The “Tiger effect” was on full display Monday morning to kick off day one of practice rounds for this week’s U.S. Open to be played at Pinehurst Resort’s famed No. 2 course.
Tiger Woods, Justin Thomas, Rickey Fowler and Jordan Spieth all linked up to walk the back nine at 7:20 a.m. as crowds packed in on every hole to watch.
Though a star-studded group walking with patrons, most of the small talk and player discussion was focused around Woods’ return to Pinehurst and another U.S. Open appearance.
This is Woods’ first championship appearance since 2020 when he missed the cut at Winged Foot and will be his 23rd start at a U.S. Open.
Woods looked relaxed throughout his nine-hole outing, seen joking and laughing with his playing partners as well as his son, Charlie, who accompanied him throughout.
Heading into this year’s Open, Woods did not have a locked-in spot but received a special exemption into this week’s field from the USGA.
Woods has quite the history at USGA events, bosting three U.S. Junior Amateurs, followed by three consecutive U.S. Amateur victories and adding three U.S. Open titles over the course of his playing career thus far.
Woods is definitely a player to watch this week, not only due to his status as one of the best golfers of all time but also positive results in his last two trips to Pinehurst where he finished solo second in 2005, and tied for third in 1999.
Though heading into his late 40s, this week’s third major of the year could be his best chance to make a run at yet another major victory.
The weather is expected to be in the mid-60s to upper-80s for the week. That, along with the relatively flat terrain, could lend itself in Woods’ favor over the course of the week.
