Tiger Woods is searching for his fourth Open Championship title this week – and the 15-time major winner has altered his putter to deal with Royal Troon’s testing greens.
It’s been an eventful week for the 48-year-old. Woods has been involved in a public spat with Colin Montgomerie after Europe’s former Ryder Cup captain suggested that the American should call time on his career.
During his practice rounds, the three-time Open winner has also caught the eye. Woods produced a brilliant approach to the iconic eighth, which has raised expectations ahead of Thursday’s first round.
The 48-year-old has been grouped with Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay for the first two rounds as he looks to make the weekend for the first time since the Masters.
Tiger Woods adds lead tape to his putter ahead of The Open
Speaking ahead of this week’s Open, Woods has shed light on some of the changes he’s looking to make to his equipment.
Initially, Woods revealed that he’s still deciding which 60-degree wedge to use for Thursday’s first 18 holes.
“I have been mucking about with my 60,” he explained. “I have a couple of 60s I’m experimenting with right now, one with a bit less bounce for the chipping areas. But I like the way my older 60 is going through the bunkers and getting out; it’s not digging. I have got to make a call on that.”
Woods also confirmed that he’s adjusted his three iron by one degree and crucially added lead tape to his putter in order to combat Troon’s extremely slow greens.
He added: “I just bit my three iron yesterday one degree stronger, just to be able to hit it off the deck and get that thing down and flight it and running. And I added lead tape to my putter, just because the greens are so slow.”
The Open could be Tiger’s best chance of success
Hank Haney suggested The Open is Woods’ best chance of success, and it’s hard to disagree.
The skillset required around Royal Troon could make the 48-year-old well-suited and perhaps stand a chance of making the cut come Friday’s close of play.
Low-flighted shots and creativity around the greens are non-negotiables, two parts of the game Woods has typically done well throughout his career.
It feels like an important week for the 15-time major champion. After retirement murmurs surfaced after the US Open, making the cut and proving to the golfing world that he can still compete is a must.
And with Montgomerie’s comments clearly heard, it wouldn’t be a shock to see Woods answer his critics.
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