PACIFIC PALISADES (Calif.) – This week, Tigermania was alive at Riviera Country Club.
Woods, 47, attracted so many people at the Genesis Invitational, that fans craned their necks, climbed trees, and stood on step ladders to view the player with 82 career PGA Tour title titles and 15 majors.
However, playing partners Tyrrell Hatton & Kramer Hickok had the best view of Woods Sunday. They even predicted that Woods would win again in this year’s tournament.
Woods shot a third-round score of 67 the day before. However, his card was filled with more errors and he returned home in 2-over 72 for a total of 1-under 283.
Hatton was able to play alongside Tiger for the second time in a tournament. The previous occasion was the third round of the WGC-Mexico Championship.
The scene at 18 as Tiger Woods plays the final hole in the tournament. @thegenesisinv pic.twitter.com/IbTFaizHnk
Golf on CBS (@GolfonCBS February 19, 2023
Hatton stated that someone said that his ball speed had dropped a bit today. Maybe he was hurting, but the work he is doing is still very impressive. It is a very special occasion for me because I don’t know how many events that he will be playing. He was, like many people in my age group, a golfing icon for me.
Hatton highlighted 13th hole, when Woods made a 30-foot birdie from the fringe. This sent the gallery into a frenzy.
Hatton stated, “When he puts a putt, even though you’re not in his group, you know it’s Tiger roar.” It has a distinct sound. “I’ll be able to look back and say that it was cool to have played alongside him.”
Hickok, 30 years old, had previously played behind Tiger and in front of Tiger before but never in the same team. Woods left the locker room on Saturday, and Hickok said that his limp was obvious. Woods claimed that he spent the majority of Saturday night icing his body in his recovery. Woods teed off at 8 :16 AM local time. However, he was able to play 72 holes and Wednesday’s pro-am, which is enough to make the week a success.
Hickok stated, “It’s amazing to see him do what he does.” He’s still playing golf, even though he has one hand tied behind his back.
Hickok stated that playing with Tiger was a rare pleasure. Tiger has lost the characteristic icy, distant stare of his prime.
He was easy to talk with. Although he seemed a bit intense and detached, we kept in touch about our family and chit-chatted every fairway. Hickok stated that he was a man’s guy, and someone I would like to play with anytime.
Hickok was impressed by Woods’s willingness to work hard.
He said, “Just to be out there playing again shows his heartand determination.” He still has so much to play. He could win again, and I wouldn’t be surprised.
Hickok took advantage of Woods’ grouping and carefully studied every move.
Hickok stated that Hickok is still able to navigate the course using his mind. He was picking apart the course, which I was actually watching a lot.
Clever. Long live the step ladder
pic.twitter.com/LHO8eR1Kbw
Adam Schupak (@AdamSchupak February 19, 2023
Woods’ next game is not yet known. He said that he would have to wait to see how his body responds to treatment. His goal is to continue playing the majors, as well as a few other events. He says that’s all he can do right now.
Woods stated, “The body says no even though the mind says yes,”
Hickok said he saw enough evidence to believe that Woods could still be a factor in his game this year.
Hickok stated that if he shoots 4 under on Saturday, it means he could do it again on Sunday. Then he could do it for four consecutive days and be in the lead. He could win this year, which would be no surprise to me. “I would not be surprised, seriously.”
