Maybe he’s been missing in action. Or perhaps he’s just been on vacation.
Whatever he’s been doing, Tiger Woods has not played a PGA Tour event in the United States since April 13, when he failed to win his third-straight Masters Tournament. Woods hadn’t even played outside the country until last week’s Deutsche Bank-SAP Open in Germany.
However, despite having played only seven events in the first five months of the golf season, Woods still sits atop the Official World Golf Rankings, a spot he’s held since Aug. 15, 1999.
After his lengthy break, Woods is ready to get back into the full swing of the summer schedule, starting with this week’s Memorial Tournament at the Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin.
“This is a great tournament,” Woods said yesterday after his morning practice round. “I always enjoy coming here.”
While extended breaks between major tournaments are nothing new for Woods, he has spent more time off the course this season than ever before. Woods missed all of January and the first two weeks of February recovering from off-season knee surgery. At any rate, in just six PGA events, Woods already has three wins – the Buick Invitational, the Accenture Match Play Championship and the Bay Hill Invitational. He is ranked No. 3 on the money list with over $3 million earned.
But having played only one tournament in the past month is something that doesn’t worry Woods. Instead, he feels he is more ready than ever to continue his dominance on tour.
“I wasn’t able to unwind from Augusta as much as I needed to,” Woods said. “I needed some time off to prepare; I was ready for Germany. I’m glad I took the time off.”
Since his win at Bay Hill, Woods has struggled in tournaments that he has historically dominated. After finishing 11th at the Players Championship, Woods missed a shot at history when he finished 2-over-par and tied for 15th in the Masters. Last week, Woods came in 25th in Germany at a tournament where he was the defending champion.
“My swing feels pretty good,” Woods said. “I hit the ball pretty well in Germany. My game feels real solid; I’m happy where I’m at.”
Woods seemed upbeat when he hit the course yesterday at 5:30 a.m. for his practice round. While most players elect to play their rounds in the afternoon, Woods said he likes being one of the first players on the course.
“It’s a little bit easier on me and my playing partners,” Woods said. “There’s less distractions and I can get some actual work done. I know we’re trying to entertain the fans, but I’m trying to get ready to play the tournament and win this thing.”
After his first practice round, Woods said he feels he is ready to take a shot at winning his fourth Memorial title.
“My practice sessions have been really well,” Woods said. “The way I’m striking the ball right now, I’m very pleased.”
This course gives us a chance to drive the ball and a chance to go up and hit the driver. It gives the opportunity to use the advantage some of us have.”
