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Brilliant from tee to green, poor putting holds Woods back

Published

7 years ago

on

Tiger Woods fired a 4-under 68, Saturday that will have him starting his final round five strokes behind leader Bryson DeChambeau.

Woods called the score “the highest…I could possibly shot today,” and he isn’t wrong.

Woods missed twice from inside seven feet for par in his last three holes, as well as a four-footer for birdie at the 14th hole and two more opportunities inside 12 feet.

“I played really, really well. I played beautifully, actually,” Woods said, referring to his tee-to-green play. He hit 12 of 14 fairways and 15 of 18 greens. With a birdie putt at the 15th hole, Woods briefly grabbed a share of the lead.

“I was fine at the beginning of the round,” he said. “My speed was bad on the last two holes, the last two out of three holes, and I didn’t make any.”

If you’re wondering how much better Woods’ rounds should of been, TW did the math, per Golf Channel’s Tiger Tracker: “After estimating that he could have turn a second-round 67 into a 62 or 63, Woods believes that today’s effort should have been closer to 63 or 64.”

“I am definitely not taking advantage of how well I’m hitting it,” Woods said. “Shooting in the low 60s could have been pretty easy if I had just putted normally.”

Woods lost 1.42 strokes to the field with his putter Saturday. He lost 3.68 strokes Friday.

“Had total control of what I was doing out there,” Woods said.

Indeed. He’s second in the field in strokes gained: approach and second in strokes gained: around the green. He leads the field in strokes gained: tee to green–and is 72nd in strokes gained: putting through three rounds.

Patrick Reed, who played alongside Woods Saturday said this regarding the state of Woods’ game.

“It’s close…He missed a lot of short putts today, hit a couple good ones, but for him it easily could have been 7 or 8 under par without blinking.”

While it’s always easy to play the “shoulda, woulda, coulda” game, a couple of statistically average days from Woods would have his name at the top of the leaderboard. As it is, he’ll need the “7 or 8 under par without blinking” he could have shot Saturday on Sunday to have a chance.

Regardless, encouraging stuff for the 14-time major champion and his fans as he eyes the U.S. Open at Shinnecock two weeks from now.

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Ben Alberstadt is the Editor-in-Chief at GolfWRX, where he’s led editorial direction and gear coverage since 2018. He first joined the site as a freelance writer in 2012 after years spent working in pro shops and bag rooms at both public and private golf courses, experiences that laid the foundation for his deep knowledge of equipment and all facets of this maddening game. Based in Philadelphia, Ben’s byline has also appeared on PGATour.com, Bleacher Report...and across numerous PGA DFS and fantasy golf platforms. Off the course, Ben is a committed cat rescuer and, of course, a passionate Philadelphia sports fan. Follow him on Instagram @benalberstadt.

10 Comments

10 Comments

  1. John Evans

    Jun 3, 2018 at 10:43 pm

    Woulda, coulda, shouda!

    Reply Report comment

  2. Way

    Jun 3, 2018 at 10:19 am

    The rest of the boys had better make sure they don’t let Eldrick win today. We just can’t have that happen. Cannot let Tont win. Got it?

    Reply Report comment

  3. Greg V

    Jun 3, 2018 at 7:30 am

    Bet Rory finishes lower that Tiger.

    Reply Report comment

  4. Man

    Jun 3, 2018 at 2:00 am

    Yes, it should HAVE been a better round.
    Learn to write English first, man.
    You’re garbage

    Reply Report comment

    • Brian

      Jun 3, 2018 at 6:32 am

      Dude, relax.

      Reply Report comment

      • Greg V

        Jun 3, 2018 at 7:29 am

        No, correct English grammar is important if one holds oneself out as a writer.

        Reply Report comment

        • Brian

          Jun 4, 2018 at 5:39 am

          I understand and agree with this sentiment, but calling him garbage? That’s completely unnecessary.

          Reply Report comment

  5. craig

    Jun 3, 2018 at 1:25 am

    … is Tiger a-comin’ back or is he just an also-ran from now on…?

    Reply Report comment

  6. Ron

    Jun 2, 2018 at 9:35 pm

    Dare I say…maybe it’s time to look at another putter design. Doesn’t hurt to let the Scotty know that it can find it’s way back to the bench again.

    Reply Report comment

  7. The dude

    Jun 2, 2018 at 9:23 pm

    Woulda….coulda….shoulda……

    Reply Report comment

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