Barclays Golf 2012: Gutsy 2nd-Round Showing What Tiger Woods Needs Going Forward

Tiger Woods struggled just to make it through the second round at The Barclays Tournament, but he still managed to post a remarkably strong finish.

Woods looked like he would be in for a long day as he was clearly stiff when he started the round. He bogeyed the first two holes, but quickly found his stroke and did not miss par on any hole for the remainder of the day.

He ended the round two-under par, to bring his total score to -5. This places him in a tie for seventh place, three strokes behind co-leaders Nick Watney and Sergio Garcia.

The back pain that hindered him during his second run through the course at Bethpage State Park does not appear to be serious. Bill Cooney of PGATour.com reported via Twitter that a good night’s sleep will be all Woods needs to cure his ailments. 

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Tiger Woods said he hurt his back while sleeping last night on soft hotel bed. Also says he will sleep on the floor tonight. #FedExCup

— Bill Cooney (@BillCooney4653) August 24, 2012"

Woods addressed the issue and told ESPN’s Farrell Evans, “"There is a difference between pain and injury. This is just a little bit of pain."

2012 has been a productive year for Woods, but the world had grown accustomed to greatness prior to the end of 2009. He has not delivered that, mostly due to poor showings on the weekend.

At the PGA Championship, the Open Championship and the U.S. Open this year, Woods played his worst two rounds on the weekend. On the PGA Tour, he has the highest total scoring average, but ranks 55^th in the third-round scoring average and 36^th in final-round scoring average, as noted by PGATour.com.

But playing through back pain was a burdensome task, and Woods will feel like he has a weight off his shoulders when he takes his first swing tomorrow.

The hotel mattress that led to Woods’ discomfort may end up being a blessing in disguise. The hang-ups that have led to his consistently poor weekend performances will take a back seat to the relief Woods will feel when he walks the course pain-free.

Woods has set put himself in position to succeed this weekend, as long as he can get his hands on some Advil and a new hotel room.