Round 3: AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am
February 11 2012
4:44 pm
Woods cards 67 to move into contention
Interview: Tiger Woods
Following his third-round 67, Tiger Woods talks to Fred Albers from SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio about his play in the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.
By Brian Wacker, PGATOUR.COM
PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. — What could have been a very low round for Tiger Woods still turned out to be one good enough to get him into contention with one round to go at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.
Woods shot a 5-under 67 Saturday that included five birdies in a seven-hole stretch, moving him to within four strokes of the lead at a place he knows well and has had some historic performances at.
It’s been more than two years since Woods has won an event on the PGA TOUR, but judging by his play the last few months, including this week, it might not be long before he does again.
Remember, it was only two months ago that Woods won the Chevron World Challenge. It might not count as an official event, but it counted for something.
“A win is a win. I’ve won my share of events, and it feels good,” Woods said Saturday. “That’s the ultimate goal and that’s what we set out to do at the beginning of every event is to win it. That’s the goal tomorrow, as well.
“It’s a different swing. But the scenario doesn’t change.”
Neither do the results when Woods is hitting it well; or more importantly making putts, which is what he did on Saturday. Woods took just 27 putts while making five birdies and just one bogey.
If there was a downside to Woods’ day it’s that he didn’t make any birdies over his final eight holes on the more benign front side at Pebble Beach.
Still, even when he wasn’t hitting it great he was able to avoid any big mistakes, closing with eight straight pars.
”The whole idea of making these swing changes was become more consistent and I’m starting to see that now,” Woods said. “I don’t hit the ball as far off line as I used to, and my ball doesn’t curve as much. Consequently my off-days are not as far off.
“I understand what I need to do. That’s the exciting part about it, is that the ball just doesn’t move as much as it used to.”
As a result, Woods keeps moving closer to winning.
“That’s why we play is to be there and that’s why I train as hard as I do and practice as hard as I do is to put myself in those positions,” he said. “Of late, I’ve been putting myself in these positions, and it feels good.”
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Super round needed, but even in last 2 or 3rd pairing is what he needs. Again, patience. He’s working on more than just the swing. Birdies equal confidence, even if not a better first and second day. His patience and absolute desire to get to what he believes is his best with all these adjustments will eventually show themselves after repetition. Good luck Tiger. Eat hearty, sleep hard and glad the kids got to see you on TV today. Again, love you in all black!
Great round by Tiger that could have even been 2-3 shots better. He’s going to need at least a 67 tomorrow maybe 65 or 66. We’ve seen Charlie Wi and the others collapse on Sunday so many times, but Tiger will need Charlie to shoot something above 70 to take this thing home. GO TIGER!
What did Kitty say?
Never mind, that’s not GAIL.
Can the media please stop tripping over each other following Tiger! Charlie Wi “Clinging” to the lead is hardly what happened, he had a nice solid 3 under round and is 3 in from of Duke and 4 in front of the “surging Tiger Woods”. Pretty good after sleeping on the lead. In case you’re not aware of it, there are 150 other guys in the field and Duke shot a 65, how about you report on the PGA Tour not on the Tiger Wood watch. Yah yah he’s a story, but he’s not the one out there. On another note (Mike’s comment), why does everyone say “could have been 2 or 3 shots better” when they talk about someones round, of course it could have! Any Pro out there can say that, theses guys collectively have makeable birdie putts on about 60 or 70% of the holes, its the ones they actually make that matter.
I played last year with Wi and he was a very nice guy. Could not believe that our parents used to live together in china almost 30 years ago!! They had a 3 room house with no toilet. Boy,my dad said it smelled real bad. Chinese food ya know…phew….
Kevin, because Tiger is the story. who wants to read Charlie Wi?
What about Ken Duke’s 6 under for the day? What about Charlie Wi still in the lead by three.
What in the world is wrong with you guys anyway?
When Woods is in the field, one would think no one else is playing.
He is not in the lead, four off of it, Ken Duke had a better day by a stroke.
I love watching golf, but it is sickening when Woods is playing because the media has this idea that no one else is playing.
Get a life guys and acknowledge others as much as you do Woods.
fantastic Tiger,I really wanted him to come back and play like he was playing few years ago….I think very soon every body will fear Tiger just like they did in the past…..go tiger ….
some B@@astard used my name, knew it would happen.
I wish she would not use everyones’ name here!!!golly whoa
Looks like someone has my name today, so I’m flattered. Great round by Tiger, but we expect that on the weekend. Yough round by McIlroy, but we expect that on the weekend. If “Rors” end up losing with another top 10, he should consider another profession, as this is just too many times. Maybe women’s tennis, playing Wozniacki?
Now I know it’s the real Gail. Last comment said it all, like yesterday’s announcer in Europe saying, his girlfriend is the #1, she lost it and ran away 2 weeks ago. Another one w/o a major and world ranking #1 by playing TONS of tournaments, as the tennis commentators said, not ME.
Can’t wait to see TW w/Paddy…like old times. Go Tigah!@!!!! ^..^
It’s pretty stupid for people to complain about Tiger Woods being over-emphasised in an article ABOUT Tiger Woods!
Annie, Kevin Duke was actually a 5 under round. Tiger is the draw, the story, the tour. Attendance goes up when he is in the field. Look back at Abu Dahbi. 70% of the Gallery followed Tiger. Rory was glad when he was grouped ahead of him in the final round so there wouldnt be so many people following.
ALL OVER.
It’s called THESIS !!!!!!!!!!
You’re right K. I’ll pull for Rors and when he wins I’ll pull him around in a wagon until he knocks me down and calls me Susan. Want to come for a ride with us you hot little tramp?
No thanks gail. I want to go out for sandwiches and hot sauce.
Because Duke didn’t have a better day. He shot -5, just like Tiger, except at the easier course. Tiger for the longest time had the best round of the day going. He came up the leaderboard 14 spots.
Great call Anne.It is all set up 4 TIGER with partners and course rotation.The truth known is it is his to win.FEEL sorry for rest of players.
Fantastic round by Tiger…
Hey guys – I think he will be playing with Phil Mickelson tomorrow in the second to last pairing…will be interesting
Good Luck Tiger…hope you take it to Phil and Wi tomorrow
Hope to see the Pga Tour win #72 tomorrow.
Actually Kevin, to correct you, everyone cannot truly say “this round could have been 2 or three strokes better because of..” because while they may have missed some close putts or got bad bounces, most of the time it evens itself out. Then there are times when you simply play better than your score. That is basically what they are saying, and players always say things like that, for example “I got the most out of my round today” or “I did not get the most out of my round, I lost some shots that I shouldn’t have. Understand, when they say it could have been 2 to 3 strokes better, they are pretty much saying it should have been.
I go out for 40 mins to walk the dog and someone steals not only Kitty, but Kitty 2.
And I see Paddy fizzled like an Irish Firecracker…what happened?
Oh well, Tiger with mr. long who won his last 2 tournaments via only 3 rounds due to weather, wind, etc. What a blast!!! Time to hit the dog and people chow. ^..^
Good round from tiger and its gonna be a unreal pairing tomorrow with Tiger and Phil or have i wrong?
Woods will choke again.
Overall he isn’t showing that the old tiger is back….he isn’t playing anything like the old tiger. He is playing like a new tiger….completely different game plan now. His new game is a very boring game. Before you jump all over me saying his game is boring, which in all honesty it is, being boring isn’t a bad thing. Great golf is meant to look boring. Tiger is going tee to fairway, fairway to green and green to hole. His new game isn’t going to be exciting but it will give him more looks at birdie. He needs more looks at birdie because right now his putting isn’t the greatest although today he putted much better. In order for tiger to win he needs to keep the putts around 26-28 putts….today he was at 27.
Never choked, only failed to live up to potential. OMG….Tiger paired with Phat Phil. That should be a real goof.
Have to feed the crew.
Wish he’d play w/Gail. Now that would be primetime!!!
Remember that song from long, long ago? …”workin’ my way back to you, babe”…
He’s working his way back. That should be interesting or exciting. Not necessarily to needlessly say boring, etc. Putting hopefully, will be the last stage to conquer and he’ll be …”on the road again”. LOL
Nice to Rocco Mediate, Jim Furyk… and Jealous, Contrarian, Ogilvie squeaked in.
who really wouldnt bet on tiger winning tomorow? if he continues hitting the ball like he did today and make a few more putts tomorow he is going to win by at least 2 strokes…..
Not me again with the last post, so someone must be nervous that McIlroy might gag yet again. I may have to set the alarm to watch the carnage, or should I just have Sir Shaun or Sean Smith call me?
Hijacked Kitty aka TW fav – This isn’t him working his way back…this is his new game. Now that he’s older he can’t play the care free game he once did. He isn’t the only golfer to have made this change…heck most golfers make this change in their game. Like I said, it isn’t a bad thing but the new tiger isn’t the exciting tiger of old. The closest thing to the exciting tiger of old is McIlroy…which is why I find it funny that so many tiger fans dislike McIlroy.
DOB/He holed a lot today and i feel he got the best out of the round..look at shoot tracker and you will agree.
mcilroy isnt gonna win…… westwood will not give the lead up
I think its gonna be tiger vs phil tomorrow and paired toghether to,perfect!!
Either Sh/ean will do, or TexasGolfer, 3Ci’s,ParFore, or the usual contrarians.
Won’t waste time watching, but will have the headphones on to listen and fast forward to the pink faced one when they say what he did…
Notice all his new shirts??? Much shorter sleeves, and much tighter, to LOOK like muscles are appearing….Wosni is apparently giving him a better upper body shirt look, to bad the body is still mush….
And notice the style is to make the shoulders appear broader, called RAGLAN, whereby the shoulder seams are way below the shoulders, making the wearer appear more broad shouldered. Just sayin’
Unless Mahan or Ogilvy hole out their second shots at SH, looks like a Woods-Mickelson (+ their amateur playing partners) pairing in the second-to-last group.
Secondly, Kevin, you need to stop complaining about them following Tiger Woods. They don’t care about you. They care about the viewing public. Do you know what the viewing public says? It says they want to see Tiger, hear Tiger, listen to discussion about Tiger, and then discuss Tiger themselves (after all, look at you Kevin, you are here, a hater, but you are just adding to the amount of people who follow this mans career – and I am not hating on you for that – if you are a golf fan and get to live to witness the career of the greatest golfer ever, you would be thankful. That is how I know you are not a true golf fan.
I mean, look at the number of comments on all articles related to Tiger. It averages anywhere between 4 times as many as the other articles to sometimes 80 or 90 TIMES as many comments as other articles.
The television networks have new systems to monitor what viewers watch. These days, they not only monitor how long you stay on a certain channel and what is on that channel, they monitor the things that make people change the channel and the things that make people not want to change the channel. Do you know why they show so much of Tiger Woods? Because that is what everyone wants to see.
When Tiger Woods is in a tournament, regardless of which, ratings will be higher than any non-Tiger tournament (with the exception of a major Tiger might not play in due to injury). Furthermore, studies show that people are more than 100 (yes, thats right, more than 100!) times less likely to change the channel if Tiger is on the screen as opposed to of he is not. Very few people control those kinds of ratings. In fact, those types of numbers close in on presidential influence.
Simply put though, is that whether you love Tiger, hate Tiger, or just admire and appreciate his golfing ability and just want to witness the best golfer ever play the game, just accept it. People want to watch Tiger. We have 15 years of ratings that prove how much he controls. In fact, I love the saying that Tiger is not bigger than the game just because nobody ever said he was. However, the truth is, Tiger may not be bigger than the PGA Tour, but the PGA Tour needs Tiger more than Tiger needs the PGA Tour. Do not act like he could not attain his records without ever playing in a PGA Tour event again. I am not saying that will happen. However, if it did, the next time the TOUR sat down with the networks to negotiate their contract, the PGA Tour would lose something in the 9 figure range.
Just get over it. Golf is entertainment, and the PGA Tour is a business and all the golfers are the stars. Well, just like some entertainers are more popular than others, Tiger is like the Elvis of golf. To complain about him being covered so much when that is what the majority of people want (if it wasn’t what people wanted, the networks wouldn’t do it – you see, the networks do what makes people watch their channels, so get a clue about how things work) is like complaining that a network is staying with the Superbowl until it finishes rather than cutting it off at its 4 hour alloted time and put Heidi on (you may be too uninformed or young to understand that reference). So, maybe this will work for you: Complaining about the networks showing too much of Tiger is like complaining about a Power Rangers marathon! Who doesn’t want to watch that?! (Figured that was more on your intellect level)
DOB – I would still be surprised if Tiger wins….4 strokes to gain in one day is a lot. I know the last couple of weeks have been crazy with large leads being caught but I’m sure more often than not when the leader has gone into the final round with a 4 stroke lead or more they come out on top. Do I think its possible that tiger could come from behind and win….yes. Would I bet on him to win over the rest of the field going into Sunday when he is down 4 strokes….probably not (depending on the odds I was given :) )
Yo!!! Tiger vs. Phil. Should be a barrel of fun listening to the commentators with their meaningless banter, when #1 vs. #2 during their early years is light years in actuality in OWGR away from each other. Then the personalities, autograph signing, always smiling, can’t wait….UGH.
Really, it should be a pleasant afternoon, also seeing the animals on the rocks, birds flying near Phil’s balls like today, etc. Whoops, no pun intended…LOL
Go Tiger and Phil. May the fittest man win over the other!!!
thanks James, I’m caught up..Kinda should be relaxing for the viewer paired that way, but really think the last grouping has the “head” advantage since the crowds and media won’t be snapping their CAMERAS DURING YOU KNOW WHO’S SWING iNCESSANTLY.
Charlie Wi may prefer all the attention being placed on a Tiger-Phil pairing.
think tiger is due for a really low round… my guts is telling me that it’s tomorow… he have been consistent over the past 3 days played it safe to keep in contention… tomorow he should be chasing flags and taking more risks…
Does anybody know how groupings work when two players from the same group finish with the same score? Phil and Kevin Na were paired together, and both finished at -9.
Wi is gonna chooke big time,again..and playoff tiger vs phil LOL yeah ;)
James/the last one that holed out is gonna go out last the next day and i believe that phil did that with a 9 footer par save..
It is a good feeling, nostalgic for us who love Tiger for his great game of golf on the course, a legacy that is translated to billions for the sports world!
sorry phil holed out first and thats the rule i believe?
First guy off the course with that number is the last one out next day (higher pairing) if several have the same number, the opposite of FIFO, first in, first out. It’s LIFO, last in, first out pairing wise.
Should be nostalgic, indeed. Mini-competition between old competitors, even if they weren’t paired together only 29 times!!! Get ready forf all the recanted stories from the TV media!!!
Phil should only wear red and black and Tiger wear a visor, that would be a hoot!!! Do you think Phil’s family will be seen during the round????? probably, if they’re there…
He’s not going to say it out loud, but I gotta believe Charlie is Wi is grateful that Ken Duke snuck past Tiger to get into second alone.
If first out is first in does that make third in owner of sloppy leftovers? No wait a minute, second in would have slopy thirds best interest in mind. i’m fine with that.
They aren’t the best of buds, but it appeared at the President’s Cup that Tiger and Phil have come a long way in their relationship. Of course, it’s all made easier by the absence of Mr. Williams.
18 under is gonna win the tournament
A little long-winded aren’t you “The Authority” Good to know, though that you know it all! Thanks for the reminder.
fongul you sloppy seconds. You are an absolute jerk. Let’s please leave us to our happy thoughts of what might and might not happen tomorrow.
Anyone see how Harrington and JP McManus are running away with the amamteur portion of the event? Even the commentators questioned the handicap and thought it was too much. Harrington better watch it, as he’s getting a reputation after the DQ and the Olympics fraud he trying for with McIlroy…
Charlie and Ken are going think their in a practice round not the final pairing on Sunday.
BORING!!!!!!!!!
front 9 i think he played actually really bad made almost mistake on every hole. Ofcourse round of 67 isnt that bad but it should have been much better his off the tea on front 9 were just really afwul scary afwul. I am optimistic for him tomorrow he will end 4-8ish at best.
I give him credit for getting rid of the goatee, but you can forget any “return” of a fearsome Tiger folks. That mammal is long gone (mostly because he doesn’t enjoy what he’s doing any more), but I never care about who is where on the leader board until the FOURTH ROUND.
Good effort by Tiger.
2nd to last pairing should do it. Given the history over the last 3 weeks in the PGATour, Wi is likelly to loose the lead. And there are only two players who really know how to win at Pebble. Tiger and Dustin.
Phil is still too erratic to recover from 6 shots back, and Tiger can put a lot of pressure on Wi. Unlucky for Wi, he will be seeing every shot Tiger makes (and the people’s reaction).
Good job today Tiger.
Hi everyone!!!My “bad” yesterday. I was ranting along about how the GOLF CHANNEL forgot about mentioning Phil. However they did a VERY good news clip of him on GOLF CENTRAL!!! WAY TO GO, TIGER!!!
Why doesn’t Gail and Kitty 2 trade phone numbers so we can talk about serious golf here? I mean it’s a golf site not a chat(cat)line.Meow!!!!
It just amazes me how people come on these forums to complain about how Tiger gets too much coverage, but post their complaints on a TIGER WOODS forum.
Both pig and Mickey are over the hill already.Wi,will win the tournament.He will not collapse tomorrow.He is way better golfer than Levin.
Tiger will shoot a 63 in the fourth round and will win by 3!
Who you calling a Pig, Lucy. Go carry your blanket. Piggy might play better, as he does when TW is on the course.
We will go wee wee wee all the way home, following you. Tiger may not win, but he has constantly contended, and that is what makes a stronger effort to eventually the brilliance he was and will become again. This is a golf site, not kindergarten, children.
Nasty comments can be forwarded to TTTMMMZZZ.
I don’t wish anything bad for Wi, just want my favorite to win. Nothing wrong with that.
actually thinking about it if Tiger ends top 3 he has 4 top 3 tourneys in a row. Has any golfer last 2 years of Tiger slump done that?
His slump is better than anyone’s good year, imagine that. Very insightful, I’ll be your Queen for a day for that nice fact.
amazing last night coverage the commentators didnt talk anything about the albatros that Joseph Bramlett had last night, he got 2 on par 5 11 at SH
tiger, love 2 c u win again!
Unfortunately Rory WONT win.
Tiger WILL win.
Called THESIS !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Boy, a record. 5 times someone posted as my name after I was NOT NASTY. Now you can finally have your way and slump. You’re probably a queen yourself. Really.
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Anticipation of a real bullfight on the Euro Tour early morning, in only 4 hours while the men fight for repositioning of 2nd, 3rd and 4th place in the OWGR…. then in the late morning we get a Slugfest wherein TW and PM, NOT TW Versus PM battle the Back Field. Just sit back and enjoy an entire day of consequence yielding, points meaning rounds are played.
How often or how soon will we be treated to see this between PM and TW paired together on Sunday?…and they’re not fighting each other for the win!!! The golf media must be in full fledged EUPHORIA. At least this course will have full camera coverage.
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May the smoke and steam emanating from the penultimate pairing slowly meander backwards clouding the judgement of the last pairing…
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Should be great watching in a few hours, no matter who wins. And we thought on Dec 4th Westwood, McIlroy and Woods all winning that weekend was a handful. Get those takeout menus with phone numbers for delivery ready, as who’s going to stop watching?
agreed annie4. also, ken duke’s life story is most interesting & inspirational. but he’s a virtual unknown because the pga, media & corporate sponsers mandate that only eldrick & philip count. what in the world will happen to the pga when these “gods” hang ‘em up?
On the seemingly one person focus of the media, I agree with both sides. The side that states the other players need equal time is definitely true. I don’t remember if Jack Nicklaus was over-covered, or if the media even COULD over cover ( a lot less outlets, basically TV .) On the side that wants the balance of focus on Tiger ( me for one ) can base that argument on; the media does what “sells” (good and bad, Tiger put Golf ON THE MAP, like Arnold did for body building, and Tiger gives and gives, with charities, and the TWF.
Will Tiger be playing in the Blue Monster at Doral?? Does anyone know?
Yes, he will.