Woods' Open Victory Desire: "36-Hole Practice Round Over 19 Hours"

Checking Condition at the Battleground St. Andrews Old Course, 'Close Friend' Thomas Expects "Woods Will Do Well"

Tiger Woods is teeing off on the 8th hole during the practice round of the 150th Open. St Andrews (Scotland) = Getty Images / Multibits

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] The "Returned Golf Emperor" Tiger Woods (USA) is focusing on winning The Open.

According to Golf.com and others on the 11th (Korean time), "Woods practiced twice over two days at the Old Course in St Andrews, Scotland, where The Open is held." He appeared at the Old Course late Saturday afternoon local time. The first day of practice rounds, accompanied by his close friend Justin Thomas (USA), ended at 10:40 PM. Although he could have been tired, Woods showed up again at the Old Course at 8:40 AM local time on Sunday, just 10 hours later.

On the first day, he mainly checked chip shots, putting, and wedge shots, and on the second day, he refined his shots using all clubs. Woods appeared to be making an effort not to put weight on his right foot and was seen limping while walking. He did not shy away from playing under the scorching sun. His driver shots often missed the fairway, but his irons were relatively accurate. Over an impressive 19 hours, he played 36 holes, not only checking his shots and the course but also testing his stamina.

Woods checked his condition under the watchful eyes of many galleries but declined media interviews. To reporters requesting interviews, he said, "Please wait a little." Instead, Thomas, who gave an interview, said, "Woods seems very happy to be here," and explained, "This place is flatter than Augusta, where the Masters is held, or Southern Hills, where the PGA Championship took place." He added, "Woods will do well at The Open," expressing high expectations.

This year marks the 150th edition of The Open. It will be held over four days starting from the 14th at the Old Course in St Andrews, the birthplace of golf. Woods has won The Open three times, twice at the Old Course in St Andrews. He has said several times, "The Old Course is my favorite place in the world." Woods withdrew from the PGA Championship in May and gave up participating in last month's US Open, focusing his efforts on winning The Open, the final major of this season.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.