After tying for 78th among 80 finishers at the Bridgestone Invitational, Tiger Woods could have done an ad for Southwest Airlines.
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But instead of leaving golf behind, Woods travels to Whistling Straits for the PGA Championship. Incredibly, British betting service Ladbrokes has installed Woods as the co-favorite, along with Phil Mickelson at 8 to 1.
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Thankfully for Woods, the PGA has a cut. Without one at the Bridgestone there was no way out. How bad was Woods’ 74-72-75-77 – 298? It was the worst four consecutive rounds of his professional career. The last time he scored higher in a 72-hole span was in 1995, as a 19-year-old amateur, playing in the U.S. Open (85) and Western Open (74-71-77).
“I don’t see how it can be fun shooting 18-over, especially since my handicap is supposed to be zero,” Woods quipped.
Something clearly is wrong with Woods’ head. Even with all his extra-marital drama, he was able to tie for fourth at both the Masters and U.S. Open. But since his electric third-round 66 at Pebble Beach, he has broken 70 only once in 13 rounds.
“He’s obviously had a lot of stuff going on, and he’s dealing with that, and that’s obviously more important than golf,” said Anthony Kim, who played with Woods on Sunday. “I think golf is an easy thing to do once your personal life is straightened out.”
Falling from the No. 1 spot in the world rankings is insignificant to Woods, regardless of how many times ESPN breathlessly reports it. His only concern is his pursuit of Jack Nicklaus’ major championship record of 18.
With Woods stuck on 14, and assuming he is a non-factor at Whistling Straits, expect him to skip the Ryder Cup and take a long break from golf. His final exchange with the press on Sunday was telling:
Q » We’re all surprised. Why were you not surprised?
A » It’s been a long year.
Q » Do you think it’s more mental?
A » It’s been a long year.
