Tiger Woods scents prey at Windham Championship

Report by Anand Datla

August 22, 2015: When was the last time you saw Tiger Woods in the final grouping on a Saturday? Don’t bother remembering because it has been far too long to be concerned over. But after saying that game has been improving, Woods backed it up with a couple of rounds of brilliant golf under pressure. Woods shot 65 on Friday to join Tom Hoge in the lead raising hopes that he might make the playoffs after all. Meanwhile, with low scores the order at Sedgefield, Arjun Atwal shot 73 to miss the cut after he finished at even par through 36 holes.

When he surged into a share of the lead at Wyndham Championship with an eagle at the 15th, many were reminded of Bay Hill in 2013 when an eagle helped him gain a two shot lead. As it is Tiger has a share of the 36 hole lead at Sedgefield Country Club with rookie Tom Hoge at 11 under 129.

Woods signed in at the last minute, knowing that he needed no less than a victory to edge up the rankings and join the fray for the FedexCup Playoffs. Ranked 187th on the list, the measure was seen as one of desperation.

Over the past two days though, Woods has played with remarkable clarity and purpose. He has shot 64-65 to join Hoge in the final grouping for Saturday, his target as clearly visible as possible.

But there are still 36 holes to go and Woods was acutely aware of the task ahead. “I’m only at the halfway point,” Woods said. “Only 36 holes. We’ve still got a long way to go.”

Interestingly, the only thing common between Woods and his playing partner on Saturday is a curious 79. The legendary American has 79 PGA Tour victories, Hoge has played just 79 rounds of golf on the PGA Tour!

In his debut at the Wyndham Championship, Woods has nothing short of impressive, especially considering the circumstances. Now if he can sustain his form for the next couple of days, Woods will not just make the playoffs, but also win a debut event for the first time since 1999. That was when he won the WGC Cadillac Championship in Valderrama, Spain also on debut.

“I feel like I’m playing well enough,” he said. But then he issued a warning: “I’m only at the halfway point. Only 36 holes. We’ve still got a long ways to go.”

“These last couple of days have been nice,” Woods said. “I’ve put the ball in the right spot, but also I’ve got a few nice bounces and lies here and there.”

The world will be watching too, waiting to see if Woods can win for the first time in two years, putting an end to his prolonged slump.

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