Tiger Woods is still the Open’s main attraction – even in his diminished state

Tiger Woods Remains the Open’s Main Attraction Despite His Decline

SPORT ANALYSIS

Fans flocked to see Tiger Woods in action as the 152nd Open Championship continued on the second day at Royal Troon.

**ROYAL TROON** — In game No. 16, Tiger Woods took the tee. The mini grandstand was packed, and spectators lined the fairway all the way to the first green, including one fan dressed head-to-toe in a tiger suit. Such devotion highlights Woods’ enduring appeal.

An hour later, when Sheffield’s Joe Dean teed off, the stands had half-emptied, with only a few spectators, including his partner and her friend, watching. Dean, a former Morrison’s delivery driver, clearly could not match Woods’ brand power, even in Woods’ diminished state.

Woods’ presence always brings a sense of theatre. However, at the 152nd Open Championship, there was added tension. Though Woods insists this won’t be his last appearance, the question lingered as he labored through the wind and rain to a 79 on the opening day.

Friday was marginally better, with Woods shooting a 77, bringing his total to 14 over par, 10 higher than the projected cut mark, and 21 strokes behind clubhouse leader Shane Lowry, who finished with a 69.

At this stage, it might be us who must adjust to Woods’ changing career circumstances. He is not in shape to compete at the top. He will not play again this year until December at the Hero World Challenge, which he promotes, and the PNC Championship, a fun event for fathers and sons.

Woods has businesses to run, including the TGL golf league with Rory McIlroy, launching in 2025, and his clothing brand to promote. Even a reduced schedule helps maintain his public profile. For now, he insists it’s “game on.” Despite appearances, Woods claims his physical condition is improving, and he looks forward to Royal Portrush next year.

“I’ve gotten better, even though my results haven’t shown it, but physically I’ve gotten better, which is great,” Woods said. “I just need to keep progressing and eventually start playing more competitively.”

This optimism surprised TV pundit Mark Roe, who controversially speculated about the painkillers Woods might be taking to manage his discomfort, a legacy of late-career operations and a car accident three years ago. Roe noted a pained expression in Woods’ eyes, reflecting his physical and mental state.

Woods appeared to move freely enough as he made his way down the first at 9:25 in the morning. Yet, a grimace was never far away. He walked heavily to the third tee after doubling the second hole. Was it the moisture affecting his bones, or the two dropped shots after a careless chip and a missed three-footer? Probably both.

Woods is an all-time great, transcending sport like Pele and Muhammad Ali. He is as much a concept as a golfer, a magnificent avatar of himself. At his peak, he always played to win, not to be part of the chorus line. Crowds sought his silhouette, not the profiles of Patrick Cantlay or Xander Schauffele. Yet, Schauffele and Cantlay were on the leaderboard, 13 shots clear of Woods. If this is Woods’ future, how long before his presence becomes counterproductive?

The gusts rose as Woods made his way down the back nine. A low cutter under the wind on the 16th rolled into the burn dissecting the fairway, exactly what his tee shot aimed to avoid. He salvaged his par but dropped another shot at the 17th. The only applause as Woods walked up the 18th was sympathetic.

Meanwhile, in the main tournament, Lowry birdied two of the closing three holes, pushing toward a second Open Championship victory, five clear of Scottie Scheffler, Billy Horschel, and Dean Burmester, all safely in the clubhouse at two under par.