Five Reasons Why Tiger Woods First Round Showed He Can Win the Barclays
Is Tiger Woods back?
His 65 in the first round of the Barclays on Thursday was something we haven't seen since that magical but ultimately meaningless third round 66 at Pebble Beach in the U.S. Open.
Are you on board with the masses that believe Tiger Woods is ready to prove that he deserves his World number one world ranking that's been in question all of 2010?
Here's why Tiger can win the Barclays and rightfully return a top the game of golf...
5. His Distance Control
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We've seen the mis-hit putts and the sprayed drivers, but distance control is the one area of his game that can result in Woods winning tournaments once again.
In the past, and I'm talking the last five years, even when Woods has been sporadic with his driver, he mustered enough birdies to win tournaments.
During his slump, the pinpoint distance control has vanished and his average birdie putt length has increased to almost un-makeable range.
On Thursday, he was all over the flagstick, and if his distance control continues throughout the weekend, Woods will make a slew of birdies.
4. His Calm Demeanor
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We only caught portions of Woods' first round on Thursday, but did anyone else think it seemed to be one of his old routine rounds in the 60s from a decade ago?
Sure, everything looks easy when you have seven foot birdie putts and are making them, but even Woods' pre and post game talks gave me the impression that he's more at peace with himself and his golf game.
I won't go as far to say that he's happy he's divorcee, but many believe that the closure in his personal life will lead to Tiger having a much easier time focusing while he's inside the ropes.
I'm not sure if you want to call it focused, but if his almost peaceful air goes on, Tiger has a legitimate chance to win this tournament.
3. He's Finally Got a Lead
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We've got plenty of golf left, but Tiger's front-running history is well-documented and anytime I see Woods a top the leaderboard, I'd be hard pressed not to put my money on him.
He's faultered down the stretch and has struggled on Sundays of late, but if he can stay at or near first place entering the final round, he's got to like his chances.
It's really that simple.
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2. The Putter
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All golfers know that scoring comes down the flatstick, and the difference between shooting a 76 and breaking par usually doesn't come from full shots.
We're usually in awe at Tiger's mammoth drives, remarkable recovery shots and touch from around the greens, but many players would consider Woods the best putter on Tour.
During his slump, we've seen the worst stretch of putting of Woods' career, when those 15-footers that used to the automatic have rarely found the back of the cup.
Even the times when Woods played from tee to green to perfection he stunningly missed many putts inside 10 feet that basically have been gimmies his entire career.
On Thursday we witnessed Tiger make seven birdies, and capitalize on nearly all of the shots he hit close.
We know putting is of paramount importance in the game of golf and if Tiger putts like he did on Thursday, he'll be in the hunt come Sunday.
1. Driving of the Golf Ball
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Putting is very critical, don't get me wrong, but in order to have par and birdie putts you need to position yourself in the right spots on the golf course.
Woods hit an astounding 13 of 14 fairways on Thursday, which was the primary reason why he had the opportunity to get it to six under.
He used his 3-wood on all but three tees, and although Woods stated after his round that he's hitting the ball as flush as he ever has, keeping the driver in the bag until supreme confidence returns is probably in his best interest.
If Ridgewood allows him to score that low with hitting 3-woods and 3-irons off the tee, I'd be shocked if Woods didn't win the Barclays.
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