As long as his health continues on an upward tick, Woods’ schedule will likely include the 118th U.S. Open, June 14-17, at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, N.Y.,, the site where he made his first U.S. Open start in 1995. Woods, coming off his first of three consecutive U.S. Amateur triumphs, was forced to withdraw that week after suffering a wrist injury during the second round, but he did go on to claim three U.S. Open titles.
“I think we’re going to sit down here and we’re going to figure out what’s the best way for me to build my schedule for the major championships,” said Woods after carding a 4-under 68 on Sunday to post a 72-hole total of 8-under 280.Woods’ riveting start to the Hero World Challenge had many people reminiscing about his past dominance. He opened with a 69 on Thursday and backed it up with a Friday 68. But he struggled in the breezy conditions on Saturday, shooting a 75, on a day when nobody in the elite field broke 70, before rallying with a strong finish on Sunday.
“I was still good with my irons, I drove it pretty well all week, made some good putts. I showed some good signs, I hit some really good shots out there and (it’s) a bright future.”
Added Fowler, who started with seven straight birdies on his way to a closing 61 to win by four strokes over 54-hole leader Charley Hoffman: “If his [health] holds up and he keeps swinging the way he does, there's no doubt that he can go out and win. Tiger's still going to have that similar effect when you see his name on the board coming down the last nine holes and being in the mix. You know he’s not scared. He’s done it, he’s been there before.
“I think we're all looking forward to having the chance to play with Tiger down the stretch.”
Five other USGA champions were in the Hero field, with 2015 U.S. Open champion Jordan Spieth topping that group with a tie for third at 12-under 276. Justin Rose, the 2013 U.S. Open champion, tied for fifth and 1997 U.S. Amateur champion Matt Kuchar shared ninth with Woods. Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka, the last two U.S. Open champions, finished tied for 14th, and 18th, respectively.
Argentina Bound
Four USGA champions have been chosen by the USGA to represent the United States in the South American Amateur next month at Martindale Country Club in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Jan. 13-16. Scott Harvey and Matt Parziale, winners of the 2014 and 2017 U.S. Mid-Amateur, respectively, will join U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur champions Julia Potter (2013 and 2016) and Kelsey Chugg (2017) to compete in the 72-hole, stroke-play competition. Harvey, who competed in this year’s U.S. Open and was a member of the 2015 USA Walker Cup Team, won the men’s event in 2015.
