Tiger tied for lead, gunning for glory again
At times this year, it must have been tough for Tiger Woods to keep talking positively in the face of some pretty negative developments.
But after shooting his best round of 2010 yesterday at the Barclays to tie for a share of the lead, Woods was unequivocal on his chances of passing Jack Nicklaus's haul of 18 majors.
Speaking to ESPN, on being asked whether he thought he would break Nicklaus' record, the 14-time major winner replied: "Absolutely".
"I look at it this way," Woods continued. "[Ben] Hogan won all nine of his [majors] at my age and older. I think for every kid out there, the goal is to get there. That is the benchmark in our sport, and that's still my goal."
While one fine round is hardly proof that the old Woods is back, yesterday's radically improved driving accuracy suggests that potential swing coach Sean Foley's advice is paying off. Either that or divorce is really agreeing with the 34-year-old, anyway.
Teeing off at 7.00am at Ridgewood Country Club in New Jersey yesterday, Woods started with a birdie on the 1st and fired three more over the front nine, with one bogey and another three birdies coming on the back to come home six-under-par 65.
Woods' driving accuracy of 93% was the best of any player competing, and the early pace he set was too great for any other player to overhaul, though Vaughn Taylor matched him, Taylor recovering from an early bogey on the third to finish tied for the lead with the world No. 1.
Ryan Palmer, Brian g*y and Australia's Adam Scott were tied for third place on five-under, but the bigger names failed to figure in the top 10. Rory McIlroy was the best placed of the European players, tied for 20th place on three-under-par.
Ryder Cup contender Paul Casey and Padraig Harrington were tied for 32nd place on two-under, with fellow hopeful Luke Donald one-under and tied for 44th place. Ian Poulter was on the same score, though the Englishman has already qualified for Colin Montgomerie's Ryder Cup team.
Meanwhile, Justin Rose, another man hoping to convince Monty of his right to a wildcard pick laboured to one-over-par - as did Phil Mickelson. The world No. 2 has long eyed Tiger Woods' No. 1 spot, and with the star seemingly on a downward spiral, it was assumed that Mickelson would be succeeding Woods, and soon.
But with the 40-year-old's own game proving erratic right now, and Woods belatedly getting his groove back, might Mickelson's moment have passed?
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