Maybe it wasn't the superb showing that many of his enthusiasts was hoping for. But when Tiger Woods made the reduce at -1 after his 2nd spherical, the roar from the gallery confirmed they had been excited despite the fact that.
I became thrilled as properly. Tiger has made no secret that this week changed into approximately taking a first step closer to the Masters. Making this cut is going a protracted way in the direction of making that experience. And after two full rounds -- with the promise of two greater -- I think we will make a few observations approximately his development so far.
It truly seems that his body is wholesome and that he's in an amazing body of thoughts, as evidenced through his interactions with the crowds and media both at some point of and after his rounds. I think it also indicates in his extra sensible expectations at this point in his adventure lower back. We aren't listening to the "I'm here to win" speech; alternatively, we're hearing his very own uncertainty approximately how he can carry out underneath pressure and his need to relearn what his body can and can not do. This is surely one of a kind from his closing tries to regain his form.
And while his game is clearly rusty -- has he even been on a hill since his last surgery? -- it's also clear that he's made some good progress. His lag putting and short game were extremely good for a man who hasn't played four rounds at an official Tour event in nearly two-and-a-half years. His speed and general form are still looking good after a month of daily golf, even if his "sequencing" comes and goes under the pressure and adrenaline of competitive golf. That's to be expected.
But perhaps exceptional of all, he showed that he is still capable of finding a manner to score while his recreation isn't always all that properly. That tells me that he's in a great area mentally, and it is just a be counted of time and practice before his confidence comes again. If he can make the reduce at Torrey with the sport we noticed during the last two days, there is actual wish that he could make it all of the way again.
I'll be very interested to look how he plays over the subsequent two days, now that the strain of creating the reduce is gone and he can actually recognition on seeking to chase the lead. Will he seize it? I doubt it however it's now not what's essential at this factor. What are his goals going ahead?
Tiger has stated it himself -- he wishes to find out how his frame responds on the weekend at a "actual" tournament. Nick Faldo agreed. And over at ESPN Andy North stated Tiger needed the possibility to discover a cross-to shot, something he ought to simplest do throughout an actual event. These are all realistic desires.
Will he obtain them this weekend? Probably not... But he could make an excellent begin in the direction of them. And it really is genuinely all you can ask from an amazing first step.
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