He’s baaaack! Well, maybe not back just yet. But a leaderboard going into the final round of a PGA tournament with Tiger Woods amongst the leaders further builds the case that the man who has 79 golf titles to his credit is in line to potentially add his 80th to his trophy case.
“Playing just his fourth tournament of the year, Woods stirred the massive galleries again at Innisbrook Resort, where he played the third round of the Valspar Championship on the Copperhead course and shot his best score in 13 rounds this year,” writes Bob Harig of ESPN.com.
The Valspar Championship is being played in Tampa, just a few hours from Woods’ home in Jupiter City, Florida. Woods is playing some of his best golf on the PGA Tour in some time.
After a week of discussion about Phil Mickelson ending a five-year drought with a win at a PGA WGC Tournament in Mexico City, it was Woods’ turn to flip the switch and turn back time. Which would be more impressive? It really doesn’t matter, does it? Both could be part of a strong contingent looking to add another green jack to their historical careers at The Masters in April.
Right now, Woods is tied for second, one shot behind leader Corey Conners, who had a 68. Woods will play in the second-to-last group Sunday. Woods moved into a tie for the lead with Conners, a tour rookie, when he chipped in for birdie from behind the ninth green. He then added another birdie by draining a 20-footer at the 10th. While he may not be the dominating player he was over a decade ago, the idea of Woods chasing an opponent on Sunday, dressed in his traditional cardinal red makes fans want to cheer for the man who lost his edge and fell from grace in the sport.
The Canadian will have Justin Rose and Brandt Snedeker to contend with as well – both are tied with Woods at 8-under for the tournament. Rose will pair with Conners while Snedeker will walk the 18 with Woods.
Per Harig, Woods is in his best position to win a tournament since he tied for 10th at the 2015 Wyndham Championship. His last victory came at the 2013 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.