Woods 'Even Par for Four Days'... 'Successful Comeback Match'

Showing Strong Presence with 18th Place at Hero World Challenge
5 Birdies, 3 Bogeys, and 1 Double Bogey
Maximum 370 Yards, 1.67 Putts per Hole

The "Golf Emperor" Tiger Woods (USA) demonstrated his enduring presence.

On the 3rd (local time), Woods finished 18th (even par 288) after failing to reduce his score in the 4th round of the PGA Tour "special event" Hero World Challenge (total prize money $4.5 million) held at Albany Golf Course (par 72, 7,449 yards) in New Providence, Bahamas. The tournament was hosted by the Tiger Woods Foundation. Twenty world-class golfers competed for the top spot. Although it is not an official PGA Tour event and does not count towards FedEx Cup points or prize money rankings, world golf ranking points are awarded.

Tiger Woods is warming up at the driving range ahead of the 4th round of the Hero World Challenge. [New Providence (Bahamas) = AFP·Yonhap News]

Woods started tied for 16th and recorded 5 birdies, 3 bogeys, and 1 double bogey. He made a double bogey with a "3-on 2-putt" on the 2nd hole (par 3), but changed the momentum with a birdie on the 3rd hole (par 5), followed by consecutive birdies on the 5th and 6th holes. On the 8th hole (par 3), he made a bogey due to a tee shot error. In the back nine, he exchanged 2 birdies and 2 bogeys to finish the round.

Woods showed stable performance over the four days. Although he struggled somewhat with 3 over par in the 1st round, he quickly recovered with 2 under par in the 2nd round, 1 under par in the 3rd round, and even par in the 4th round. Over the four days, he recorded 19 birdies, 15 bogeys, and 2 double bogeys. Most impressively, he completed all 72 holes on foot. Although he occasionally limped, he played the rounds with a noticeably brighter expression than before.

Since his traffic accident in 2021, Woods has suffered lingering aftereffects. After withdrawing following the 3rd round of the Masters in April, he underwent surgery on his right ankle and focused on rehabilitation, returning to competition after 7 months. Woods' long-driving power remains intact, averaging 304.90 yards. On the 15th hole (par 5) in the 2nd round, he showcased his power with a maximum drive of 370 yards. His fairway hit rate was 65.38%.

However, his greens in regulation rate was 58.33%, and his scrambling ability?making par or better when missing the green?was 53.33%. He averaged 1.67 putts per hole. If he improves his game sense and stamina, he has the competitiveness to win on the regular tour. He is a "living legend" with 82 PGA Tour wins, including 15 major championships.

Woods will compete with his son Charlie in the 36-hole family event, the PNC Championship (total prize money $1,085,000), held at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando, Florida, on the 16th. Woods plans to participate in at least one tournament per month next year. He will start the new season at the Genesis Invitational in February.

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