost to me. The fact that I was able to go at it that hard and hit it like that with no pain,” said Woods, who arrived earlier than usual at a major venue to put in the hard yards.

    “It wasn’t like that the previous time I played. Playing at both the Honda and Doral I did not feel well, but I’ve gotten stronger since then, I’ve gotten more explosive, I’ve gotten faster since then.

    Woods starts his Open cam­paign tomorrow paired with An­gel Cabrera and world No2 Hen­rik Stenson, teeing off at 12:04pm UAE time.

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