As golf aficionados gear up for the 2024 swing around the sun, the legend that is Tiger Woods is prepping too, poised to pounce on a record-breaking 83rd PGA Tour Title. It seems the veteran Tiger, baring his ever-green teeth on the green, is gearing up for an epic showdown.
Now, let's backtrack a little to savor the flavor of Tiger's comeback narrative. Having withdrawn from The Masters in April, Tiger took a convalescent break following an ankle surgery. His first grand comeback appearance was at the Hero World Challenge where he finished 18th, laying the groundwork for a stunning fifth finish at the PNC Championship partnering with his son, Charlie.
The Tiger, roaring towards retirement at 47, has set his sights on a less frenetic pace with 'a tournament a month' next season. This comes after his notorious car crash in 2021 - an incident that threatened not just to take his career, but also his life and limb.
Despite this, the tenacious Tiger affirmed, 'I think that given the fact that I'm able to practice and do the things that I know I can do, and prepare, I know that I can still do it [win]. I can still hit the golf ball.'. This is proof that in the face of adversity, the Tiger prowls ready to pounce, as long as he keeps his practice and his health.
Glancing at the calendar, keep your eyes peeled for the Augusta National from April 11-14. Whispered on the wind is the anticipation that Tiger might be marking his territory for a sixth Green Jacket chase. Fast forward to May 16-19, speculation abounds that Valhalla, the ground kissed by Tiger's victory of the Wanamaker Trophy in 2000, might be receiving a courtesy visit this year.
However, there remains a shadowy shroud of uncertainty over Tiger's entry in the US Open. He revealed his rather precarious situation saying, 'As of right now, no, I'm not in. Whether or not I have to formally ask them or they invite me, or you give me an exemption or I have to go qualify, you know, who knows. I don't know what the process is.'
However, the gladiator that this Tiger is, he remains on the prowl, training every day with a fierce spirit. His aspirations remain undimmed - to record a 'hole' lot of wins, notwithstanding the uncertainty and the aches.
As we pi-vot towards the 2024 PGA Tour season kick-starting with The Sentry from January 4-7 in Kapalua, Hawaii, Woods has yet to announce his next competitive start. But rest assured, the tiger isn't planning to hide in the grass; he’s eyeing 'a tournament a month'.
So, there you have it, folks! Tune into Sky Sports to watch the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and all of the nail-biting majors in 2024. A NOW Sports month membership and you can join the journey of Tiger Woods and his fight to conquer the world of golf once again. Let's hold our breath, cross our fingers and, to the sound of the Tiger's roar, let the games begin!
