Who would have ever believed this would happen. But on Friday, the world’s former #1, Tiger Woods, shot 44-38 for the worst single round he’s ever had as a pro. And maybe ever. An 82 at the Waste Management Phoenix Open
Perhaps it was one of the recent ailing that he’s had– from previous back surgery, to the flu, to a knocked out tooth a few weeks ago. But whatever it is, it’s unfathomable that the incredible Tiger Woods, bad luck or not, would ever shoot north of 80 in a professional golf tournament.
The crowd was left wondering as Woods, with 44 on the back nine of the course (his front nine) tied his worst nine holes ever in the history of his rounds.
There was a slight upsweep on the back nine of 34, Woods made six bogeys, two double bogeys and a triple bogey as a loom of embarrassment spread-out at TPC Scottsdale.
This type of scoring comes from what you’d expect someone shooting 82 to do: hit it in the water, hit it out of bounds, missed short putts and hit a bucket of bad chip shots, and more. Throughout the day Woods’ face showcased his self-disappointment.
With 82, the result stands that Woods will miss the cut by 12-13 strokes, something this publication never, ever, thought we’d be publishing about our ‘rock star’ of golf.
At the press conference held afterwards, Woods made a Super Bowl-related joke to start things off, saying, “I’m just here so I won’t get fined”, citing the recent words of Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch.
“I’ve got to keep things in perspective, sometimes it’s difficult to do that,” said Woods. “I’ve got to continue with the process. I’ve been here before. It wasn’t too long ago that I changed my swing with Sean (Foley).”
“It’s golf. We all have days like this. Unfortunately, mine was in a public forum.”
The 82 leads Woods’ previous worst score ever of 81 at the 2002 British Open.
As unthinkable as the numbers are for Woods’ fans (and foes), they’re perhaps most trying to understand when viewed on his scorecard.
At the finish, Woods was in last place in the 132-man field and just behind a club pro named Michael Hopper.
In his departure, Woods said his jet was being fueled up. “Practice each and every day,” said Woods. “I’m going home right now.”
Get some much-needed rest Tiger. We believe in you.
