SAN DIEGO: Tiger Woods signalled he is likely to be a formidable force at this year’s majors as he rekindled memories of his best form while building a commanding six-shot lead at the Farmers Insurance Open yesterday.
Woods has just 11 holes remaining at the fog-delayed event in his bid to clinch a 75th PGA Tour victory and the dominance he has so far displayed at one of his favourite venues has certainly shaken much of the golfing world.
Though unquestionably not the player he was in the late 1990s and early 2000s when he reigned supreme in the game, Woods appears to have completed the finishing touches to the fourth swing change of his professional career.
“It’s probably the whole package,” the 14-times major champion told reporters when asked which aspect of his game had contributed most to his 17-under total after 61 holes at Torrey Pines.
“I’ve driven the ball well, I’ve hit my irons well, and I’ve chipped and putted well. Well, I’ve hit good putts. They all haven’t gone in.
“Today certainly you’re just trying to get your speed right, because it was wobbling all over the place,” Woods said of greens that became increasingly bumpy during the afternoon.
Woods is so far 11 under on the par-five holes this week at Torrey Pines, a noted strength of his game during his prime. While driving the ball considerable distances here, he has also been surprisingly accurate.
“I just drove it on a string all day, at least all morning,” he said of his form off the tee during his three-under-par 69 in the third round. “I hit the ball pretty good. It seemed like I was always in pretty good position.”
Woods has always enjoyed playing at Torrey Pines where he has won six Farmers Insurance Open titles and also the 2008 US Open title.
Should he go on to triumph today, he would claim his 75th win on the PGA Tour with only Sam Snead, on 82, ahead of him.
“I’ve had a very successful career,” Woods said of what the achievement would mean to him. “This is my 18th season, so I think I’ve had some really good years in there. I’m very proud of what I’ve done.” REUTERS
