Tiger Woods Optimistic Despite Setbacks at Royal Troon

Tiger Woods arrived at Royal Troon after a restless flight, disrupted by news of an attempted assassination on former US president Donald Trump. The 48-year-old, speaking to BBC Sport expressed how the incident affected his preparation for the 152nd Open Championship. Despite the lack of sleep during the flight from Florida, Woods was determined to compete but admitted to being mentally unsettled due to the night’s events.

Reflecting on his recent performances, Woods acknowledged his struggle to regain top form since his 2019 Masters win, with inconsistent results in major tournaments and limited competitive rounds in 2024. Despite physical challenges, he remains focused on preserving his strength for major events, where he holds lifetime exemptions. Responding to comments from Colin Montgomerie about retirement, Woods defended his right to continue competing based on his achievements and exemptions.

He emphasized his ongoing belief in his ability to win tournaments despite setbacks, including persistent injury issues. Looking ahead to the Open, Woods recalled his debut as a professional at Troon in 1997, noting the challenges posed by the iconic ‘Postage Stamp’ hole, which famously troubled him with a triple-bogey. He highlighted the hole’s deceptive simplicity and the severe consequences of any mistake, underscoring the strategic demands of the course.

Amidst scrutiny and expectations, Tiger Woods remains determined to perform at his best, despite the obstacles he faces both on and off the course.