Tiger Woods arrived at Royal Troon for the 152nd Open Championship feeling fatigued after a restless flight due to news of an attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump.
During his journey from Florida, Woods stayed awake catching updates on the incident. Rather than starting fresh with a practice round on Sunday, Woods is maintaining his long-standing belief that showing up means he has a shot at victory.
However, recent statistics tell a different story. This year, Woods failed to make the cut at both the US Open and US PGA Championship. Although he completed all four rounds at the Masters, he finished in 60th place.
Since his triumphant 2019 Masters win, ending an 11-year drought in major events, Woods has either missed cuts or withdrawn from eight out of 13 tournaments he’s entered. In the remaining five, he hasn’t cracked the top 20.
In 2024, Woods has only played nine competitive rounds, yet he continues to draw significant crowds on the Ayrshire coast. Despite recent challenges, he retains lifetime exemptions for the US PGA Championship and the Masters.
While he needed an invitation to compete in the recent US Open, he can play in The Open until he reaches the age of 60, a point he emphasized when addressing remarks from former European Tour star Colin Montgomerie last week.
Despite his current form, Woods remains a pivotal figure in golf, attracting attention wherever he plays. His legacy as a four-time winner of each major tournament underscores his enduring appeal and competitive spirit.
As he prepares for the Open Championship amidst personal and professional challenges, Woods’ determination to compete at the highest level remains undiminished.
His journey at Royal Troon will once again be closely watched by fans and critics alike, eager to witness if the golfing legend can defy the odds and add another chapter to his storied career.