Tiger Woods isn’t taking part in this week’s Hero World Problem — however he’s nonetheless making his presence felt.
Woods, whose pre-tournament press convention included some hints a few change in path for the PGA Tour, has been on property at Albany all through the week serving as event host. On Saturday he stalked the vary pre-round, visiting with contenders — together with Sweden’s Alex Noren, who he chatted up and queried about his swing.
We’ve seen and heard loads of proof already this week that Woods is invested within the trendy recreation; learn how Woods described what he admires concerning the recreation of World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler:
“Of Scottie’s recreation? Yeah, I really love watching him hit irons, the formed photographs that he hits, the trajectory, the window adjustments that he has, the space management, the miss within the correct spot, the correct spin in sure pin areas,” Woods stated. “These are all refined issues that imply rather a lot over the course of 72 holes. That to me is spectacular. In the event you don’t have trajectory management, you may’t have distance management. To see him transfer it up and down in numerous home windows, use wind, combat wind and management spin is enjoyable to look at.”
(That was simply a part of his reply.)
Noren is an enchanting man to look at apply given his distinctive pre-shot routines and his inclination to dig it out of the grime. He’s additionally at an enchanting place in his profession, the sort of man who served as assistant captain for this yr’s European Ryder Cup crew but additionally practically performed his manner onto it.
No matter Woods stated to Noren had a optimistic impact: he began par-birdie-eagle and performed his manner into the penultimate final-round pairing after a five-under 67. He’ll begin Sunday’s ultimate spherical in T3, three photographs off Sepp Straka’s lead and two behind World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler.
Noren received DP World Tour occasions in August and September and performed his manner inside the highest 20 on the earth; another prime end would cap off a robust ultimate third to his yr.
“Final yr I took quite a lot of time without work and sort of labored rather a lot on my recreation, however this yr I attempted to play extra tournaments this finish of the season,” Noren stated. “You see the place you’re at for subsequent yr. Then I’ve a few month and a half to sort of repair the issues that I don’t like proper now and fine-tune it.”
As for his go to with Woods? Noren may solely grin.
“Yeah, it’s wonderful. I grew up idolizing Tiger,” he stated. “That was an ideal time in my life. I used to be 18 in 2000, 16 in ’98 when he sort of got here on. So yeah, I imply, I’ve a lot respect for him and admiration.
“And seeing him on the market and asking questions and — not that he’s asking questions for his personal [benefit], however I feel he simply loves golf and it was good to speak to him.”
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