It’s been a tough week for Tiger Woods. On top of enduring three sleepless nights while grieving the ninth anniversary of his father’s death, as well as dealing with a high-profile breakup with Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn, Woods was on the verge of not making the cut at the Players on Friday.
The 39-year-old two-time champion of the event came through for himself when on the last hole just when he needed it most. After starting the day 1-over-par, Woods ended at the ninth hole by sinking a clutch birdie from nine feet to finish 1-under on the day and tie for 61st place. He emphasized his relief with fist pump.
Woods is projected to make the cut, but just barely. He had enough birdies to make up for his five bogeys, but messy shots are clearly still troubling the 39-year-old, who took some time off earlier this year to shore up his game.
And not everyone was impressed. Many fans reminisced for the days when Woods would reserve his fist pumps for winning tournaments, not making cuts.
Others saw the gesture in a more positive light, noting any time Woods fist pumps is a good time. At the very least, say some, it means he’s still passionate about the game that’s given him so much trouble in the past few years.
Mid-afternoon on Friday, Woods trailed behind leader Kevin Na by eight shots, a number Woods closed in on when he beat Ernie Els to capture the Johnnie Walker Classic in 1998. Woods, of course, was golfing in his prime back then, so the task at TPC Sawgrass this weekend will likely be a bit more Sisyphean.
Woods last one the Players in 2013. Previously, he won the tournament in 2001.
