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USA Today via Reuters
Jun 13, 2024; Pinehurst, North Carolina, USA; Tiger Woods walks off from the second tee box during the first round of the U.S. Open golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-06-13T162917Z_160257064_MT1USATODAY23537209_RTRMADP_3_PGA-U-S-OPEN-FIRST-ROUND.jpg?width=600)
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 13, 2024; Pinehurst, North Carolina, USA; Tiger Woods walks off from the second tee box during the first round of the U.S. Open golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Let the legacy endure as the days of glory fade away. This was typically what Colin Montgomerie suggested to Tiger Woods after he missed back-to-back cuts at the PGA Championship and the US Open. However, the 48-year-old golfer has won the Open Championship three times and is exempt until he’s 60! Claiming that he still can win, Mr. T even said, “He’s not a past champion, so he’s not exempt. So he doesn’t get the opportunity to make that decision. I do.”
However, while Woods made the cut at the Masters, and had revealed that he still believed that he could win, the weather was not in his favor. And well, he landed himself at the 60th position, with a 16-over par. Will it be the same for him at the Open?
Will Tiger Woods make the cut at the Open?
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The Open Championship has a history of crowning champions who defy expectations. Darren Clarke and Phil Mickelson, both in their early 40s, won the Open in 2011 and 2013. Even more remarkable was Tom Watson’s near victory at the age of 59, when he lost the Claret Jug to Stewart Cink by just three strokes in the playoff. However, when it comes to Tiger Woods, has struggled to showcase his brilliance on the course since his ankle fusion surgery in 2021.
While the Open Championship is undoubtedly his best shot at one last run at winning a major this season, his physical limitations remain a significant hurdle. His withdrawal from the 2023 Masters due to his lingering ankle pain is the stark reminder of the same. Adding to the obstacles on his way would be the terrible weather conditions at the Royal Troon, which might worsen his chances of winning the fourth major of the season.
However, there is a sunny side too. As Woods walked into the interview room at Royal Troon on Tuesday, he was more confident than ever. Not to forget, as stated by Golf Digest senior writer, Joel Beall, Woods even looked noticeably slimmer, which indicates that he has been doing a different training regimen than he used to last year.
When he was asked about his physical health, Woods even said, “I’ve been training a lot better. We’ve been busting it pretty hard in the gym, which has been good. The body’s been feeling better to be able to do such things, and it translates to being able to hit the ball better…. “I’m able to do some things that I haven’t done all year, which is nice.”
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Despite all the optimism, what worries the fans most is the record that he had at the Augusta National back in April. If history were to repeat itself, and the weather truly fairs as per the predictions, Tiger Woods’ dream of taking home the Claret Jug for the fourth time seems nothing short of a Herculean task.
What happened at Masters 2024?
Tiger Woods had a great kick start at the Masters when he became the only player along with Fred Couples and Gary Player with 23 straight cuts. He also stated, “If everything comes together, I think I can get one more.” However, Georgia weather decided to be his nemesis for the first major. Due to thunderstorms, heavy rain, and winds, the first-round tee times were pushed back.
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Tiger Woods could only complete thirteen holes on that day, with a 1-under-par. He was made to finish the remaining half of his game on Friday before the second round began. He carded two bogeys on the 14th and 18th holes. Additionally, he would also have to play the entire second round on the same day. For someone who just came back from surgery, it is indeed a task to complete 23 holes in a day! This was what made Woods have an even par after the first two rounds!
Do you think Tiger Woods will be able to take a win at the Open with his guile? Or will the history at the Masters follow him to the Royal Troon as well? Let us know in the comments section below!