Tiger Woods endured a frustrating opening round at the US Open, but the 15-time major winner still found time to help out an old friend on the practice range at Pinehurst
Tiger Woods demonstrated his class by lending a hand to old friend Justin Thomas after both had challenging opening rounds at the US Open.
The 15-time major champion saw a promising start unravel on the first day at Pinehurst. Woods started well with a birdie on the first hole and drove well for most of his round.
But his iron play and putting let him down, resulting in a four-over-par 74. Things were even grimmer for former USPGA champion Thomas, who is almost certain to miss the cut after a seven-over 77.
Both players understandably hit the practice range after their rounds, with 48-year-old Woods showing particular interest in Thomas’s swing as well as his own. He eventually approached the 31-year-old to offer some words of wisdom.
The interaction was praised by spectators, with golf reporter James Colgan posting on X: “Tiger stepping in to give Justin Thomas a few pointers on the range after a tough opening round. Not very often you see that at the U.S. Open.”
Despite his well-known fitness struggles following his 2021 car accident, Woods is resolved to continue playing. He made a record 24th consecutive cut in the Masters before scoring a third round of 82, his worst-ever score at Augusta National, and also missed the cut in the US PGA Championship.
Woods addressed his fitness after securing an invite from the USGA for Pinehurst, explaining: “I’m physically getting better as the year has gone on.”
He has pondered the dilemma of either risking injury by playing or staying safe but less prepared, adding: “I just haven’t been able to play as much because I just don’t want to hurt myself pre, then I won’t be able to play in the major championships.
“It’s pick your poison, right? Play a lot with the potential of not playing, or not playing and fight being not as sharp.”