Tiger, Victory with Reasons

Golf Clubs Base / 11-17

Testing layout

We've seen before that Woods thrives when he is faced by an unusually strategic golfing test - it is almost as if he steps up a gear when the course demands more than the thrash and putt option that modern technology has created.

 

Perhaps the most famous example of this was when Woods eschewed the driver when completing victory at Royal Liverpool in the 2006 Open Championship.

 

When Woods initially accepted the invitation to the JBWere Masters it was said that the change of venue - to the classic Kingston Heath course - was a clinching factor.

 

"All the guys have raved about this golf course and I understand why," he said. "I really enjoy playing on sandbelt courses because it brings back shot-making and we don't see enough of that. All the guys who have come down here have always enjoyed it. This is a kind of golf that we don't get a chance to play."

 

A warm welcome

We have come to accept that Woods has a strong - probably the strongest - mind game in the field, but perhaps the difference between Shanghai (Woods' previous stop on his end-of-season tour) and Melbourne was an off-the-course factor.

 

It was clear that Phil Mickelson won the crowd support in China and that possibly explains why Woods was curiously subdued throughout that week.

 

But in Australia there was never any doubt who was the crowd's favourite all week.

 

There may have been some issues over the continued use of cameras, but the mood was far more positive towards the world's number one and he responded in kind.

 

Taking control

After failing to break par on Saturday Woods allowed the field to catch him ahead of the final 18 holes.

 

"I had to make some early birdies," he said afterwards, "and I was able to do it. I kept it going most of the day."

 

He began by drilling a 3-wood approach to the green of the par-five opening hole - and the rapturous crowd response would have left playing partners Greg Chalmers and James Nitties in no doubt about challenge ahead of them.

 

In the bag

Driver - Nike SQ Dymo
3-wood - Nike SQ2
Irons - Nike VR Forged Blades
Wedges - Nike VR Forged
Putter - Scotty Cameron by Titleist Newport 2
Ball - Nike One Tour 

 

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