On what is called “moving day” in golf, Tiger Woods moved the wrong way at the British Open. After posting 67 in consecutive rounds, Woods got off to a slow start and shot an even par 70, which left him five shots off the lead going into Sunday’s final round.
Adam Scott, after a 68, is 11-under for the championship and leads Graeme McDowell and Brandt Snedeker by four shots, Woods by five and Ernie Els and Zach Johnson by six.
The weather at Royal St. Lytham for the third straight day was benign, leaving plenty of scoring opportunities. Tiger Woods, however, did not take advantage of the lack of wind and rain. He missed two putts the he rued and generally was unable to gain any kind of momentum.
“I just didn’t make anything,” Woods said simply.
Did not win any of his 14 majors while trailing in the final round. He also held the lead or shared it with someone else.
Having to play from behind Sunday, Woods said he has “to make birdies” to apply pressure on Scott, who has been virtually flawless. On his bag is Steve Williams, the caddie Woods fired. Woods will be playing in the group behind Tiger Woods.
Weather also could be a factor. If the forecast of wind and rain happens, it could help bring Scott back to the pack. Even still, Woos has to hold his round together, unlike Saturday.
Woods got off to a sluggish start with a couple of bogeys, but he made the turn at 1-under 33 after closing the front side with three birdies in four holes. He hasn’t won a major title in more than four years, the last of his 14 championships coming at the 2008 U.S. Open, before his personal life imploded and his body was wracked by injuries.
Tiger Woods couldn’t keep it going on the back side, a couple of misread putts costing him two crucial strokes.
