Coming second used to mean nothing to Tiger Woods, but after a near miss at the US PGA Championship the former world No. 1 admitted it was just great to be challenging for Majors again.
Brooks Koepka lifted the Wanamaker Trophy at Bellerive on Sunday but all the attention was focused on the big beast who just a month after contending at The Open once again made a charge for a Major title on the back nine. He finished two shots behind his compatriot, but admitted any disappointment about not adding to his 14 Majors was more than tempered by just being in the position to challenge for the title.
Eleven months ago Woods admitted he “didn’t know what the future holds” following recovery from a fourth back surgery.
“I didn’t even know if I was going to play golf again,” Woods said.
“I didn’t know what my schedule would be. I didn’t know how many tournaments I would play this year or if I would even play. So each tournament brought about its own challenges.”
It has been over 10 years since the 42-year-old won the last of his 14 Major titles and when he returned to the fairways last December not many gave him a chance of contending for another, let alone contending for two this year.
“I didn’t know what the number was going to be this year. I didn’t know how I was going to play,” Woods said.
“And so at the beginning of the year, if you would say I would have a legit chance to win the last two Major championships ... with what swing? I didn’t have a swing at the time. I had no speed. I didn’t have a golf swing. My short game wasn’t quite there yet. My putting was OK. But God, I hadn’t played in two years. So it’s been a hell of a process for sure.”
Woods started the year at 658th in the world rankings and has since rapidly climbed all the way up to 26th. When announced as a vice captain for next month’s Ryder Cup, it was widely assumed that that role was as much a part as he would play in the US’ biennial battle against Europe. But it would now be a shock if he was not to receive one of Jim Furyk’s four wildcard picks.
“I’m in uncharted territory because no one’s ever had a fused spine, hitting it like I’m hitting it,” he said.
“So I had to kind of figure this out on my own and it’s been really hard. It’s a lot harder than people think. I’m just very pleased at what I’ve done so far and now to be part of the Ryder Cup conversation, going from where I’ve come from to now in the last year, it’s been pretty cool.”
Woods finally found fairways on the back nine, but endured heartache at 11 when his 28-foot birdie putt hung on the edge of the cup, the ball refusing to fall until he tapped it in for par.
Woods missed a 20-foot birdie putt at 16 for a share of the lead and sent his tee shot at the par-5 17th plugged into a hazard on the way to a par.
He closed with a 20-foot birdie putt and walked off to cheers.
Tiger Woods just happy to be contending for Majors after near miss at US PGA Championship
Tiger Woods just happy to be contending for Majors after near miss at US PGA Championship
Saudi rising star Malik Basahel targets statement win at PFL MENA Finals
AL-KHOBAR: Saudi flyweight prospect Malik Basahel faces a pivotal test in his young professional career when he takes on Egypt’s Mahmoud Atef at the PFL MENA Finals: All or Nothing later on Friday at the Dhahran Expo in Al-Khobar.
Building on strong performances across the PFL and IMMAF circuits, Basahel sees the bout as a natural next step in a progression he has been planning for years. Confident but composed, he views the contest as another opportunity to underline what his record already suggests.
“I feel good. Obviously, it’s my sixth time fighting for the PFL. It’s my third pro fight this year,” Basahel said.
“For me, it’s just another fight, another opportunity to showcase what I’ve learned in the gym, to show my skills, and to get that win. I’m just focused on my next fight. I’ve got a good feeling about it.”
That calm approach is rooted in experience. From a decorated amateur career to an unbeaten start as a professional, Basahel has shown an ability to perform under pressure, with each outing reflecting steady development.
His run in the PFL has already exposed him to a variety of opponents and styles, providing valuable cage time.
Standing opposite him, Atef brings a 5-3 record and a reputation for pushing the pace. Basahel is ready for the challenge.
“He brings the fight, so I can bring the fight as well,” Basahel said. “I’m locked in on this one, and whatever happens after, happens.”
While acknowledging the higher stakes that come with competing on the PFL platform, the Saudi is clear about what keeps him grounded.
“The level of competition is higher than the regional shows, and obviously the media and everything around it plays a part,” he said. “But at the end of the day, it’s only a cage, the same rules, the same fight. I just try to put the work in, show what I can do, and have some fun with it. I always try to learn, always try to improve. I just know I’m going to get this win.”
For Basahel, the matchup with Atef represents a chance to reinforce his status as one of the region’s most promising flyweights and to deliver the statement performance he believes will carry him toward the upper tiers of the sport.
