The great Tiger Woods made his return at The Match charity event in Belleair, Fla. on Saturday but lost to pair Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth alongside Rory McIlroy.
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The “Tiger” had to withdraw from the start of the tournament he organized, the Hero World Challenge, earlier this month due to plantar fasciitis in his right foot.
“I can hit the ball and take every shot. I just can’t run,” the 46-year-old told NBC before the start of the competition.
Golf fans were able to see him in action for the first time since he missed the cut at the British Open in July.
Woods, McIlroy, Thomas and Spieth ー four of the biggest names in professional golf ー walked the greens of Pelican Golf Club in good spirits for a 12-pennant duel.
In the end, Thomas and Spieth gave their opponents of the day no chance and ended hostilities on the 10th pennant after building a three-shot lead.
“The joy that this victory gives me cannot be compared to seeing Tiger so angry,” joked Spieth at the coronation.
Woods had his share of trouble but started the evening well. He wedged a birdie from the first pennant.
However, Thomas and Spieth complicated matters by taking turns chaining birdies and putting their competitors in a precarious position from the fourth hole.
By the seventh pennant, an excellent putt by McIlroy put his pair two shots closer to the eventual winners. However, he and Woods failed to multiply the wonders to bond.
Back to basics
The organizers of the seventh edition of “The Match” counted exclusively on the participation of professional golfers.
Over the years, soccer players Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes have participated, as well as basketball legends Stephen Curry and Charles Barkley.
Funds generated during this 2022 edition will help those affected by the devastation of Hurricane Ian.