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 Woods has won twice at the Old Course, in 2000 and 2005, but it
would be premature to suggest his game is quite ready to be etched
on the Claret Jug once more.
Still, after signing his first bogey-free card in 56 rounds on the
PGA Tour, he had reason for tempered optimism after finishing six
strokes behind winner Danny Lee in West Virginia on Sunday.
A day after six-times major champion Nick Faldo concluded that Woods
was still prone to blocking drives under pressure, the American
former world number one was singing a different tune.
"It's the best I hit it in a long, long time," the 14-times major
champion told reporters after signing for a three-under 67.
"This could have been one of those special rounds. I really could
have gone low. I had full control over all clubs. I hit it great. I
had shapes both ways, right-to-left, left-to-right.
"If I just made a couple of putts, this week could have been
completely different. I've made some nice strides heading into the
British Open."
It is only one month since Woods shot his worst round as a
professional, an 85 at the Memorial tournament, and he also missed
the cut at the U.S. Open.
Although the easy conditions on a rain-softened course at the
Greenbrier did not provide the most exacting test, Woods said that
being in the midst of swing changes at the Memorial played a role in
what appeared to be a performance that augured badly for his future.
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"I made a big giant step at Memorial, even though I shot those
numbers," he said. "I shot those high numbers but shifting the
baseline like I did, consequently I'm here now. Very excited about
it.
"I've just got to get used to the feel. It's a completely different
motion. It's not a short-term fix. People looking for the one quick
fix and the very next day play great golf, it doesn't work that way.
"It takes time to build it. I'm very pleased with what I've been
able to do."
(Reporting by Andrew Both in Cary, North Carolina; Editing by John
O'Brien)
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