‘Golf Emperor’ Tiger Woods (48, USA) started a revival.
Tiger Woods won the PGA Tour Genesis Invitational (total prize money of 20 million dollars) held at the Riviera Country Club (par 71, 7322 yards) in Pacific Palisades, California, USA from the 17th (hereafter Korean time) to the 20th. , tied for 45th with a final total of 1 under par 283. After a long time, he came out wearing his symbol ‘black hair (black bottoms + red tops) fashion’ and turned on the wings of his resurrection.
It was in the top 40, but it was meaningful. Woods underwent surgery for a fracture in his right leg in a car accident in 2021. Afterwards, he returned with an intact leg and appeared occasionally in some competitions, but could not pass the cut or finish due to physical problems.
Woods withdrew from the third round at the PGA Championship in May last year due to leg pain, and missed the cut at the Open in July. In December last year, he completed the race in a go-kart at the PNC Championship, a two-day event. His legs looked uncomfortable as he entered the press conference ahead of the Genesis Invitational. Leg injury issues continued to follow. In this tournament, Woods’ finish was more of a concern than winning. 안전놀이터
However, Woods succeeded in completing the race in this competition. It is the first time in 10 months since the Masters (47th place) that Woods completed 72 holes on foot. The grades weren’t bad either. The final rankings were similar, but the content was good. In particular, in the 3rd round, he drove 1 eagle and 3 birdies (1 bogey) and produced the best performance after his return. In the 4th round, the green hit rate (50%) fell slightly, but the maximum distance was 329 yards and the number of putts was blocked with 27, and it was relatively good.
The American golf media Golf Week said, “Woods showed signs of recovery from disappointing results,” and “His recent comeback activity proved that even after undergoing numerous surgeries at the age of 47, he can still reach the highest level.” was also praised.
After the tournament, Woods said, “The game was fine. He made a silly mistake and looked rusty in round 4, but overall he played (comfortably) like he hit the ball at home. He is grateful to his teammates for helping him get out of the game,” he said. Woods continued, “I hope to be able to play in all four majors this year. I think it will be difficult because of the physical limitations I have now.”
The Genesis Invitational championship trophy went to John Ram (29, Spain). Ram, who recorded a final total of 17 under par 267 strokes, beat second place Max Homa (33, USA) by two strokes and climbed to the top. Ram, who recorded his third win of the season by winning this tournament, also regained the top spot in the men’s golf world rankings for the first time in 11 months since March last year.
On the other hand, Lydia Ko (26, New Zealand), world number 1 in women’s golf, also won the official tournament she participated in for the first time this year.
Lydia Ko scored a final total of 21 under par 267 at the Ladies European Tour (LET) Aramco Saudi Ladies International (total prize money of $5 million) held at the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club (par 72, 6256 yards) in King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia on the 19th. , and won by one stroke over 2nd place Aditi Asok (India).