Terse Tiger is feeling the heat as Open looms
TIGER WOODS showed signs of feeling the pressure as he fronted the media yesterday on his first visit to British shores since last year’s Open Championship.
The world No1 met any questions about his private life with short, terse responses as he spoke during the JP McManus Pro-Am event at Adare Manor, Ireland.
Woods was asked as to why he would not be practicing on a links course prior to next month’s Open at St Andrews to which he replied simply: “Because I need to go home”.
Questioned as to whether that was due to “personal stuff”, Woods glared at the reporter
and added abruptly: “To see my kids”.
Clearly this was a different Tiger Woods which fronted the world’s media back in
February, when he issued a public apology for the extra-marital affairs, which tarred his image.
Since his return from a five-month absence, Woods has struggled with form and could
even be displaced as world No1 this weekend if rival Phil Mickelson finishes first or
second in the Scottish Open at Loch Lomond.
Woods could only finish tied for 46th in last weekend’s AT&T National in Pennsylvania – won by England’s Justin Rose – but the American feels he is still improving as he goes in search of a fourth Claret Jug and 15th Major title overall.
“I felt I made some good strides last week,” he added, “I drove it great last week, I just putted terrible and finished way down the board. Something I need to work on is my light putting and there will be a lot of light, long putts at St Andrews.”
l Meanwhile, R&A chiefs have announced that overall prize money at the Open will rise by £600,000 to £4.8m this year with the eventual winner taking home £850,000.