Tiger Woods pleasantly amazed by his body’s positive response in his return to competitive golf
Tiger Woods Makes Encouraging Return After Surgery
In a surprising comeback following ankle surgery, golf legend Tiger Woods expressed his pleasant surprise at his physical recovery during each round of the Hero World Challenge this week.
The fifteen-time major winner showcased an impressive performance on Saturday with a one-under par score of 71, elevating him to level-par overall and securing a tied sixteenth position amidst strong competition in Albany, Bahamas.
This tournament marks Woods’ first appearance since withdrawing from the Masters in April due to an injury that necessitated surgical intervention. Consequently, fans and critics alike have been eagerly awaiting his return and assessing how he would fare over four rounds.
Reflecting on his third round during an interview with the PGA Tour, Woods remarked, “The score might not fully capture it; today I had the potential for a high 60s which would’ve been quite satisfying.”
Undoubtedly one of golf’s greatest talents, Woods acknowledged that despite possessing exceptional skills, his main challenge now lies within ensuring that his body can sustain them. He added optimistically,”I’m positively surprised by my daily recovery. As I mentioned earlier, my ankle feels fine although other areas are slightly sore—but that’s alright.”
“I’m genuinely thrilled with how this week has unfolded,” he concluded enthusiastically as reported by PGA Tour.
Tiger Woods underwent ankle surgery following persistent pain experienced during the Masters at Augusta National earlier this year. This marked only his second competitive appearance for 2023, further adding to a long list of physical setbacks he has faced throughout recent years.
The renowned golfer was also involved in a serious car crash two years ago which resulted in severe leg injuries. Given these circumstances, Woods revealed that participating in one tournament per month seems to be the most realistic and favorable scenario for him during 2024.
During his third round, Woods secured five birdies and encountered four bogeys. Notably, he demonstrated improvement on the back nine compared to previous rounds where he struggled. Finishing one-over-par on the final nine holes showcased his resilience and determination as he strives for excellence once again.
Strong Competition Ahead
Tiger Woods currently trails behind fellow American Scottie Scheffler by sixteen shots. As world No.1, Scheffler dominated with an impressive seven-under par score of 65 on Saturday’s round—propelling himself into the lead heading into the final day of competition at Hero World Challenge.
In second place stands England’s Matt Fitzpatrick who is three shots behind Scheffler—a testament to their outstanding performances throughout this prestigious event.