Writer/blogger John Perry stands next to the coveted winner’s trophy and is at the center of the action at the 2018 Valspar Championship in Palm Harbor, Florida.
Corey Conners was the leader after day one of the Valspar Championship, but one Eldrick “Tiger” Woods was the talk of the day.
“Where there’s Tiger, there are cameras.”—AAGD Writer/blogger, John Perry
Tiger’s -1 (70) during the first round at Copperhead was like a 67 at almost any other venue. The fact that it was chilly, by Florida standards, as well as windy and lightning fast greens, made Copperhead a grueling test of golf for those who tried to navigate the 7,300 plus yard course.
Tiger had quite a few highlight films during today’s round.
He played the notorious and dangerous “snake pit”, holes 16, 17, & 18 in one under par. He had a defining moment second shot on 16, a 5-iron shot on 17 that finished a foot-and-a-half from the hole, and a great up-and-down par saver on 18.
His round consisted of 5 birdies and 4 bogeys. He also missed birdie putts from within 10-12 feet on four attempts. From my own personal evaluation, I think today’s round was Tiger’s best so far, during his competitive comeback.
The buzz was back—with the thousands of fans and spectators, as well as the volunteers and PGA officials.
For the most part, he seemed to be very crisp and sharp, particularly with his chipping and putting. I think Tiger proved—again today—that he needs and wants golf.
And golf certainly wants and needs him. Even at 42-years old he still moves the needle.
Catch you with more on this tomorrow!
ABOUT JOHN PERRY
John Perry is a freelance writer, photographer, poet and active golfer with a passion for calling shots like he sees them and, then, telling it like it is. He resides in Orlando, Fla. Email: johnpgolf@icloud.com
