![]() ![]() He shot 62 last year at the Honda Classic. This is the fourth time Woods has gotten within 2 strokes of 59, as he shot 61 in 1999 at the Byron Nelson Championship, in 2000 here at Firestone and in 2005 at the Buick Open. "But shooting 11, 12 or 13 deep, that's a lot," he said. Woods cited lower cut scores, lower than when he turned pro in 1997. Before it was the 260-yard mark, now it's near the 300-yard mark. But also, every golf course we go to is longer and they're narrowing it up. ![]() "The clubs are more forgiving, and our equipment is just that much better. "There's no doubt we're hitting it farther," Woods said. He certainly wasn't complaining, nor should he after an impressive display of ballstriking and putting put him 7 strokes ahead of the field through 36 holes.Īnd yet, it did bring to the forefront again just how difficult it is to shoot 59, golf's magic number. Woods got to 9 under par for his round on the par-70 Firestone course through 13 holes, meaning he needed two birdies over the final five holes to shoot the elusive score of 59, last accomplished by Stuart Appleby in 2010.īut no more birdies would be forthcoming, and Woods actually had to scramble for a remarkable par at the last hole to shoot 61 and match the best score of his career. It was the kind of round that had you on the edge of your seat, the spectators watching the second round of the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational buzzing with anticipation. To say that he "settled" for a career-best-tying 61 almost diminishes the accomplishment, because the 9-under score at Firestone was 5 strokes better than anyone else and a full 10 shots better than the day's scoring average. Tiger Woods took a long, hard look at 59 but couldn't quite get to the score that has been shot just five times in the history of the PGA Tour. Swing gurus, psychologists, trainers are all part of the golfer's entourage.Īnd yet, while the best of the game can hit the ball astronomical distances and render some iconic venues mere pitch-and-putt tracks, there certainly has been no assault on scoring records, certainly not when it comes to the number that was on everybody's mind Friday at Firestone Country Club. So, too, are the tools of the trade far different, with rocket golf balls powered by titanium drivers and all manner of high-tech equipment. Today, fitness is in, carousing (mostly) is out. You have reached a degraded version of because you're using an unsupported version of Internet Explorer.įor a complete experience, please upgrade or use a supported browserĪKRON, Ohio - Twelve-ounce curls in the bar used to be the biggest part of a golfer's workout routine, and although that lifestyle might still appeal to some, it is nowhere near as prevalent as it was in the days of persimmon woods and balata balls. ![]()
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