PINEHURST, N.C. — Last week at the Memorial, Collin Morikawa offered a positive outlook for the state of Tiger Woods’ golf game. That outlook will be put to the test this week at the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2.
Morikawa had attended a youth clinic with Woods last week and was asked about Woods’ ability to play given his age, 48, and physical limitations caused by leg and back pain.
“My technique and instincts are still intact,” Morikawa said.
When Morikawa’s assessment of Woods’ play was conveyed to Woods on Tuesday ahead of Thursday’s opening round, Woods didn’t argue.
“Yeah, I feel like I have the ability to do it,” he said. “It’s just a matter of doing it. This golf course is going to test every aspect of my game, especially mentally.”
Woods comes into the U.S. Open having played in just three tournaments this year: he withdrew from the Genesis Invitational, finished 60th at the Masters – the lowest cut of any player – and missed the cut at last month’s PGA Championship at Valhalla.
The previous year, Woods made just two appearances on the PGA Tour: a tie for 45th at Genesis and a withdrawal after the second round at the Masters.
Woods played in just three tournaments in the 2021-22 season, tying for 47th at Genesis, withdrawing after the third round at the PGA and missing the cut at the British Open.
Woods last played in the U.S. Open in 2020, missing the cut at Winged Foot.
As you can imagine, Woods has been reduced to playing little more than occasional, ceremonial golf.
What will be interesting this week is the weather and the condition of the golf courses, two things that may help him produce results.
For Woods, walking the hilly courses at Augusta National and Valhalla is physically demanding, and he too is hampered by the cold, blustery weather, which has aggravated his condition.
Pinehurst No. 2 is a very flat layout, with temperatures in the 90s and no rain forecast for this week, two factors Woods will welcome.
“It feels like home,” Woods said of his South Florida base. “I deal with the heat and humidity every day at home in Florida, so this isn’t anything new. I’d rather play in a hot, humid environment on any day than in the cold. I think guys my age definitely prefer it a little warmer.”
Another thing Woods has welcomed is the presence of his 15-year-old son, Charlie, who has been by his side throughout practice.
“It’s very special having Charlie here,” Woods said, “The father-son relationship that we have extends into this part of both of our lives. He’s playing a lot of junior golf and I’m still playing here.”
“Regardless of what the players are doing on TV or YouTube or TikTok, he enjoys watching them. He’s at home with JT (Justin Thomas) and Rick (Rickie Fowler) a lot. But you don’t really get a sense of how other players hit a golf ball until you see it with your own eyes.”
“He was really excited watching Max and Minwoo hit golf balls today (in the practice round). They were talking to him a lot, especially Minwoo and him. I think they’re closer in age to me than anyone else. It’s great that we can share moments like this together.”
Woods actually said that Charlie has given him advice on his golf game.
“I leave my swing and my game up to him,” Woods said. “He’s seen me play more than anybody in the world. He’s seen me hit the golf ball more than anybody. I tell him what to look out for, especially with putting. He gave me a little tip today, which was great, because I tend to get so wrapped up in hitting a certain putt on a certain pin that I forget I’m practicing. He reminds me every now and then, which is great.”
“We have a great relationship and trust and it’s been a great experience for both of us.”
Woods, a three-time U.S. Open champion, is playing this week under a special exemption from the United States Golf Association.
He was runner-up at the 2005 Pinehurst U.S. Open won by Michael Campbell and tied for third at the 1999 Pinehurst U.S. Open won by Payne Stewart. He did not play in the last U.S. Open at Pinehurst in 2014 due to a back injury.
