3) Tiger looks to make it three championships at the Old Course
Even though his performance has been inconsistent and painful to watch these past couple of years, Tiger Woods still attracts attention. His intimidation and aura may not be what it what once was, beating the field by 10 strokes, but he is still a factor to consider. His play has improved with a solid four-round tournament (Greenbrier, -7, tied for 17th). However, it’s been anything but Tiger-like this season, where he has missed three cuts and finished no higher than 17th in eight tournaments this season.
However, the Old Course has been kind to Tiger in the past. Two of his three British Open titles have come here. In 2000, Woods won by eight strokes over Thomas Bjorn and Ernie Els. This was during the time of his great run from 1999 to 2000, where he seemed to win every tournament he entered. St. Andrews marked his second win of the tiger Slam that year.
In 2005, Woods won by five strokes, beating Colin Montgomery and extending his unbeaten streak in Majors to 10-0.
The last time the Open Championship was played at St. Andrews, Woods was in the field, but did not win. He returns this year with doubts from everyone about his ability to win here, and with good reason.
But, Woods will be determined to prove everyone wrong. Even with him picking up the pieces of his game, he wants to make a statement on the most historic stages in golf.
