Tiger Appears Focused And Ready For The PGA At Harding Park

Not that I’m saying he’s come to some events unprepared, but there was definitely an urgency to the Monday proceedings at Harding Park. Getting comfortable on the green was the primary focus, particualrly given that his swing, ball-striking and body all appear ready to go.

—Short game consultant Matt Killen went nine holes with him and they discussed his putting at times.

—He played one of his approach shots as if a real putt, but with Joe LaCava giving his read first, then consulting the green reading charts, before putting.

—Woods practiced putting one-handed a few times

—Flexibility appeared excellent despite the cool conditions. No 80% swings as we’ve seen in run-ups or early week of majors.

—He took some big swipes at tee shots and reached the 607-yard 4th hole in when the fog had rolled in. His back clearly feels good.

—Mood was great, relaxed and focused.

A couple of Tweets I shared of his swing and putting one-handed:

Interesting process on the greens today. Joe LaCava addressed each putt, gave Tiger his read. Tiger consulting the green book on each as well as having instructor @killengolf watching. Oh and some one-handed practice too. @tigerwoods seems serious about this @PGAChampionship pic.twitter.com/VmSQi8XTEe

— Geoff Shackelford (@GeoffShac) August 4, 2020

Here’s @tigerwoods during his Monday 9-hole practice round @PGAChampionship. Seems very focused, took some aggressive swings at his driver, grinding hard on the greens. pic.twitter.com/Sej62wldwZ

— Geoff Shackelford (@GeoffShac) August 4, 2020

ESPN.com’s Bob Harig made this observation:

9 holes done for #Tiger at Harding Park. Quick take after 2 days: He'll need to hit a bunch of drivers, esp if weather like this afternoon. Chilly, damp. 4 par-4s over 450, 1 par-5 over 600, a par-3 that is 250. Not a lot of let-up holes... Interesting week ahead

— Bob Harig (@BobHarig) August 4, 2020