LOS ANGELES — Tiger Woods performed 16 holes and walked 18 within the Genesis Invitational Professional-Am Wednesday morning in his first public spherical of golf since final December’s PNC Championship.
Woods, who will play with Justin Thomas and Rory McIlroy within the first two rounds of the match beginning Thursday, arrived at Riviera earlier than dawn and practiced on the vary with lights earlier than his 6:30 a.m. tee time.
When Woods teed off, the solar was simply peeking out over the horizon and the temperature was within the low 40s. It remained there all through the entrance 9 holes whereas the wind picked up considerably. Woods, carrying what seemed to be a number of layers, seemed chilly however snug swinging.
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“I’m very rusty, however I’ve come off a rusty state of affairs earlier than and I’ve performed effectively,” Woods mentioned Tuesday. “Plus, I do know this golf course. I do know I have not had loads of success on this golf course, however I knew what to observe for, pictures to hit at residence preparing.”
Through the first a part of his spherical Wednesday, Woods’ gait seemed extra regular than it has up to now, with no noticeable limp, although he did seem to take his time and care strolling up and down steep slopes. By the again 9, he did look to be strolling extra gingerly, avoiding placing an excessive amount of weight on his ankle. After choosing up his ball on the sixteenth gap, Woods didn’t play the remainder of the best way and took his time strolling again up the clubhouse. He didn’t take a cart.
Because the 15-time main winner mentioned Tuesday, hitting pictures will not be a difficulty for him, however strolling, and particularly his proper ankle, are what have affected him essentially the most. Although Woods mentioned his leg and the plantar fasciitis are doing higher, the duty of probably strolling 72 holes over the course of 4 days stays daunting, however not daunting sufficient that he believes he should not be out right here with an opportunity to win.
“I’d not have put myself out right here if I did not assume I might beat these guys and win the occasion,” Woods mentioned Tuesday. “That is my mentality.”
Woods additionally spent further time on the greens Wednesday — which at Riviera are typically among the smallest and hardest on the PGA Tour — working towards further putts from totally different positions. The wind was so sturdy at one level that Woods hit a driver and 3-wood on the par-4 ninth gap. He laughed as his method shot got here up quick in a greenside bunker.
It has been nearly two years since Woods was critically injured in a automobile accident close to the location of this week’s match, which Woods hosts. He then underwent a number of surgical procedures on his proper leg and foot; at one level, Woods mentioned surgeons practically needed to amputate his proper leg. Since then, Woods has solely performed in majors till now.
“I do know I am not going to be taking part in a full schedule and I’ve bought to select and select what I’ll be taking part in in and it will likely be very restricted,” Woods mentioned Tuesday. “So I am going to put all my power into these occasions.”
