Carnoustie: Tiger Woods may have had to watch playing partner Francesco Molinari lift the Claret Jug after winning the British Open but all his rivals will have taken note of the American’s return to form.
The 42-year-old American – beset by personal problems and back issues for most of the last decade after once dominating the sport – threatened a shock victory here when, halfway through his final round, he led while most of his rivals were shedding shots.
Despite his disappointment, Woods said Sunday he felt he can still be a force at the highest level.
“Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah,” said Woods, who finished the tournament finished tied for sixth. “It did feel that. It didn’t feel any different to be next to the lead and knowing what I need to do. But I messed it up,” he added.
Woods had placed himself with a great chance after a fabulous 66, Saturday, but still rued a missed opportunity. “I’ve done it so many different ways. It didn’t feel any different,” said Woods. “It felt great to be a part of the mix and build my way into the championship.”
Woods said he had enjoyed himself on the course with his round only slightly blighted by one spectator yelling out as he addressed his drive at the 18th.
“Oh, it was a blast in the middle,” Woods, who was also delighted to have had his children see him perform well after years of watching him struggle, pointed out.
“I was saying earlier that I need to try and keep it in perspective because the beginning of the year, if they’d have said you’re playing The Open Championship, I would have said I’d be very lucky to do that.”
India’s Shubhankar Sharma squandered a promising start to card a two-over 73 in the final round and end his campaign at tied 51st in The Open Championships, here Sunday. After being two-under in first five holes, Sharma had a lapse in concentration as he eventually ended with a four-day total of four-over 288.