After the accident, Tiger Woods had undergone a massive emergency surgery where rods and screws are inserted in Tiger's leg and ankle. His foundation also has released a statement saying that "Tiger is now Awake, Responsive & Recovering"

Tiger Woods: Emergency surgery placed screws in Leg

Tiger Woods who met a serious accident is currently "recovering" from his injuries, the hospital treating the golf legend said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Surgery was performed to repair "significant orthopaedic injuries" to Woods' lower right leg, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center chief medical officer Anish Mahajan said in a statement released on Woods' Twitter handle.

"He is currently awake, responsive, and recovering in his hospital room," it further said.&nbsp;

Earlier, Woods suffered serious injuries near Los Angeles on Tuesday after a severe car accident that law enforcement officials describe he was "very fortunate" to survive.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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He underwent surgery following the crash, the sheriff added.&nbsp;

Los Angeles County fire chief Daryl Osby said Woods received "serious injuries to both legs".&nbsp;

No other vehicle or were involved in the accident and the site of the accident is known as "hotspot" for high-speed accidents in recent times.&nbsp;

"I will say that it's very fortunate that Mr. Woods was able to come out of this alive," said deputy Carlos Gonzalez.&nbsp;

Villanueva said there was no evidence that the legendary golfer was under the influence of narcotics, alcohol or meditation.&nbsp;

Gonzalez, who was the first law enforcement official to arrive at the scene of the incident, said Woods was conscious when he initially saw him trapped in his vehicle and appeared "calm and lucid" to recognize himself.&nbsp;

Woods, who is one of the most successful golfers of all time, has recently undergone his fifth back surgery and this crash can jeopardise his career.&nbsp;

Tiger Woods who met a serious accident is currently "recovering" from his injuries, the hospital treating the golf legend said on Wednesday. Surgery was performed to repair "significant orthopaedic injuries" to Woods' lower right leg, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center chief medical officer Anish Mahajan said in a statement released on Woods' Twitter handle.

Tiger Woods who met a serious accident is currently "recovering" from his injuries, the hospital treating the golf legend said on Wednesday. Surgery was performed to repair "significant orthopaedic injuries" to Woods' lower right leg, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center chief medical officer Anish Mahajan said in a statement released on Woods' Twitter handle. "He is currently awake, responsive, and recovering in his hospital room," it further said. Earlier, Woods suffered serious injuries near Los Angeles on Tuesday after a severe car accident that law enforcement officials describe he was "very fortunate" to survive. Watch | He underwent surgery following the crash, the sheriff added. Los Angeles County fire chief Daryl Osby said Woods received "serious injuries to both legs". No other vehicle or were involved in the accident and the site of the accident is known as "hotspot" for high-speed accidents in recent times. "I will say that it's very fortunate that Mr. Woods was able to come out of this alive," said deputy Carlos Gonzalez. Villanueva said there was no evidence that the legendary golfer was under the influence of narcotics, alcohol or meditation. Gonzalez, who was the first law enforcement official to arrive at the scene of the incident, said Woods was conscious when he initially saw him trapped in his vehicle and appeared "calm and lucid" to recognize himself. Woods, who is one of the most successful golfers of all time, has recently undergone his fifth back surgery and this crash can jeopardise his career.

Tiger Woods is currently 'responsive', 'recovering' from injuries, says hospital

The sight of Tiger Woods holding cold water bottles to his neck and rubbing his upper back on Thursday ahead of the Northern Trust triggered speculation about his physical health but the former world number one said there was no need to worry.

Woods, who has a well-documented surgical history and has played a very limited schedule this yeart, said he had “pretty hot oils” applied to his neck to help keep his spine loose for the FedExCup playoff opener.

But while on the practice range ahead of first-round action at TPC Boston in Norton, Massachusetts, Woods was seen trying to rub off the excess oil and cool the area down with water.

“My lower back is used to it. It’s accustomed to it. We do it all the time just so I can get loose,” said Woods. “I decided to put some up on my neck, and it’s not as tolerant as my lower back, so it gets awfully hot.”

The excessive heat triggered the scenes of Woods trying to cool down, which quickly had many on social media wondering what, if anything was wrong with the 15-times major champion.

“As soon as you heat up, the whole idea is to keep my spine loose,” said Woods. “My spine is not what it used to be and never will be.”

In only his fifth start this year, Woods had five birdies and two bogeys en route to a three-under-par 68 at TPC Boston where he was four shots off the early lead.

Woods, 44, is 49th on the season-long FedExCup points standings and must be in the top-30 after next week’s BMW Championship to qualify for the Sept. 4-7 Tour Championship.

The sight of Tiger Woods holding cold water bottles to his neck and rubbing his upper back on Thursday ahead of the Northern Trust triggered speculation about his physical health but the former world number one said there was no need to worry.

The sight of Tiger Woods holding cold water bottles to his neck and rubbing his upper back on Thursday ahead of the Northern Trust triggered speculation about his physical health but the former world number one said there was no need to worry. Woods, who has a well-documented surgical history and has played a very limited schedule this yeart, said he had “pretty hot oils” applied to his neck to help keep his spine loose for the FedExCup playoff opener. But while on the practice range ahead of first-round action at TPC Boston in Norton, Massachusetts, Woods was seen trying to rub off the excess oil and cool the area down with water. “My lower back is used to it. It’s accustomed to it. We do it all the time just so I can get loose,” said Woods. “I decided to put some up on my neck, and it’s not as tolerant as my lower back, so it gets awfully hot.” The excessive heat triggered the scenes of Woods trying to cool down, which quickly had many on social media wondering what, if anything was wrong with the 15-times major champion. “As soon as you heat up, the whole idea is to keep my spine loose,” said Woods. “My spine is not what it used to be and never will be.” In only his fifth start this year, Woods had five birdies and two bogeys en route to a three-under-par 68 at TPC Boston where he was four shots off the early lead. Woods, 44, is 49th on the season-long FedExCup points standings and must be in the top-30 after next week’s BMW Championship to qualify for the Sept. 4-7 Tour Championship.

Woods says no cause for alarm, neck was just 'hot'

Tiger Woods said the absence of an adoring and raucous crowd at the PGA Championship on Thursday was part of the “new normal” for the sport, which is holding its first major without any fans in attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Woods, who is playing for just the second time since the PGA Tour returned to action in mid-June, shot an opening round 2-under 68 at an eerily quiet TPC Harding Park in San Francisco.

“Well, that’s our new normal,” he told reporters.

“It’s just the way it is and it’s going to be for a while ... the energy is different.”

On the plus side, he said not being followed around by noisy fans made it easier to focus.

That showed in his putting, which included a 30-foot birdie putt on the par-four 13th that drew applause and some hoots from a group of grounds crew.

“It’s just different. That’s probably the only way to say it,” he said.

“This is what we’re going to have to get used to in the near future and for probably for a while.”

Every player and caddie underwent coronavirus testing prior to the tournament and media are required to wear face coverings and maintain social distance at the event, which was originally scheduled to be held in May.

Woods is looking to win his 16th major, fifth PGA Championship and record-breaking 83rd PGA Tour victory at the lake side course on the west side of San Francisco.

Woods, who went out in the morning wave alongside world number one Justin Thomas and Rory McIlroy, did not appear bothered by the coastal fog and cooler conditions as he mixed five birdies and three bogeys.

He is using a new, longer putter at the event, which he said helps take pressure off his surgically-repaired back, allowing him to practice for longer.

“Most of the guys on the Champions Tour have gone to longer putters as they have gotten older, because it’s easier to bend over, or not bend over,” the 44-year-old said with a smile.

“And so this putter is just a little bit longer and I’ve been able to spend a little bit more time putting.”

Tiger Woods said the absence of an adoring and raucous crowd at the PGA Championship on Thursday was part of the “new normal” for the sport, which is holding its first major without any fans in attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tiger Woods said the absence of an adoring and raucous crowd at the PGA Championship on Thursday was part of the “new normal” for the sport, which is holding its first major without any fans in attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Woods, who is playing for just the second time since the PGA Tour returned to action in mid-June, shot an opening round 2-under 68 at an eerily quiet TPC Harding Park in San Francisco. “Well, that’s our new normal,” he told reporters. “It’s just the way it is and it’s going to be for a while ... the energy is different.” On the plus side, he said not being followed around by noisy fans made it easier to focus. That showed in his putting, which included a 30-foot birdie putt on the par-four 13th that drew applause and some hoots from a group of grounds crew. “It’s just different. That’s probably the only way to say it,” he said. “This is what we’re going to have to get used to in the near future and for probably for a while.” Every player and caddie underwent coronavirus testing prior to the tournament and media are required to wear face coverings and maintain social distance at the event, which was originally scheduled to be held in May. Woods is looking to win his 16th major, fifth PGA Championship and record-breaking 83rd PGA Tour victory at the lake side course on the west side of San Francisco. Woods, who went out in the morning wave alongside world number one Justin Thomas and Rory McIlroy, did not appear bothered by the coastal fog and cooler conditions as he mixed five birdies and three bogeys. He is using a new, longer putter at the event, which he said helps take pressure off his surgically-repaired back, allowing him to practice for longer. “Most of the guys on the Champions Tour have gone to longer putters as they have gotten older, because it’s easier to bend over, or not bend over,” the 44-year-old said with a smile. “And so this putter is just a little bit longer and I’ve been able to spend a little bit more time putting.”

Tiger Woods adjusting to a new normal at spectator-free PGA Championship

Reigning Masters champion Tiger Woods struggled with back issues on his way to a four-over par 76 on Friday, but avoided missing the cut at the Memorial tournament for the first time.

The 44-year-old superstar, playing his first PGA event since February after a tour shutdown in March over the coronavirus pandemic, had never missed the cut in 17 prior starts at Muirfield Village in Dublin, Ohio.

But the 15-time major winner, whose total ranks second only to the 18 won by Memorial host Jack Nicklaus, made five bogeys and a double-bogey against three birdies in round two after an opening 71 on Thursday and had a long afternoon wait to know that record would remain intact.

"Not very good," Woods said. "I 3-putted two holes early. Whatever momentum I was going to create, I stifled that early and struggled the rest of the day."

Woods said his back began bothering him when he was warming up before the round, noting, "It's going to happen more times than not these days."

His back, which like his knees has been surgically repaired multiple times, affected his swing, saying, "It was a bit of a struggle."

Woods had not played since February at Riviera and the back issues come with the year's first major in a COVID-19 shuffled schedule coming on August 6-9 at the PGA Championship at Harding Park in San Francisco.

Woods stood on three-over par 147 after 36 holes, just on the projected cut line as the last players teed off in the round.

"I would like to have the opportunity to play tomorrow," Woods said. "Hopefully the cut will fall one more and I'll have the opportunity."

Woods, who began Friday on the back nine, put his approach to three feet at the par-3 12th and made birdie, but missed a three-foot par putt at 13 and sent his first three shots into the rough on the way to a bogey at the par-5 15th.

World number 14 Woods found a fairway bunker and needed four shots to reach the green on his way to a bogey at 17 then made a double bogey at the first to begin his second nine of the day.

Bogeys at the par-4 second and sixth holes followed before Woods bounced back with birdies at the par-5 seventh and par-3 eighth. But he needed three shots to reach the green and a seven-foot putt to salvage par at the last -- enough to make the halfway cut on the number at 3-over par.

Reigning Masters champion Tiger Woods struggled with back issues on his way to a four-over par 76 on Friday, but avoided missing the cut at the Memorial tournament for the first time.

Reigning Masters champion Tiger Woods struggled with back issues on his way to a four-over par 76 on Friday, but avoided missing the cut at the Memorial tournament for the first time. The 44-year-old superstar, playing his first PGA event since February after a tour shutdown in March over the coronavirus pandemic, had never missed the cut in 17 prior starts at Muirfield Village in Dublin, Ohio. But the 15-time major winner, whose total ranks second only to the 18 won by Memorial host Jack Nicklaus, made five bogeys and a double-bogey against three birdies in round two after an opening 71 on Thursday and had a long afternoon wait to know that record would remain intact. "Not very good," Woods said. "I 3-putted two holes early. Whatever momentum I was going to create, I stifled that early and struggled the rest of the day." Woods said his back began bothering him when he was warming up before the round, noting, "It's going to happen more times than not these days." His back, which like his knees has been surgically repaired multiple times, affected his swing, saying, "It was a bit of a struggle." Woods had not played since February at Riviera and the back issues come with the year's first major in a COVID-19 shuffled schedule coming on August 6-9 at the PGA Championship at Harding Park in San Francisco. Woods stood on three-over par 147 after 36 holes, just on the projected cut line as the last players teed off in the round. "I would like to have the opportunity to play tomorrow," Woods said. "Hopefully the cut will fall one more and I'll have the opportunity." Woods, who began Friday on the back nine, put his approach to three feet at the par-3 12th and made birdie, but missed a three-foot par putt at 13 and sent his first three shots into the rough on the way to a bogey at the par-5 15th. World number 14 Woods found a fairway bunker and needed four shots to reach the green on his way to a bogey at 17 then made a double bogey at the first to begin his second nine of the day. Bogeys at the par-4 second and sixth holes followed before Woods bounced back with birdies at the par-5 seventh and par-3 eighth. But he needed three shots to reach the green and a seven-foot putt to salvage par at the last -- enough to make the halfway cut on the number at 3-over par.

Tiger struggles with back issues but makes Memorial cut

A couple of comebacks and the continued emergence of a bright young star feature in AFP Sport's golf talking points for this week.

<h2>- Woods in top company -</h2>

When Tiger Woods returns to competitive golf for the first time in five months at Jack Nicklaus's Memorial Tournament on Thursday, he will do so in exalted company.

Woods will tee off alongside&nbsp;world number one Rory McIlroy&nbsp;and Brooks Koepka in an eye-catching threeball for the first two rounds at Muirfield Village in Ohio.&nbsp;

Woods needs a sixth victory at the event he last won in 2012 to become the most successful golfer in PGA Tour history, having tied Sam Snead's record 82 wins at October's Zozo Championship in Japan.

The 15-time major winner last played competitively at the Genesis Invitational in February, finishing 68th.&nbsp;

Without Woods since the tour's return from COVID-19 lockdown, the buzz has been all about Bryson DeChambeau and Collin Morikawa, winners of the last two events, and they will go out together alongside defending champion Patrick Cantlay on Thursday.

Big-hitting DeChambeau, the 2018 Memorial champion, is favourite with the bookmakers at 10-1. Woods is priced at a tempting-looking 25-1.&nbsp;

The bookies should note that the last time Woods returned from an enforced layoff, at the Zozo after a 10-week break for arthroscopic knee surgery, he won.

<h2>- Miguel keeps rolling -</h2>

He might be nearer to 60 than 50 but Miguel Angel Jimenez&nbsp;proved he was still one to watch when the European Tour made a low-key return last week.

At the Austrian Open, an event shared with the second-tier Challenge Tour, the 56-year-old rolled back the years to shoot his lowest score since the 2018 Italian Open, a seven-under-par 65 in the second round.

It put the Spaniard into the lead and he finished tied eighth to record his first top 10 since the 2017 Hong Kong Open.

Jimenez has already set the record for the oldest winner on the European Tour three times and he threatened it again at the Diamond Country Club near Vienna, an event won by Scotland's Marc Warren.&nbsp;

Jimenez won the 2012 Hong Kong Open at the age of 48 years, 307 days, before successfully defending it a year later when 49 years and 337 days old.

Not content with that, he won the 2014 Open de Espana for his 21st title at 50 years, 133 days.

The European Tour remains in Austria this week before moving to Britain for the first of six full-field events starting with the British Masters in Newcastle.

<h2>- Collin's a cut above -</h2>

Collin Morikawa only turned pro 13 months ago, but he won for the first time on the US PGA Tour at the Barracuda Championship just eight weeks later and has been so consistent that he now has more wins than missed cuts.

His second tournament victory came at the Workday Charity Open at Muirfield on Sunday where he won a nail-biting playoff against Justin Thomas on the third extra hole.&nbsp;

His reward is a huge jump in the world rankings from 29th to 13th, one place above Tiger Woods, and he is firmly in the Ryder Cup picture for the next edition at Whistling Straits, now shifted to September 2021.

Morikawa's only missed cut came two weeks earlier at the Travelers Championship, and a fortnight before that he had the crushing disappointment of seeing a two-foot putt lip out to lose a playoff to Daniel Berger at the Charles Schwab Challenge.

But he recovered in the best possible fashion with his second win and it is noteworthy that the 23-year-old's&nbsp;streak of 22 straight weekends played to start his professional career is second only to, you've guessed it, Woods.

<h2>- World's top 20 -</h2>

New Official World Golf Rankings updated July 13, 2020:&nbsp;

1. Rory McIlroy (NIR) 8.75&nbsp;

2. Jon Rahm (ESP) 7.85&nbsp;

3. Justin Thomas (USA) 7.67 (+2)&nbsp;

4. Dustin Johnson (USA) 7.49&nbsp;(-1)

5. Webb Simpson (USA) 7.13&nbsp;(-1)

6. Brooks Koepka (USA) 6.73&nbsp;

7. Bryson DeChambeau (USA) 6.24&nbsp;

8. Patrick Reed (USA) 5.85&nbsp;(+1)

9. Adam Scott (AUS) 5.84&nbsp;(+1)

10. Patrick Cantlay (USA) 5.84&nbsp;(-2)

11. Xander Schauffele (USA) 5.45&nbsp;

12. Tommy Fleetwood (ENG) 5.12&nbsp;

13. Collin Morikawa (USA) 4.96&nbsp;(+16)

14. Tiger Woods (USA) 4.86

15. Tyrrell Hatton (ENG) 4.81&nbsp;

16. Justin Rose (ENG) 4.76&nbsp;(-3)

17. Marc Leishman (AUS) 4.48&nbsp;(-1)

18. Gary Woodland (USA) 4.31 (+1)&nbsp;

19. Tony Finau (USA) 4.29&nbsp;(-2)

20. Matt Kuchar (USA) 4.25 (-2)

A couple of comebacks and the continued emergence of a bright young star feature in AFP Sport's golf talking points for this week. - Woods in top company - When Tiger Woods returns to competitive golf for the first time in five months at Jack Nicklaus's Memorial Tournament on Thursday, he will do so in exalted company.

A couple of comebacks and the continued emergence of a bright young star feature in AFP Sport's golf talking points for this week. - Woods in top company - When Tiger Woods returns to competitive golf for the first time in five months at Jack Nicklaus's Memorial Tournament on Thursday, he will do so in exalted company. Woods will tee off alongside world number one Rory McIlroy and Brooks Koepka in an eye-catching threeball for the first two rounds at Muirfield Village in Ohio. Woods needs a sixth victory at the event he last won in 2012 to become the most successful golfer in PGA Tour history, having tied Sam Snead's record 82 wins at October's Zozo Championship in Japan. The 15-time major winner last played competitively at the Genesis Invitational in February, finishing 68th. Without Woods since the tour's return from COVID-19 lockdown, the buzz has been all about Bryson DeChambeau and Collin Morikawa, winners of the last two events, and they will go out together alongside defending champion Patrick Cantlay on Thursday. Big-hitting DeChambeau, the 2018 Memorial champion, is favourite with the bookmakers at 10-1. Woods is priced at a tempting-looking 25-1. The bookies should note that the last time Woods returned from an enforced layoff, at the Zozo after a 10-week break for arthroscopic knee surgery, he won. - Miguel keeps rolling - He might be nearer to 60 than 50 but Miguel Angel Jimenez proved he was still one to watch when the European Tour made a low-key return last week. At the Austrian Open, an event shared with the second-tier Challenge Tour, the 56-year-old rolled back the years to shoot his lowest score since the 2018 Italian Open, a seven-under-par 65 in the second round. It put the Spaniard into the lead and he finished tied eighth to record his first top 10 since the 2017 Hong Kong Open. Jimenez has already set the record for the oldest winner on the European Tour three times and he threatened it again at the Diamond Country Club near Vienna, an event won by Scotland's Marc Warren. Jimenez won the 2012 Hong Kong Open at the age of 48 years, 307 days, before successfully defending it a year later when 49 years and 337 days old. Not content with that, he won the 2014 Open de Espana for his 21st title at 50 years, 133 days. The European Tour remains in Austria this week before moving to Britain for the first of six full-field events starting with the British Masters in Newcastle. - Collin's a cut above - Collin Morikawa only turned pro 13 months ago, but he won for the first time on the US PGA Tour at the Barracuda Championship just eight weeks later and has been so consistent that he now has more wins than missed cuts. His second tournament victory came at the Workday Charity Open at Muirfield on Sunday where he won a nail-biting playoff against Justin Thomas on the third extra hole. His reward is a huge jump in the world rankings from 29th to 13th, one place above Tiger Woods, and he is firmly in the Ryder Cup picture for the next edition at Whistling Straits, now shifted to September 2021. Morikawa's only missed cut came two weeks earlier at the Travelers Championship, and a fortnight before that he had the crushing disappointment of seeing a two-foot putt lip out to lose a playoff to Daniel Berger at the Charles Schwab Challenge. But he recovered in the best possible fashion with his second win and it is noteworthy that the 23-year-old's streak of 22 straight weekends played to start his professional career is second only to, you've guessed it, Woods. - World's top 20 - New Official World Golf Rankings updated July 13, 2020: 1. Rory McIlroy (NIR) 8.75 2. Jon Rahm (ESP) 7.85 3. Justin Thomas (USA) 7.67 (+2) 4. Dustin Johnson (USA) 7.49 (-1) 5. Webb Simpson (USA) 7.13 (-1) 6. Brooks Koepka (USA) 6.73 7. Bryson DeChambeau (USA) 6.24 8. Patrick Reed (USA) 5.85 (+1) 9. Adam Scott (AUS) 5.84 (+1) 10. Patrick Cantlay (USA) 5.84 (-2) 11. Xander Schauffele (USA) 5.45 12. Tommy Fleetwood (ENG) 5.12 13. Collin Morikawa (USA) 4.96 (+16) 14. Tiger Woods (USA) 4.86 15. Tyrrell Hatton (ENG) 4.81 16. Justin Rose (ENG) 4.76 (-3) 17. Marc Leishman (AUS) 4.48 (-1) 18. Gary Woodland (USA) 4.31 (+1) 19. Tony Finau (USA) 4.29 (-2) 20. Matt Kuchar (USA) 4.25 (-2)

Tiger back, Miguel for the ages, Morikawa power: golf talking points

Reigning Masters champion Tiger Woods and four-time major winner Brooks Koepka are among the exempt players for this year's US Open announced Thursday by the US Golf Association.

Woods, a 15-time major champion, and Koepka, seeking a third consecutive PGA Championship victory in August, will join defending champion Gary Woodland among 11 US Open winners set to compete in the 120th US Open on September 17-20 at Winged Foot in Mamaroneck, New York.

World number one Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland, Britain's Justin Rose and Germany's Martin Kaymer will join fellow US Open winners Woods, Koepka, Woodland, Lucas Glover, Dustin Johnson, Webb Simpson and Jordan Spieth.

The coronavirus pandemic forced a postponement of the US Open from its traditional June dates and wiped out all qualifying for the tournament, forcing the USGA to determine exempt categories for entry into the major championship.

"The decision to cancel local and final qualifying for this year's US Open was deeply disappointing, but we are pleased to still provide the world's best professional and amateur players the opportunity to compete for this historic and coveted championship," said USGA senior managing director of championships John Bodenhamer said.

"The exemption categories for this year's championship at Winged Foot Golf Club were carefully developed to mirror a representative US Open field and we are excited that players will still have an opportunity to earn a place in the field through a variety of categories."

The US Open will be played following the scheduled conclusion of the 2019-20 US PGA Tour season and as the second major event of the year after the PGA, with the British Open having been canceled and the Masters pushed back from April to November due to the deadly virus outbreak.

Entries will be accepted from July 15 through August 26.

The USGA has not given up on having at least a limited number of spectators at the event, to be staged in what had been the first major US epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak.

<h2>- Mickelson makes it in -</h2>

This year's US Open will include the top 70 players in the world golf rankings as of March 15 instead of the usual top 60.

That expansion will allow 50-year-old Phil Mickelson, who was 61st in the March 15 edition of the rankings, to compete in the event. The six-time US Open runner-up needs a victory in the event to complete a career Grand Slam.

Players can also earn a berth in the lineup through performances in the last six scheduled US PGA events of the current season, which resumed two weeks ago after a three-month hiatus.

The top five players on the final US PGA FedEx Cup season points list, the top 10 in aggregate points from the first five events on the European Tour's UK Swing and the top five on the developmental Korn Ferry Tour's regular season points and finals lists will be exempt into the US Open.

The final 2019 Order of Merit categories for the Japan Golf Tour, Sunshine Tour, Asian Tour and Australasia Tour will help to complete a field of 144 players at the suburban New York layout.

Six amateurs are currently exempt and the top seven World Amateur Golf Rankings point leaders from August 19 not otherwise exempt will be added to the field.

An average of 15 amateurs have competed in the past five US Opens, including 2018 US Amateur winner Viktor Hovland, a Norwegian who shared 12th last year at Pebble Beach.

Exemptions remain unchanged for winners in several USGA events as well as for winners of the other majors, the Players Championship and BMW PGA Championship.

Other spots to fill the field will be taken from the August 23 edition of the world golf rankings.

Reigning Masters champion Tiger Woods and four-time major winner Brooks Koepka are among the exempt players for this year's US Open announced Thursday by the US Golf Association.

Reigning Masters champion Tiger Woods and four-time major winner Brooks Koepka are among the exempt players for this year's US Open announced Thursday by the US Golf Association. Woods, a 15-time major champion, and Koepka, seeking a third consecutive PGA Championship victory in August, will join defending champion Gary Woodland among 11 US Open winners set to compete in the 120th US Open on September 17-20 at Winged Foot in Mamaroneck, New York. World number one Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland, Britain's Justin Rose and Germany's Martin Kaymer will join fellow US Open winners Woods, Koepka, Woodland, Lucas Glover, Dustin Johnson, Webb Simpson and Jordan Spieth. The coronavirus pandemic forced a postponement of the US Open from its traditional June dates and wiped out all qualifying for the tournament, forcing the USGA to determine exempt categories for entry into the major championship. "The decision to cancel local and final qualifying for this year's US Open was deeply disappointing, but we are pleased to still provide the world's best professional and amateur players the opportunity to compete for this historic and coveted championship," said USGA senior managing director of championships John Bodenhamer said. "The exemption categories for this year's championship at Winged Foot Golf Club were carefully developed to mirror a representative US Open field and we are excited that players will still have an opportunity to earn a place in the field through a variety of categories." The US Open will be played following the scheduled conclusion of the 2019-20 US PGA Tour season and as the second major event of the year after the PGA, with the British Open having been canceled and the Masters pushed back from April to November due to the deadly virus outbreak. Entries will be accepted from July 15 through August 26. The USGA has not given up on having at least a limited number of spectators at the event, to be staged in what had been the first major US epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak. - Mickelson makes it in - This year's US Open will include the top 70 players in the world golf rankings as of March 15 instead of the usual top 60. That expansion will allow 50-year-old Phil Mickelson, who was 61st in the March 15 edition of the rankings, to compete in the event. The six-time US Open runner-up needs a victory in the event to complete a career Grand Slam. Players can also earn a berth in the lineup through performances in the last six scheduled US PGA events of the current season, which resumed two weeks ago after a three-month hiatus. The top five players on the final US PGA FedEx Cup season points list, the top 10 in aggregate points from the first five events on the European Tour's UK Swing and the top five on the developmental Korn Ferry Tour's regular season points and finals lists will be exempt into the US Open. The final 2019 Order of Merit categories for the Japan Golf Tour, Sunshine Tour, Asian Tour and Australasia Tour will help to complete a field of 144 players at the suburban New York layout. Six amateurs are currently exempt and the top seven World Amateur Golf Rankings point leaders from August 19 not otherwise exempt will be added to the field. An average of 15 amateurs have competed in the past five US Opens, including 2018 US Amateur winner Viktor Hovland, a Norwegian who shared 12th last year at Pebble Beach. Exemptions remain unchanged for winners in several USGA events as well as for winners of the other majors, the Players Championship and BMW PGA Championship. Other spots to fill the field will be taken from the August 23 edition of the world golf rankings.

Tiger, Koepka, McIlroy among exempt golfers for US Open

Tiger Woods says while his surgically repaired back may never be 10-out-of-10 again, it won't stop him from being healthy and ready to go when the PGA Tour starts up again.

The 44-year-old Woods says he's been able to use the down time during the coronavirus pandemic to get himself in shape for an expected condensed fall golf season.&nbsp;

"It is going to be interesting," said Woods during a four-man charity golf tournament in Florida on Sunday. "I am used to trying to peak for majors in April, May, June and July, forever. Now this (COVID-19) has changed everything. It is fluid. It is on the fly."&nbsp;

Asked to rate how his back feels on a scale of one to 10, Woods said, "Well, let's just say 10 is not what it used to be."&nbsp;

PGA stars Woods and Phil Mickelson and two NFL quarterback legends Peyton Manning and Tom Brady squared off in an entertaining made-for-television charity golf event on Sunday that raised $20 million for coronavirus relief efforts.

The 18-hole match included nine holes of four-ball and nine holes of modified alternate shot, with on-course challenges for charitable funds.&nbsp;

Woods, who paired with Manning, showed no rust as they&nbsp;held off a back-nine rally from Mickelson and Brady for a one-up victory in the 18-hole match play format.

Sunday's event, called "The Match: Champions for Charity," &nbsp;was a rematch of sorts for Mickelson and Woods, who faced off in a similar charity event last year in Las Vegas. It also marked a return to the golf course for the both PGA stars due to the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

The PGA Tour is on hiatus until June 11, when the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial is scheduled to begin in Texas.

The charity match was the first competitive golf for Woods since the Genesis Invitational on February 16, where he shot weekend rounds of 76-77 to finish in 68th place at the Riviera Country Club course.&nbsp;

He said the forced break has been refreshing and described his health as surprisingly good considering he has been taken out of his regular training regime.&nbsp;

"It is to nice be at home training each and every day," Woods said. "I get some treatment on it and get onto a routine basically.&nbsp;

"With this pandemic and everything that has happened, we (have) all been very careful and try to stay at home," he said.

Woods says he has enjoyed spending more time with his family and has added tennis to his workouts.&nbsp;

"It has been good in that regard because I have been able to spend a lot of time with my kids. We had a lot of fun. This is the most amount of tennis I have played ever."&nbsp;

The start of Sunday's match was delayed by rain that fell steadily throughout the majority of the round.

Woods helped offset the difficult playing conditions Sunday by taking advantage of competing on his home course, the Medalist Golf Club in Hobe Sound.&nbsp;

"I am just trying to hit it in the right spots. I kind of know this place," he told a television interviewer early in his round.

The entertaining match featured plenty of friendly banter and trash talking going back and forth between four of North America's biggest sport stars.

Brady, who recently signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after winning six Super Bowl titles with the New England Patriots, made the shot of the day on the par-five seventh.

<h2>- Wardrobe malfunction -</h2>

Brady had been struggling for much of the first round, but his approach on No. 7 landed just past the hole before spinning wildly to the right and rolling into the centre of the cup.

"When the going gets tough, the tough get going," an obviously relieved Brady said of his first good shot of the day.

The shot was notable for another reason: it included a wardrobe malfunction. Brady also split his pants on the shot, resulting in a hasty costume change.

"There was so much torque on that swing," he joked.

The birdie also lightened the wallet of PGA golfer Brooks Koepka. When he saw Brady struggling early in the round, Koepka tweeted out a promise to donate $100,000 to charity if Brady could make a par on the front nine.

"Brooks owes me a little money," Brady said following his surprise birdie.

Tiger Woods says while his surgically repaired back may never be 10-out-of-10 again, it won't stop him from being healthy and ready to go when the PGA Tour starts up again.

Tiger Woods says while his surgically repaired back may never be 10-out-of-10 again, it won't stop him from being healthy and ready to go when the PGA Tour starts up again. The 44-year-old Woods says he's been able to use the down time during the coronavirus pandemic to get himself in shape for an expected condensed fall golf season. "It is going to be interesting," said Woods during a four-man charity golf tournament in Florida on Sunday. "I am used to trying to peak for majors in April, May, June and July, forever. Now this (COVID-19) has changed everything. It is fluid. It is on the fly." Asked to rate how his back feels on a scale of one to 10, Woods said, "Well, let's just say 10 is not what it used to be." PGA stars Woods and Phil Mickelson and two NFL quarterback legends Peyton Manning and Tom Brady squared off in an entertaining made-for-television charity golf event on Sunday that raised $20 million for coronavirus relief efforts. The 18-hole match included nine holes of four-ball and nine holes of modified alternate shot, with on-course challenges for charitable funds. Woods, who paired with Manning, showed no rust as they held off a back-nine rally from Mickelson and Brady for a one-up victory in the 18-hole match play format. Sunday's event, called "The Match: Champions for Charity," was a rematch of sorts for Mickelson and Woods, who faced off in a similar charity event last year in Las Vegas. It also marked a return to the golf course for the both PGA stars due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The PGA Tour is on hiatus until June 11, when the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial is scheduled to begin in Texas. The charity match was the first competitive golf for Woods since the Genesis Invitational on February 16, where he shot weekend rounds of 76-77 to finish in 68th place at the Riviera Country Club course. He said the forced break has been refreshing and described his health as surprisingly good considering he has been taken out of his regular training regime. "It is to nice be at home training each and every day," Woods said. "I get some treatment on it and get onto a routine basically. "With this pandemic and everything that has happened, we (have) all been very careful and try to stay at home," he said. Woods says he has enjoyed spending more time with his family and has added tennis to his workouts. "It has been good in that regard because I have been able to spend a lot of time with my kids. We had a lot of fun. This is the most amount of tennis I have played ever." The start of Sunday's match was delayed by rain that fell steadily throughout the majority of the round. Woods helped offset the difficult playing conditions Sunday by taking advantage of competing on his home course, the Medalist Golf Club in Hobe Sound. "I am just trying to hit it in the right spots. I kind of know this place," he told a television interviewer early in his round. The entertaining match featured plenty of friendly banter and trash talking going back and forth between four of North America's biggest sport stars. Brady, who recently signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after winning six Super Bowl titles with the New England Patriots, made the shot of the day on the par-five seventh. - Wardrobe malfunction - Brady had been struggling for much of the first round, but his approach on No. 7 landed just past the hole before spinning wildly to the right and rolling into the centre of the cup. "When the going gets tough, the tough get going," an obviously relieved Brady said of his first good shot of the day. The shot was notable for another reason: it included a wardrobe malfunction. Brady also split his pants on the shot, resulting in a hasty costume change. "There was so much torque on that swing," he joked. The birdie also lightened the wallet of PGA golfer Brooks Koepka. When he saw Brady struggling early in the round, Koepka tweeted out a promise to donate $100,000 to charity if Brady could make a par on the front nine. "Brooks owes me a little money," Brady said following his surprise birdie.

Woods-Manning prevail in star-studded match, raised $20m for charity

United States captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-reed-moves-clear-as-woods-surges-in-bahamas-266577">Tiger Woods</a> has decided to sit out Saturday morning's fourball matches against the Internationals at the Presidents Cup.

Justin Thomas, whose partnership with Woods at Royal Melbourne has helped keep the United States in touch with the Internationals, has instead been paired with Rickie Fowler.

The US&nbsp;pair will face Australian Marc Leishman and China's Li Haotong, who has been handed his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/presidents-cup-internationals-stun-us-to-lead-presidents-cup-4-1-267935">Presidents Cup</a> debut by captain Ernie Els on the third day of the biennial competition.

Woods has decided to stick with the misfiring combination of Patrick Reed and Webb Simpson, sending them out for a third time despite defeats in the first two days, to face Japan's Hideki Matsuyama and Taiwan's CT Pan.

Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele, whose Friday win over Adam Hadwin and Joaquin Niemann helped the United States hold the Internationals to a 6.5-3.5 lead, take on South Korea's Im Sung-jae and Abraham Ancer in an all-rookie match.

Tony Finau is back in the US&nbsp;line-up after being rested on Friday and will partner Matt Kuchar against Australian Adam Scott and An Byeong-hun of South Korea.

The pairings for Saturday afternoon's foursome matches have yet to be announced.

United States captain Tiger Woods has decided to sit out Saturday morning's fourball matches against the Internationals at the Presidents Cup. Justin Thomas, whose partnership with Woods at Royal Melbourne has helped keep the United States in touch with the Internationals, has instead been paired with Rickie Fowler.

United States captain Tiger Woods has decided to sit out Saturday morning's fourball matches against the Internationals at the Presidents Cup. Justin Thomas, whose partnership with Woods at Royal Melbourne has helped keep the United States in touch with the Internationals, has instead been paired with Rickie Fowler. The US pair will face Australian Marc Leishman and China's Li Haotong, who has been handed his Presidents Cup debut by captain Ernie Els on the third day of the biennial competition. Woods has decided to stick with the misfiring combination of Patrick Reed and Webb Simpson, sending them out for a third time despite defeats in the first two days, to face Japan's Hideki Matsuyama and Taiwan's CT Pan. Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele, whose Friday win over Adam Hadwin and Joaquin Niemann helped the United States hold the Internationals to a 6.5-3.5 lead, take on South Korea's Im Sung-jae and Abraham Ancer in an all-rookie match. Tony Finau is back in the US line-up after being rested on Friday and will partner Matt Kuchar against Australian Adam Scott and An Byeong-hun of South Korea. The pairings for Saturday afternoon's foursome matches have yet to be announced.

Golf: Tiger Woods to sit out Saturday fourballs at Presidents Cup

There was a huge upset on Thursday morning in Australia as the Presidents Cup got underway between holders America and rest of the world team. The internationals made the pundits eat humble pie by taking a 4-1 lead.

Team USA captain Tiger Woods led his team out for the first match as he paired up with Justin Thomas to take on Marc Leishman and Joaquin Niemann. Only the second-ever playing captain in Presidents Cup history, Woods was in scintillating form as he sunk 6 birdies to give his team a 4 and 3 win but that turned out to be the only success for the Americans as the internationals upset the form book in the other matches.

Im Sung-Jae and Adam Hadwin were locked in a tight battle with Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay with 13 holes halved before a birdie from Hadwin on the 16th saw the pairing win.

Former world number-1 Adam Scott and South Korean An Byeong-hun&nbsp;of South Korea never trailed against Bryson de Shambo and Tony Finau and win 2 and 1.

There was another tight game between Japan's Hideki Matsuyama and Taiwan's CT Pan against Patrick Reed and Webb Simpson both major winners. The Americans never led this one either and Captain America Reed's late heroics could not prevent a 1-up win for Pan and Matsuyama.

Finally, rookie Abraham Ancer and South Africa's Louis Oosthuizen put on a front nine blitz to thrash the powerful pairing of US Open champion Gary Woodland and former world No-1 Dustin Johnson 4 and 3.

There was a huge upset on Thursday morning in Australia as the Presidents Cup got underway between holders America and rest of the world team. The internationals made the pundits eat humble pie by taking a 4-1 lead.

There was a huge upset on Thursday morning in Australia as the Presidents Cup got underway between holders America and rest of the world team. The internationals made the pundits eat humble pie by taking a 4-1 lead. Team USA captain Tiger Woods led his team out for the first match as he paired up with Justin Thomas to take on Marc Leishman and Joaquin Niemann. Only the second-ever playing captain in Presidents Cup history, Woods was in scintillating form as he sunk 6 birdies to give his team a 4 and 3 win but that turned out to be the only success for the Americans as the internationals upset the form book in the other matches. Im Sung-Jae and Adam Hadwin were locked in a tight battle with Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay with 13 holes halved before a birdie from Hadwin on the 16th saw the pairing win. Former world number-1 Adam Scott and South Korean An Byeong-hun of South Korea never trailed against Bryson de Shambo and Tony Finau and win 2 and 1. There was another tight game between Japan's Hideki Matsuyama and Taiwan's CT Pan against Patrick Reed and Webb Simpson both major winners. The Americans never led this one either and Captain America Reed's late heroics could not prevent a 1-up win for Pan and Matsuyama. Finally, rookie Abraham Ancer and South Africa's Louis Oosthuizen put on a front nine blitz to thrash the powerful pairing of US Open champion Gary Woodland and former world No-1 Dustin Johnson 4 and 3.

Presidents Cup: Internationals stun US to lead 4-1

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-reed-wont-dial-down-the-passion-at-presidents-cup-261792">Patrick Reed</a> edged into a three-shot lead at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas on Thursday as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/natural-selection-tiger-woods-picks-himself-for-presidents-cup-260726">Tiger Woods</a> bounced back into contention after a lacklustre opening round.

Former Masters champion Reed carded a second consecutive six-under-par 66 to finish the second round at 12 under for the tournament at Albany Golf Club.

After strong winds which buffeted the course on Wednesday, Reed was among several players who took advantage of less hostile conditions to post a low-scoring round.

The American started slowly, picking up two birdies over the front nine to reach the turn at two-under for the round.

Back-to-back birdies on the 10th and 11th holes were followed by two more on 14 and 15, and although a bogey on the 16th followed, Reed recovered with a birdie on the last.

"I feel good," Reed said afterwards. "I feel like the game's a lot clearer than it was earlier this year. I'm giving myself opportunities and the putter's working."

US Open champion Gary Woodland, who had shared the first-round lead on Wednesday, posted a three-under-par 69 to finish the day alone in second place at nine-under.

Sweden's Henrik Stenson and Spain's Jon Rahm shared the third spot on eight under, four off the lead.&nbsp;

Stenson moved up the leaderboard after a five-under-par 67 while Rahm shot a six-under-par 66.

Tournament host Woods meanwhile came back strongly after his disappointing 72 on Wednesday, hitting a bogey-free 66.

Also watch:&nbsp;Tiger Woods: Return of the Winning Machine

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Woods' round burst into life on the back nine, with the former world number one snaring an eagle three on the par-five 11th to launch his charge down the stretch.

Woods followed it with birdies on the 12th, 14th and 16th holes to finish on six under after 36 holes, six shots back from Reed.

"Yesterday was tough with the wind blowing, especially with the putts," Woods said. "But today was a little less windy, the ball was flying and I got after it.

Woods, who will captain and play for the United States at the <a href="wionews.com/sports/natural-selection-tiger-woods-picks-himself-for-presidents-cup-260726">Presidents Cup</a> next week in Australia, is confident about his chances heading into the final two rounds.

"I didn't really do anything poorly today," he said. "I just want to keep creeping my way back. I'm right there.&nbsp;

"Few shots back but at least I've got a chance going into the weekend."

Patrick Reed edged into a three-shot lead at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas on Thursday as Tiger Woods bounced back into contention after a lacklustre opening round.

Patrick Reed edged into a three-shot lead at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas on Thursday as Tiger Woods bounced back into contention after a lacklustre opening round. Former Masters champion Reed carded a second consecutive six-under-par 66 to finish the second round at 12 under for the tournament at Albany Golf Club. After strong winds which buffeted the course on Wednesday, Reed was among several players who took advantage of less hostile conditions to post a low-scoring round. The American started slowly, picking up two birdies over the front nine to reach the turn at two-under for the round. Back-to-back birdies on the 10th and 11th holes were followed by two more on 14 and 15, and although a bogey on the 16th followed, Reed recovered with a birdie on the last. "I feel good," Reed said afterwards. "I feel like the game's a lot clearer than it was earlier this year. I'm giving myself opportunities and the putter's working." US Open champion Gary Woodland, who had shared the first-round lead on Wednesday, posted a three-under-par 69 to finish the day alone in second place at nine-under. Sweden's Henrik Stenson and Spain's Jon Rahm shared the third spot on eight under, four off the lead. Stenson moved up the leaderboard after a five-under-par 67 while Rahm shot a six-under-par 66. Tournament host Woods meanwhile came back strongly after his disappointing 72 on Wednesday, hitting a bogey-free 66. Also watch: Tiger Woods: Return of the Winning Machine × Woods' round burst into life on the back nine, with the former world number one snaring an eagle three on the par-five 11th to launch his charge down the stretch. Woods followed it with birdies on the 12th, 14th and 16th holes to finish on six under after 36 holes, six shots back from Reed. "Yesterday was tough with the wind blowing, especially with the putts," Woods said. "But today was a little less windy, the ball was flying and I got after it. Woods, who will captain and play for the United States at the Presidents Cup next week in Australia, is confident about his chances heading into the final two rounds. "I didn't really do anything poorly today," he said. "I just want to keep creeping my way back. I'm right there. "Few shots back but at least I've got a chance going into the weekend."

Golf: Patrick Reed moves clear as Tiger Woods surges in Bahamas

He is the most celebrated golfer to have ever played the sport. Tiger Woods' legend scaled new heights in 2019 as he completed a stunning comeback from 4 back surgeries to win his fifth Augusta masters title - his first major in 11 years. after a month-long break - woods is back in action this week at the hero world challenge in the Bahamas. here he is speaking exclusively to WION Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo....

Tiger Woods: Return of the Winning Machine

Patrick Reed's fiery, competitive spirit has ruffled feathers in the past but the golfer nicknamed 'Captain America' says he has no plans to dial down the intensity when he tees off for the United States at next month's Presidents Cup.

The last time Reed wore American colours it ended in acrimony at the 2018 Ryder Cup, where he lost both his matches playing with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/natural-selection-tiger-woods-picks-himself-for-presidents-cup-260726">Tiger Woods</a> as the United States suffered a 17.5-10.5 thrashing by Europe in Paris.

His disappointment spilled over into a now-infamous interview with the New York Times in which he castigated the American team for having ego problems and criticised captain Jim Furyk's selections.

Reed said he had long since smoothed things over with teammates and that US&nbsp;captain Woods expected him to be his natural, passionate self against the International team at Royal Melbourne.

"Tiger has always just told me and told all of our guys, 'be who you are, go out and play golf, and at the end of the day, go out and do your job,'" the 29-year-old told reporters on a conference call on Wednesday.

"It's something that I've always done. I mean, if I go out there and I try to be someone else or do something differently on the golf course, now all of a sudden I'm playing away from my strengths and my golf game.

"That's something Tiger doesn't want from any of our guys. He wants us to go out there, feel relaxed, go out and do what we do and play golf."

His pairing with Woods at the Ryder Cup was a major misfire and prompted Reed to complain that he had wanted to be paired with Jordan Spieth but that Spieth had nixed the idea.

Playing at Royal Melbourne as one of Woods's four captain's picks, Reed was reluctant to say who he would like to pair up with until seeing how the famed sandbelt course was set up.

"Honestly, it would be unfair for me to say whether I want to, that I should play with Tiger or play with this guy or that guy because we haven't seen the golf course," he said.

"I would go to battle with any one of the guys on the team and feel confident that we could go and do our job, but at the end of the day, it all comes down to who we feel like the best match-up is for each golf course."

The former Masters champion carries a folded American flag with him whenever he plays a round and said he could not wait to wear the red, white and blue again.

"My job is easy. I get to go play golf rather than our veterans out there and our military (who are) out there keeping us safe," he said.

"Any time I can help represent our country, try to bring some joy to our country, means a lot to me."

Patrick Reed's fiery, competitive spirit has ruffled feathers in the past but the golfer nicknamed 'Captain America' says he has no plans to dial down the intensity when he tees off for the United States at next month's Presidents Cup.

Patrick Reed's fiery, competitive spirit has ruffled feathers in the past but the golfer nicknamed 'Captain America' says he has no plans to dial down the intensity when he tees off for the United States at next month's Presidents Cup. The last time Reed wore American colours it ended in acrimony at the 2018 Ryder Cup, where he lost both his matches playing with Tiger Woods as the United States suffered a 17.5-10.5 thrashing by Europe in Paris. His disappointment spilled over into a now-infamous interview with the New York Times in which he castigated the American team for having ego problems and criticised captain Jim Furyk's selections. Reed said he had long since smoothed things over with teammates and that US captain Woods expected him to be his natural, passionate self against the International team at Royal Melbourne. "Tiger has always just told me and told all of our guys, 'be who you are, go out and play golf, and at the end of the day, go out and do your job,'" the 29-year-old told reporters on a conference call on Wednesday. "It's something that I've always done. I mean, if I go out there and I try to be someone else or do something differently on the golf course, now all of a sudden I'm playing away from my strengths and my golf game. "That's something Tiger doesn't want from any of our guys. He wants us to go out there, feel relaxed, go out and do what we do and play golf." His pairing with Woods at the Ryder Cup was a major misfire and prompted Reed to complain that he had wanted to be paired with Jordan Spieth but that Spieth had nixed the idea. Playing at Royal Melbourne as one of Woods's four captain's picks, Reed was reluctant to say who he would like to pair up with until seeing how the famed sandbelt course was set up. "Honestly, it would be unfair for me to say whether I want to, that I should play with Tiger or play with this guy or that guy because we haven't seen the golf course," he said. "I would go to battle with any one of the guys on the team and feel confident that we could go and do our job, but at the end of the day, it all comes down to who we feel like the best match-up is for each golf course." The former Masters champion carries a folded American flag with him whenever he plays a round and said he could not wait to wear the red, white and blue again. "My job is easy. I get to go play golf rather than our veterans out there and our military (who are) out there keeping us safe," he said. "Any time I can help represent our country, try to bring some joy to our country, means a lot to me."

Reed won't dial down the passion at Presidents Cup

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/just-crazy-it-was-definitely-stressful-tiger-woods-after-winning-us-pga-event-in-japan-258403">Tiger Woods</a> selected himself as one of his four captain's picks to play for the United States in the next month's Presidents Cup against the International team and said he was confident his creaky knee could stand up to the strain.

The 15-times major champion also named Tony Finau, Patrick Reed and Gary Woodland for the biennial tournament which pits the United States against a team representing the rest of the world minus Europe.

Woods will be the first playing captain since Hale Irwin led the Americans to a 20-12 win in the inaugural event in Virginia in 1994 and recently issued a timely reminder of his class by winning the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-zozo-championship-second-round-washed-out-on-friday-258052">Zozo Championship</a> in Japan.

That victory saw him tie Sam Snead's record of 82 PGA Tour wins and also gave him confidence in his left knee two months after having undergone arthroscopic surgery.

"The long haul to Australia is very much like the one to Japan, and seeing how my body felt and how I reacted in Japan and how I was able to play, it certainly gives me a lot of confidence that it will hold up over the long haul down to Australia," he told reporters on a conference call on Friday.

"It's going to be difficult, but also I have three amazing assistants with Fred (Couples), Strick (Steve Stricker) and Zach (Johnson), and that helps a lot."

Woods overlooked Ryder and Presidents Cup mainstay Rickie Fowler, who has not played since the Tour Championship .

Former world number one Jordan Spieth was also omitted for the Dec. 12-15 tournament at Royal Melbourne after struggling through a difficult season.

There may yet be another addition to the team, pending the fitness of world number one Brooks Koepka, who aggravated a knee problem when he slipped on wet concrete during the CJ Cup in South Korea three weeks ago.

"I did have coffee with 'Brooksy' this morning," said Woods.

"All I can tell you is he's rehabbing and he's trying to get better, trying to get ready and let him focus on that. Just let him do that and put energy into that."

Woods has a Presidents Cup record of 24 wins, 15 losses and one halved match and knows Royal Melbourne well having played there in the 1998 event and rolling in the winning putt at the same venue in 2011.

Woods was cautious about how much he would play, however, noting that he would only need to meet a two-match minimum according to the competition's rules.

Featuring seven players in the top 10, the United States play an International team with none, and so will be heavily favoured to continue a winning record dating back to 2005.

"Yeah, on paper, we certainly have the advantage in the world rankings," said Woods.

"When it comes right down to it, like I told the guys, when you start out on Thursday, it's 0-0. We have to go out and win this Cup."

Tiger Woods selected himself as one of his four captain's picks to play for the United States in the next month's Presidents Cup against the International team and said he was confident his creaky knee could stand up to the strain.

Tiger Woods selected himself as one of his four captain's picks to play for the United States in the next month's Presidents Cup against the International team and said he was confident his creaky knee could stand up to the strain. The 15-times major champion also named Tony Finau, Patrick Reed and Gary Woodland for the biennial tournament which pits the United States against a team representing the rest of the world minus Europe. Woods will be the first playing captain since Hale Irwin led the Americans to a 20-12 win in the inaugural event in Virginia in 1994 and recently issued a timely reminder of his class by winning the Zozo Championship in Japan. That victory saw him tie Sam Snead's record of 82 PGA Tour wins and also gave him confidence in his left knee two months after having undergone arthroscopic surgery. "The long haul to Australia is very much like the one to Japan, and seeing how my body felt and how I reacted in Japan and how I was able to play, it certainly gives me a lot of confidence that it will hold up over the long haul down to Australia," he told reporters on a conference call on Friday. "It's going to be difficult, but also I have three amazing assistants with Fred (Couples), Strick (Steve Stricker) and Zach (Johnson), and that helps a lot." Woods overlooked Ryder and Presidents Cup mainstay Rickie Fowler, who has not played since the Tour Championship . Former world number one Jordan Spieth was also omitted for the Dec. 12-15 tournament at Royal Melbourne after struggling through a difficult season. There may yet be another addition to the team, pending the fitness of world number one Brooks Koepka, who aggravated a knee problem when he slipped on wet concrete during the CJ Cup in South Korea three weeks ago. "I did have coffee with 'Brooksy' this morning," said Woods. "All I can tell you is he's rehabbing and he's trying to get better, trying to get ready and let him focus on that. Just let him do that and put energy into that." Woods has a Presidents Cup record of 24 wins, 15 losses and one halved match and knows Royal Melbourne well having played there in the 1998 event and rolling in the winning putt at the same venue in 2011. Woods was cautious about how much he would play, however, noting that he would only need to meet a two-match minimum according to the competition's rules. Featuring seven players in the top 10, the United States play an International team with none, and so will be heavily favoured to continue a winning record dating back to 2005. "Yeah, on paper, we certainly have the advantage in the world rankings," said Woods. "When it comes right down to it, like I told the guys, when you start out on Thursday, it's 0-0. We have to go out and win this Cup."

Natural selection: Tiger Woods picks himself for Presidents Cup

Tiger Woods said it was "crazy" after he made golfing history Monday by holding off the challenge of home favourite Hideki Matsuyama to win the weather-delayed Zozo Championship by three shots.

The 15-time major winner <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tiger-woods-declares-himself-ready-for-action-after-knee-surgery-257181">Woods finished 19-under </a>par to equal US legend Sam Snead's all-time record of 82 US PGA Tour victories set 54 years ago.

Woods, in his first outing since arthroscopic knee surgery two months ago, broke into a huge smile after he safely got up and down from a greenside bunker at the 18th for a birdie and three-under final round of 67.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
It’s an honor to be tied with Sam Snead for most wins in <a href="https://twitter.com/PGATOUR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PGATOUR</a> history. Thanks Mom and Pop and everyone who helped make this possible. Hideki put up an amazing fight on his home soil, but to do this in Japan is something I’ll never forget. It’s been an awesome year. <a href="https://t.co/m9ICuVyJmX">pic.twitter.com/m9ICuVyJmX</a>
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) <a href="https://twitter.com/TigerWoods/status/1188648348078788608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"It's just crazy. It's a lot," the 43-year-old Woods said of his 82nd official Tour victory. His first came 23 years ago this month in Las Vegas when he was just 20.

"It's been a long week, five days at the top of the board is a long time. It was definitely stressful."

Woods led from gun to tape in the inaugural US PGA Tour event in Japan, which saw Friday's play washed out by the fringes of a typhoon that dumped almost 10 inches of rain on the course 50 miles (80km) from Tokyo, forcing play into an extra day.

World number two Rory McIlroy finished birdie-birdie for a 67 and a share of third place on 13-under par with South Korea's PGA Tour Rookie of the Year Im Sung-jae who carded a fine five-under 65.

Woods resumed his final round, suspended due to darkness on Sunday, at 7.30 am on the long par-12th at Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club but saw his overnight three-shot cushion over Matsuyama immediately cut to two.

The 15-time major winner missed the green with his approach and fell back to 17-under par as he failed to get up and down.

Woods's early-morning putter was cold, and on the short 13th he failed to take advantage from six feet for a birdie.&nbsp;

Up ahead on the 14th green, Matsuyama inexplicably spurned an easy opportunity to reduce the deficit to one as he missed a four-foot birdie putt.&nbsp;

Woods was then faced with a similar line of putt as Matsuyama on 14, but from 20 feet further away. He did not miss, and restored his three-shot advantage with four holes remaining.

Woods missed another birdie chance, from 10 feet, at the 15th and was watching from the 16th tee 181 yards away as Matsuyama walked in a 20-footer for his first birdie of the day to get to 16-under.

Matsuyama crushed a drive down the middle of the 491-yard 17th and found the putting surface with his approach.

Matsuyama's fine attempt to hole the putt slid by on the left and he found sand twice on the par-five 18th as he went in search of an eagle.

Matsuyama's greenside bunker shot flew the flag and when he missed the long putt back his brave challenge ended at 16-under for the tournament after a final-round 67.

"This was big," said a smiling Woods.&nbsp;

"Hideki made it tight. It was a lot closer than what people probably thought. Hideki put heat on me."

Tiger Woods said it was "crazy" after he made golfing history Monday by holding off the challenge of home favourite Hideki Matsuyama to win the weather-delayed Zozo Championship by three shots.

Tiger Woods said it was "crazy" after he made golfing history Monday by holding off the challenge of home favourite Hideki Matsuyama to win the weather-delayed Zozo Championship by three shots. The 15-time major winner Woods finished 19-under par to equal US legend Sam Snead's all-time record of 82 US PGA Tour victories set 54 years ago. Woods, in his first outing since arthroscopic knee surgery two months ago, broke into a huge smile after he safely got up and down from a greenside bunker at the 18th for a birdie and three-under final round of 67. It’s an honor to be tied with Sam Snead for most wins in @PGATOUR history. Thanks Mom and Pop and everyone who helped make this possible. Hideki put up an amazing fight on his home soil, but to do this in Japan is something I’ll never forget. It’s been an awesome year. pic.twitter.com/m9ICuVyJmX — Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) October 28, 2019 × "It's just crazy. It's a lot," the 43-year-old Woods said of his 82nd official Tour victory. His first came 23 years ago this month in Las Vegas when he was just 20. "It's been a long week, five days at the top of the board is a long time. It was definitely stressful." Woods led from gun to tape in the inaugural US PGA Tour event in Japan, which saw Friday's play washed out by the fringes of a typhoon that dumped almost 10 inches of rain on the course 50 miles (80km) from Tokyo, forcing play into an extra day. World number two Rory McIlroy finished birdie-birdie for a 67 and a share of third place on 13-under par with South Korea's PGA Tour Rookie of the Year Im Sung-jae who carded a fine five-under 65. Woods resumed his final round, suspended due to darkness on Sunday, at 7.30 am on the long par-12th at Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club but saw his overnight three-shot cushion over Matsuyama immediately cut to two. The 15-time major winner missed the green with his approach and fell back to 17-under par as he failed to get up and down. Woods's early-morning putter was cold, and on the short 13th he failed to take advantage from six feet for a birdie. Up ahead on the 14th green, Matsuyama inexplicably spurned an easy opportunity to reduce the deficit to one as he missed a four-foot birdie putt. Woods was then faced with a similar line of putt as Matsuyama on 14, but from 20 feet further away. He did not miss, and restored his three-shot advantage with four holes remaining. Woods missed another birdie chance, from 10 feet, at the 15th and was watching from the 16th tee 181 yards away as Matsuyama walked in a 20-footer for his first birdie of the day to get to 16-under. Matsuyama crushed a drive down the middle of the 491-yard 17th and found the putting surface with his approach. Matsuyama's fine attempt to hole the putt slid by on the left and he found sand twice on the par-five 18th as he went in search of an eagle. Matsuyama's greenside bunker shot flew the flag and when he missed the long putt back his brave challenge ended at 16-under for the tournament after a final-round 67. "This was big," said a smiling Woods. "Hideki made it tight. It was a lot closer than what people probably thought. Hideki put heat on me."

Just crazy, it was definitely stressful: Tiger Woods after winning US PGA event in Japan

The second round of the Zozo Championship in Japan was washed out on Friday because of persistent rain, tournament organisers announced.

The round is now scheduled to start on Saturday at 6.30 a.m. local time, weather permitting.

Tiger Woods posted his best score in over a year with a six-under-par 64 in Thursday's opening round and shares the lead with fellow American Gary Woodland to stand one shot in front of home favourite Hideki Matsuyama.

Officials hope to squeeze in as much play as possible on Saturday, including at least half of the third round.

All being well, the round will resume early on Sunday, and finish in time for the final round to begin mid-morning.

Officials still hope for a Sunday afternoon finish, although that will only be possible if there are no further delays. That remained an open question given the rain that continued to fall throughout Friday morning.

"The golf course has already reached the point of saturation and it's become unplayable," said rules official Gary Young.

"With more rain in the forecast and three to five inches of rain for the day (75-125mm), we thought the right decision was to call play for the day."

Young said play would be extended into Monday if that became necessary to complete 72 holes.

The Zozo Championship is the first official-money PGA Tour event in Japan.

Thursday's first-round was played in front of sellout galleries starved of a chance to see Woods and other top players on a regular basis.

The second round of the Zozo Championship in Japan was washed out on Friday because of persistent rain, tournament organisers announced. The round is now scheduled to start on Saturday at 6.

The second round of the Zozo Championship in Japan was washed out on Friday because of persistent rain, tournament organisers announced. The round is now scheduled to start on Saturday at 6.30 a.m. local time, weather permitting. Tiger Woods posted his best score in over a year with a six-under-par 64 in Thursday's opening round and shares the lead with fellow American Gary Woodland to stand one shot in front of home favourite Hideki Matsuyama. Officials hope to squeeze in as much play as possible on Saturday, including at least half of the third round. All being well, the round will resume early on Sunday, and finish in time for the final round to begin mid-morning. Officials still hope for a Sunday afternoon finish, although that will only be possible if there are no further delays. That remained an open question given the rain that continued to fall throughout Friday morning. "The golf course has already reached the point of saturation and it's become unplayable," said rules official Gary Young. "With more rain in the forecast and three to five inches of rain for the day (75-125mm), we thought the right decision was to call play for the day." Young said play would be extended into Monday if that became necessary to complete 72 holes. The Zozo Championship is the first official-money PGA Tour event in Japan. Thursday's first-round was played in front of sellout galleries starved of a chance to see Woods and other top players on a regular basis.

Golf: Zozo Championship second round washed out on Friday

Tiger Woods on Monday declared himself "right on schedule" after recent knee surgery as he prepares to return to competition at this week's Zozo Championship following two months on the sidelines.

Speaking at his first press conference since an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee on August&nbsp;21, Woods left no doubt that he would be ready for Thursday's first-round when the US-based PGA Tour plays its first official-money event in Japan.

But he also revealed the knee had bothered him throughout his 2019 campaign, which famously included his Masters triumph, and that he had originally planned to have the surgery at the end of last year, before postponing it.

"I've been battling through this entire year trying to piece it together," said the 15-times major champion, whose season petered out after his Augusta National victory in April.

"It progressively got worse, to where it started affecting my back and the way I was walking and trying to play, trying to read putts and all of the above.

"So I'm excited about having this end-of-the-year run where I'm feeling much more fit and I don't have the achiness that I've been dealing with for the last couple of years."

The famously private Woods was typically vague about when he had started practising again after the procedure, the fifth on his banged-up left knee.

This week's tournament at Narashino Country Club will be 43-year-old American's final chance to assess his form and fitness before deciding whether to include himself as a player on the United States team that he will captain at the Presidents Cup.

He said that getting the surgery done had improved the chances he can justify picking himself for the December&nbsp;12-15 event against an International team at Royal Melbourne in Australia.

Woods has two more weeks before naming four wild card selections to complete his 12-man line-up.

"It made me more hopeful," he said of his thoughts post-surgery. "It's been nice to finally get over the hump and start feeling good again and start going at it full speed."

Woods, wearing a dark blue sleeveless sweater, flashed his famous smile multiple times for the cameras during the 19-minute interview. He was speaking before a Monday afternoon Japan Skins made-for-TV exhibition with Rory McIlroy, Hideki Matsuyama and Jason Day.

Woods is making his first appearance in Japan in 13 years, after being a regular visitor for the first decade of his professional career.

Tiger Woods on Monday declared himself "right on schedule" after recent knee surgery as he prepares to return to competition at this week's Zozo Championship following two months on the sidelines.

Tiger Woods on Monday declared himself "right on schedule" after recent knee surgery as he prepares to return to competition at this week's Zozo Championship following two months on the sidelines. Speaking at his first press conference since an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee on August 21, Woods left no doubt that he would be ready for Thursday's first-round when the US-based PGA Tour plays its first official-money event in Japan. But he also revealed the knee had bothered him throughout his 2019 campaign, which famously included his Masters triumph, and that he had originally planned to have the surgery at the end of last year, before postponing it. "I've been battling through this entire year trying to piece it together," said the 15-times major champion, whose season petered out after his Augusta National victory in April. "It progressively got worse, to where it started affecting my back and the way I was walking and trying to play, trying to read putts and all of the above. "So I'm excited about having this end-of-the-year run where I'm feeling much more fit and I don't have the achiness that I've been dealing with for the last couple of years." The famously private Woods was typically vague about when he had started practising again after the procedure, the fifth on his banged-up left knee. This week's tournament at Narashino Country Club will be 43-year-old American's final chance to assess his form and fitness before deciding whether to include himself as a player on the United States team that he will captain at the Presidents Cup. He said that getting the surgery done had improved the chances he can justify picking himself for the December 12-15 event against an International team at Royal Melbourne in Australia. Woods has two more weeks before naming four wild card selections to complete his 12-man line-up. "It made me more hopeful," he said of his thoughts post-surgery. "It's been nice to finally get over the hump and start feeling good again and start going at it full speed." Woods, wearing a dark blue sleeveless sweater, flashed his famous smile multiple times for the cameras during the 19-minute interview. He was speaking before a Monday afternoon Japan Skins made-for-TV exhibition with Rory McIlroy, Hideki Matsuyama and Jason Day. Woods is making his first appearance in Japan in 13 years, after being a regular visitor for the first decade of his professional career.

Tiger Woods declares himself ready for action after knee surgery

Golfing great&nbsp;Tiger&nbsp;Woods&nbsp;is&nbsp;targeting&nbsp;the&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;as he seeks to add another glittering chapter to his storied career.

Golf returned to the Games in 2016 after a 112-year absence but&nbsp;Woods, who dominated the sport in the first decade of the 21st century, missed its return through injury.

"Making the Olympic team is a big goal," the 15-times major winner told Reuters in an emailed interview. "I don't see myself having too many opportunities other than next year.

"Four years from now, at the next Olympic Games, I’ll be 48-years-old. To be one of the top Americans at that age is going to be tough.

"I went to my first Olympic Games when it was in Los Angeles (1984). So now to have the opportunity to be a part of the&nbsp;Olympics, because golf in my lifetime wasn't a part of the&nbsp;Olympics, is an important aspect for us and the growth of the game.

"The game has become so global, and so reaching, that I think the Olympic Games is a great extension of that and I'd like to be a part of it."

Woods&nbsp;will get a taste of golf-crazy Japan when he competes in 'The Challenge: Japan Skins' on October 21.

Woods&nbsp;will take part in a high-stakes challenge at the Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club in Chiba alongside Rory McIlroy, Jason Day and Hideki Matsuyama.

The extravaganza, which will in part be floodlit, is being televised globally by GOLFTV and will be played under the 'skins' format.

The format, designed to encourage aggressive play from start to finish, forces players to win a hole outright to take a “skin”, with tied holes resulting in a “push” of the skin to the next hole.

Woods,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tiger-woods-victory-in-masters-a-win-for-golf-business-210868"> who won the Masters</a> earlier this year to end an 11-year wait for his 15th Major, says he is thrilled to be back at the top of the sport after injuries caused four back surgeries between 2014 and 2017.

"To be able to have played the last couple of years after where I was (with injury)... and to have two wins in my last two years – I definitely would not have foreseen that at the time, pre-surgery.

"So I’m just excited and ecstatic to be able to participate in golf at this level again. I missed it. I missed competing against these guys.

"The interesting thing about now is that when I was out, there was a whole generation of guys that I didn’t really compete against.

"Whether it was Jordan (Spieth), JT (Justin Thomas), Bryson (Dechambeau) or Patrick (Reed) these guys were just coming out and I missed that. Now they’re established and I’m coming back into the game, so it’s been fun to compete against those guys, not to mention some of the older guys."

If he is to realise his Olympic dreams it seems likely&nbsp;Woods&nbsp;will be competing against players from this new generation to earn a spot at&nbsp;Tokyo.

Golfing great Tiger Woods is targeting the Tokyo Olympics as he seeks to add another glittering chapter to his storied career. Golf returned to the Games in 2016 after a 112-year absence but Woods, who dominated the sport in the first decade of the 21st century, missed its return through injury.

Golfing great Tiger Woods is targeting the Tokyo Olympics as he seeks to add another glittering chapter to his storied career. Golf returned to the Games in 2016 after a 112-year absence but Woods, who dominated the sport in the first decade of the 21st century, missed its return through injury. "Making the Olympic team is a big goal," the 15-times major winner told Reuters in an emailed interview. "I don't see myself having too many opportunities other than next year. "Four years from now, at the next Olympic Games, I’ll be 48-years-old. To be one of the top Americans at that age is going to be tough. "I went to my first Olympic Games when it was in Los Angeles (1984). So now to have the opportunity to be a part of the Olympics, because golf in my lifetime wasn't a part of the Olympics, is an important aspect for us and the growth of the game. "The game has become so global, and so reaching, that I think the Olympic Games is a great extension of that and I'd like to be a part of it." Woods will get a taste of golf-crazy Japan when he competes in 'The Challenge: Japan Skins' on October 21. Woods will take part in a high-stakes challenge at the Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club in Chiba alongside Rory McIlroy, Jason Day and Hideki Matsuyama. The extravaganza, which will in part be floodlit, is being televised globally by GOLFTV and will be played under the 'skins' format. The format, designed to encourage aggressive play from start to finish, forces players to win a hole outright to take a “skin”, with tied holes resulting in a “push” of the skin to the next hole. Woods, who won the Masters earlier this year to end an 11-year wait for his 15th Major, says he is thrilled to be back at the top of the sport after injuries caused four back surgeries between 2014 and 2017. "To be able to have played the last couple of years after where I was (with injury)... and to have two wins in my last two years – I definitely would not have foreseen that at the time, pre-surgery. "So I’m just excited and ecstatic to be able to participate in golf at this level again. I missed it. I missed competing against these guys. "The interesting thing about now is that when I was out, there was a whole generation of guys that I didn’t really compete against. "Whether it was Jordan (Spieth), JT (Justin Thomas), Bryson (Dechambeau) or Patrick (Reed) these guys were just coming out and I missed that. Now they’re established and I’m coming back into the game, so it’s been fun to compete against those guys, not to mention some of the older guys." If he is to realise his Olympic dreams it seems likely Woods will be competing against players from this new generation to earn a spot at Tokyo.

Tiger Woods targeting Tokyo Olympics

Justin Thomas faltered in the final round at the BMW Championship on Sunday but held on for an ultimately comfortable three-stroke victory at Medinah in suburban Chicago.

He carded a closing four-under 68 to finish on a 25-under-par total of 263, while fellow American Patrick Cantlay shot a 65 for second place on 22-under.

Thomas started the day with a six-shot advantage but when he bogeyed the 10th hole, after almost hitting his second out of bounds, the lead over Cantlay was down to two.

But Thomas steadied with clutch play over the next three holes, twice holing putts of around 12 feet to re-establish his authority.

"Patrick made that very interesting," a relieved Thomas said.

"I hit the ball so bad to start the day. I made it hard on myself because usually I'm pretty good at hitting fairways and greens and I couldn't hit a fairway ... but I stayed patient and that birdie on 11 was huge.

"I was really nervous today. It's hard to play with the lead. I was enjoying it, though."

The victory was the 10th of his PGA Tour career but the first this year in what has been an injury-interrupted season. Thomas hurt his wrist in March and took six weeks off to rest.

"I'd forgotten how hard it was to win," said the 26-year-old former world number one.

"This game is so hard, you don't know how often things like this are going to happen.

"It's not like I've been playing bad. I would argue I've played just as well this year as any other year. It's a very humbling and tough game and I learned to respect it and be patient."

The result means Thomas is the number one seed at next week's season-ending Tour Championship in Atlanta.

The top 30 players on the PGA Tour's FedEx Cup points list qualified for the event, where the winner at East Lake will collect $15 million.

For the first time the tournament will use a staggered start based on players' position in the points race, with Thomas starting at 10-under-par.

The qualifiers ranked 26th to 30th will begin at even par.

Three players who started the BMW Championship outside the top 30 in the standings snuck into the Tour Championship -- Japan's Hideki Matsuyama and Americans Lucas Glover and Jason Kokrak.

Matsuyama has never missed a Tour Championship since joining the tour in 2014.

Missing out was Ireland's British Open champion Shane Lowry, along with Americans Andrew Putnam and Harold Varner III.

There will be no defending champion at East Lake, as Tiger Woods did not qualify after finishing equal 37th on Sunday.

Justin Thomas faltered in the final round at the BMW Championship on Sunday but held on for an ultimately comfortable three-stroke victory at Medinah in suburban Chicago.

Justin Thomas faltered in the final round at the BMW Championship on Sunday but held on for an ultimately comfortable three-stroke victory at Medinah in suburban Chicago. He carded a closing four-under 68 to finish on a 25-under-par total of 263, while fellow American Patrick Cantlay shot a 65 for second place on 22-under. Thomas started the day with a six-shot advantage but when he bogeyed the 10th hole, after almost hitting his second out of bounds, the lead over Cantlay was down to two. But Thomas steadied with clutch play over the next three holes, twice holing putts of around 12 feet to re-establish his authority. "Patrick made that very interesting," a relieved Thomas said. "I hit the ball so bad to start the day. I made it hard on myself because usually I'm pretty good at hitting fairways and greens and I couldn't hit a fairway ... but I stayed patient and that birdie on 11 was huge. "I was really nervous today. It's hard to play with the lead. I was enjoying it, though." The victory was the 10th of his PGA Tour career but the first this year in what has been an injury-interrupted season. Thomas hurt his wrist in March and took six weeks off to rest. "I'd forgotten how hard it was to win," said the 26-year-old former world number one. "This game is so hard, you don't know how often things like this are going to happen. "It's not like I've been playing bad. I would argue I've played just as well this year as any other year. It's a very humbling and tough game and I learned to respect it and be patient." The result means Thomas is the number one seed at next week's season-ending Tour Championship in Atlanta. The top 30 players on the PGA Tour's FedEx Cup points list qualified for the event, where the winner at East Lake will collect $15 million. For the first time the tournament will use a staggered start based on players' position in the points race, with Thomas starting at 10-under-par. The qualifiers ranked 26th to 30th will begin at even par. Three players who started the BMW Championship outside the top 30 in the standings snuck into the Tour Championship -- Japan's Hideki Matsuyama and Americans Lucas Glover and Jason Kokrak. Matsuyama has never missed a Tour Championship since joining the tour in 2014. Missing out was Ireland's British Open champion Shane Lowry, along with Americans Andrew Putnam and Harold Varner III. There will be no defending champion at East Lake, as Tiger Woods did not qualify after finishing equal 37th on Sunday.

Justin Thomas wins BMW Championship by three strokes over Cantlay

Local favourite <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/rory-mcilroy-powers-into-masters-with-tiger-woods-among-many-poised-to-pounce-209159&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwic0tztnL7jAhUaiXAKHaVJDDwQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0fL-7513p_Sjo-53VDdLD-">Rory McIlroy</a> suffered a nightmare start at the British Open on Thursday as he carded a quadruple-bogey eight on the par-four first at Royal Portrush.

The Northern Irishman, the winner in 2014, walked on to the tee to huge roars but drove his tee shot out of bounds, breaking a spectator's phone in the process.

His follow-up attempt off the tee found heavy rough from where he struck his next shot into an unplayable lie in a bramble bush, forcing a penalty drop.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/dustin-johnson-holds-off-mcilroy-to-win-wgc-mexico-championship-199512&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwic0tztnL7jAhUaiXAKHaVJDDwQFjAEegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw384RsEvLGuJxoXWo8HBv5g">McIlroy </a>then chipped on to the green where he eventually picked his ball out of the hole with an eight on his card.

The 30-year-old four-time major winner is tipped as one of the favourites for the first Open in Northern Ireland since 1951 but already found himself eight shots off the early lead held by Ireland's Shane Lowry.

Local favourite Rory McIlroy suffered a nightmare start at the British Open on Thursday as he carded a quadruple-bogey eight on the par-four first at Royal Portrush.

Local favourite Rory McIlroy suffered a nightmare start at the British Open on Thursday as he carded a quadruple-bogey eight on the par-four first at Royal Portrush. The Northern Irishman, the winner in 2014, walked on to the tee to huge roars but drove his tee shot out of bounds, breaking a spectator's phone in the process. His follow-up attempt off the tee found heavy rough from where he struck his next shot into an unplayable lie in a bramble bush, forcing a penalty drop. McIlroy then chipped on to the green where he eventually picked his ball out of the hole with an eight on his card. The 30-year-old four-time major winner is tipped as one of the favourites for the first Open in Northern Ireland since 1951 but already found himself eight shots off the early lead held by Ireland's Shane Lowry.

Nightmare start for Rory McIlroy after eight in British Open

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-awards-presidential-medal-of-freedom-to-tiger-woods-216532&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwitrcCWvrvjAhVr_XMBHYjnDiMQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0MKAOgFWxJb4JzOKatxMgS">Tiger Woods</a> has shrugged off concerns about his lack of golf heading into this week's British Open, saying he needs to carefully manage the remaining years of his career.

Woods has played only 10 competitive rounds since winning the Masters in April and his last tournament start was at the US Open.

By the time the 43-year-old tees up on Thursday he will have gone 32 days without playing competitively.

"Last year, I played too much. I played 17 events," Woods told a news conference on Tuesday. "And a lot of it was trying to qualify for certain events.''

"So this year I made a conscious effort to cut back on my schedule to make sure that I don't play too much. I want to play here as long as I possibly can. And you have to understand, if I play a lot, I won't be out here that long," the American former world number one said.

"So it's understanding how much I can play, prepping how much I do at home and getting ready. And that's the tricky part is trying to determine how much tournament play I need to get the feel for the shots and also understanding where my body is," <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/tiger-woods-wins-15th-major-title-with-spectacular-masters-victory-210438&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwitrcCWvrvjAhVr_XMBHYjnDiMQFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3WYOtzf9mN0EZ12lrfohH7">Woods </a>added.

"I'm trying to figure it out and trying to play enough golf to where that I can compete and win events," he said.

Woods said his Masters victory took a lot out of him and he went on a two-week family vacation in Thailand after finishing tied for 21st at the US Open last month.

"It's not quite as sharp as I'd like to have it right now," he said. "My touch around the greens is right where I need to have it. I still need to get the ball - the shape of the golf ball a little bit better than I am right now, especially with the weather coming in and the winds are going to be changing.''

"I'm going to have to be able to cut the ball, draw the ball, hit at different heights and move it all around. Today it was a good range session. I need another one tomorrow. And hopefully, that will be enough to be ready," he said.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/tiger-woods-takes-a-stroll-down-memory-lane-of-15-stroke-victory-at-2000-us-open-226558&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwitrcCWvrvjAhVr_XMBHYjnDiMQFjAJegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3bSwi31DW6yXZGXlEhPWdJ">Woods</a>, who has 15 major titles to his name, reiterated his view that the British Open offers one of the best chances of adding to that tally.

"It allows the players that don't hit the ball very far or carry the ball as far to run the golf ball out there," he said.

"And plus, there is an art to playing links golf. It's not - okay, I have 152 yards, bring out the automatic 9-iron and hit it 152. Here, 152 could be a little bump-and-run pitching wedge. It could be a chip 6-iron. It could be a lot of different things.''

"Being able to control it as best you possibly can in the air to control it on the ground allows the older players to have a chance to do well in The Open Championship," said Woods.

Tiger Woods has shrugged off concerns about his lack of golf heading into this week's British Open, saying he needs to carefully manage the remaining years of his career.

Tiger Woods has shrugged off concerns about his lack of golf heading into this week's British Open, saying he needs to carefully manage the remaining years of his career. Woods has played only 10 competitive rounds since winning the Masters in April and his last tournament start was at the US Open. By the time the 43-year-old tees up on Thursday he will have gone 32 days without playing competitively. "Last year, I played too much. I played 17 events," Woods told a news conference on Tuesday. "And a lot of it was trying to qualify for certain events.'' "So this year I made a conscious effort to cut back on my schedule to make sure that I don't play too much. I want to play here as long as I possibly can. And you have to understand, if I play a lot, I won't be out here that long," the American former world number one said. "So it's understanding how much I can play, prepping how much I do at home and getting ready. And that's the tricky part is trying to determine how much tournament play I need to get the feel for the shots and also understanding where my body is," Woods added. "I'm trying to figure it out and trying to play enough golf to where that I can compete and win events," he said. Woods said his Masters victory took a lot out of him and he went on a two-week family vacation in Thailand after finishing tied for 21st at the US Open last month. "It's not quite as sharp as I'd like to have it right now," he said. "My touch around the greens is right where I need to have it. I still need to get the ball - the shape of the golf ball a little bit better than I am right now, especially with the weather coming in and the winds are going to be changing.'' "I'm going to have to be able to cut the ball, draw the ball, hit at different heights and move it all around. Today it was a good range session. I need another one tomorrow. And hopefully, that will be enough to be ready," he said. Woods, who has 15 major titles to his name, reiterated his view that the British Open offers one of the best chances of adding to that tally. "It allows the players that don't hit the ball very far or carry the ball as far to run the golf ball out there," he said. "And plus, there is an art to playing links golf. It's not - okay, I have 152 yards, bring out the automatic 9-iron and hit it 152. Here, 152 could be a little bump-and-run pitching wedge. It could be a chip 6-iron. It could be a lot of different things.'' "Being able to control it as best you possibly can in the air to control it on the ground allows the older players to have a chance to do well in The Open Championship," said Woods.

Tiger Woods defends his lack of competitive golf ahead of British Open

Gary Woodland held his nerve to claim his first major with a three-shot victory at the US&nbsp;Open on Sunday, bringing Brooks Koepka's two-year reign to an end.

Woodland had not managed a top-10 finish in his first 27 majors before last year's PGA Championship, where he tied for sixth, but he handled the final round with the composure of someone who had been playing for golf's biggest prizes his entire career.

Ending his round in style with a birdie at the last, Woodland carded a two-under 69 to keep Koepka from becoming the first man in more than a century to sweep three straight US&nbsp;Opens.

"Just glad it was over," smiled Woodland. "I didn't let myself get ahead at all today.

"Didn't ever let myself think the tournament was over.

"So I just stayed in it."

World number one Koepka went down fighting, finishing with a three-under 68 to leave him three short of Woodland's winning total of 13-under 271.

Justin Rose began the day one shot back of Woodland but the Englishman crumbled on the back nine with three bogeys for a three-over 74 and a tie for third at seven-under with Xander Schauffele, Chez Reavie and Spain's Jon Rahm.

It was a remarkable display of determination and guts by the 35-year-old Woodland, who seven times before had held a 54-hole lead in a PGA Tour event and seven times could not close the deal.

As Woodland made the turn with a two-shot lead, faint cracks in his composure began to show as Koepka trimmed the advantage to one with a birdie at 11.

With tension building with each shot, Woodland kept his cool and collected his first birdie of the back nine at the par five 14th to reclaim a two-stroke advantage and turn the US&nbsp;Open into a two horse race.

Rose, who saw the red-hot putter that had come to his rescue so often during the week suddenly turn cold, had his bid for a second US&nbsp;Open title seriously wounded with back-to-back bogeys at 12 and 13 and then killed off completely with another at 15 that dropped him five off the pace with three to play.

Down to the closing two holes and a relentless Koepka had one last opportunity to put pressure on Woodland with a birdie at the 18th that would have left his opponent clinging to a one-shot lead coming home.

But Koepka watched his nine-foot putt slip by the cup, settling for a par to give Woodland some breathing room.

"I hit a good putt, it just dove right across the front," said Koepka. "Sometimes there's just nothing you can do.

"I thought it would be nice to put some pressure on him, one shot going into the last hole.

"Nothing I could do. I gave it my all. I give it my all every time and sometimes it's not meant to be."

A maiden major now within his grasp, a relaxed Woodland capped off his round in spectacular style, rolling in a 30-foot birdie at the last to trigger a standing ovation and chants of "Gary, Gary".

Tiger Woods, a three-time US&nbsp;Open winner, had ended the third round 11 shots back of the leader but still gave himself a chance of winning a 16th major on Sunday.

Those slim hopes disappeared quickly when he bogeyed four of his opening five holes.

Woods hit back with six birdies, including one at the 18th, for a two-under round, his lowest final round at a US&nbsp;Open in a decade but still 11 back of winner.

Gary Woodland held his nerve to claim his first major with a three-shot victory at the US Open on Sunday, bringing Brooks Koepka's two-year reign to an end. Woodland had not managed a top-10 finish in his first 27 majors before last year's PGA Championship, where he tied for sixth, but he handled the final round with the composure of someone who had been playing for golf's biggest prizes his entire career.

Gary Woodland held his nerve to claim his first major with a three-shot victory at the US Open on Sunday, bringing Brooks Koepka's two-year reign to an end. Woodland had not managed a top-10 finish in his first 27 majors before last year's PGA Championship, where he tied for sixth, but he handled the final round with the composure of someone who had been playing for golf's biggest prizes his entire career. Ending his round in style with a birdie at the last, Woodland carded a two-under 69 to keep Koepka from becoming the first man in more than a century to sweep three straight US Opens. "Just glad it was over," smiled Woodland. "I didn't let myself get ahead at all today. "Didn't ever let myself think the tournament was over. "So I just stayed in it." World number one Koepka went down fighting, finishing with a three-under 68 to leave him three short of Woodland's winning total of 13-under 271. Justin Rose began the day one shot back of Woodland but the Englishman crumbled on the back nine with three bogeys for a three-over 74 and a tie for third at seven-under with Xander Schauffele, Chez Reavie and Spain's Jon Rahm. It was a remarkable display of determination and guts by the 35-year-old Woodland, who seven times before had held a 54-hole lead in a PGA Tour event and seven times could not close the deal. As Woodland made the turn with a two-shot lead, faint cracks in his composure began to show as Koepka trimmed the advantage to one with a birdie at 11. With tension building with each shot, Woodland kept his cool and collected his first birdie of the back nine at the par five 14th to reclaim a two-stroke advantage and turn the US Open into a two horse race. Rose, who saw the red-hot putter that had come to his rescue so often during the week suddenly turn cold, had his bid for a second US Open title seriously wounded with back-to-back bogeys at 12 and 13 and then killed off completely with another at 15 that dropped him five off the pace with three to play. Down to the closing two holes and a relentless Koepka had one last opportunity to put pressure on Woodland with a birdie at the 18th that would have left his opponent clinging to a one-shot lead coming home. But Koepka watched his nine-foot putt slip by the cup, settling for a par to give Woodland some breathing room. "I hit a good putt, it just dove right across the front," said Koepka. "Sometimes there's just nothing you can do. "I thought it would be nice to put some pressure on him, one shot going into the last hole. "Nothing I could do. I gave it my all. I give it my all every time and sometimes it's not meant to be." A maiden major now within his grasp, a relaxed Woodland capped off his round in spectacular style, rolling in a 30-foot birdie at the last to trigger a standing ovation and chants of "Gary, Gary". Tiger Woods, a three-time US Open winner, had ended the third round 11 shots back of the leader but still gave himself a chance of winning a 16th major on Sunday. Those slim hopes disappeared quickly when he bogeyed four of his opening five holes. Woods hit back with six birdies, including one at the 18th, for a two-under round, his lowest final round at a US Open in a decade but still 11 back of winner.

Gary Woodland fends off Brooks Koepka to claim US Open

Gary Woodland shot out of the US&nbsp;Open woodwork with an error-free six-under 65 to steal the halfway lead from Justin Rose on Friday, while a fuming Tiger Woods insisted he was still in the ball game after a bogey-bogey finish.

Out in the morning wave, overnight leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/records-on-line-as-tiger-woods-justin-rose-target-us-open-227078">Rose </a>set the target with a grinding one-under 70 and saw off all his early challengers on a chilly day on the Monterey Peninsula.

But as the sun sank into the Pacific Ocean, Woodland knocked him from his perch in style by rolling in a monster 50-foot birdie putt at the last to get to nine-under 133 and take a two-shot lead over the Englishman.

The 65 equalled the lowest round ever at a US&nbsp;Open held at Pebble Beach set by Woods in 2000 and matched by Rose on Thursday.

Having finished no higher than a tie for 23rd in eight previous US&nbsp;Opens, Woodland went about his business in anonymity as headliners Brooks Koepka, Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickelson and Woods took the spotlight.

Only three times in 26 rounds at the US&nbsp;Open had Woodland scored under 70 but the 35-year-old American hardly put a step wrong at the Pebble Beach Golf Links with not a single bogey on his card.

For much of his, career Woodland has been a non-factor at the majors.

Without a top 10 finish in his first 27 majors up to last year, he earned his first with a tie for sixth at the PGA Championship followed by a tie for eighth in the same event this year.

"It's not something that you're proud of. From all those experiences you learn," said Woodland.

"I don't have to be perfect with my ball striking because I have other things that can pick me up, that's been a big confidence boost for me, knowing I don't have to be perfect I can still contend and have a chance to win,"&nbsp;Woodland added.

Lurking three back was South African Louis Oosthuizen, shot a 70, with his erstwhile compatriot Aaron Wise and Northern Irishman McIlroy one shot further adrift at five-under.

McIlroy, US&nbsp;Open winner in 2011, had a heart-stopping afternoon plunging up and down the leaderboard before signing for a two-under 69.

WILD RIDE

The wild ride began when he picked up two birdies on an error-free outward nine and another at 11 to get within one of the lead.

Without a bogey since his opening hole on Thursday, McIlroy picked up his second on the 13 and disaster struck at 14 when he took a double-bogey and skidded out of sight.

The 30-year-old quickly pulled out of the tailspin with back-to-back birdies at 15 and 16 to get right back into contention.

"You're going to make bogeys around here, that's what's going to happen obviously I played a very solid round up until that point," said McIlroy.

"I bounced back well, those birdies on 15 and 16 were huge to get me right back into this golf tournament,"&nbsp;McIlroy said.

Koepka, bidding to become the first player in over a century to sweep three consecutive US&nbsp;Opens, also battled to stay in contention, turning in a 69 for a second straight day to leave him on four-under, five back of the leader.

"I feel great. I'm excited. I've got a chance. That's all you can ask for. I just need to make a few putts," enthused <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/brooks-koepka-tiger-woods-chase-history-at-us-open-226739">Koepka.</a>

Woods began his day five off the pace but picked up what would be his only birdie at his second hole before stringing together 14 pars and stumbling to the finish with back-to-back bogeys that left him fuming.

A one-over 72 left Woods at level par, nine shots off the pace and with work do if he is to contend for a 16th major.

"I'm a little hot right now. Right now I'm still in the ball game. There are&nbsp;so many guys with a chance to win. We've got a long way to go," growled Woods.

Gary Woodland shot out of the US Open woodwork with an error-free six-under 65 to steal the halfway lead from Justin Rose on Friday, while a fuming Tiger Woods insisted he was still in the ball game after a bogey-bogey finish.

Gary Woodland shot out of the US Open woodwork with an error-free six-under 65 to steal the halfway lead from Justin Rose on Friday, while a fuming Tiger Woods insisted he was still in the ball game after a bogey-bogey finish. Out in the morning wave, overnight leader Rose set the target with a grinding one-under 70 and saw off all his early challengers on a chilly day on the Monterey Peninsula. But as the sun sank into the Pacific Ocean, Woodland knocked him from his perch in style by rolling in a monster 50-foot birdie putt at the last to get to nine-under 133 and take a two-shot lead over the Englishman. The 65 equalled the lowest round ever at a US Open held at Pebble Beach set by Woods in 2000 and matched by Rose on Thursday. Having finished no higher than a tie for 23rd in eight previous US Opens, Woodland went about his business in anonymity as headliners Brooks Koepka, Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickelson and Woods took the spotlight. Only three times in 26 rounds at the US Open had Woodland scored under 70 but the 35-year-old American hardly put a step wrong at the Pebble Beach Golf Links with not a single bogey on his card. For much of his, career Woodland has been a non-factor at the majors. Without a top 10 finish in his first 27 majors up to last year, he earned his first with a tie for sixth at the PGA Championship followed by a tie for eighth in the same event this year. "It's not something that you're proud of. From all those experiences you learn," said Woodland. "I don't have to be perfect with my ball striking because I have other things that can pick me up, that's been a big confidence boost for me, knowing I don't have to be perfect I can still contend and have a chance to win," Woodland added. Lurking three back was South African Louis Oosthuizen, shot a 70, with his erstwhile compatriot Aaron Wise and Northern Irishman McIlroy one shot further adrift at five-under. McIlroy, US Open winner in 2011, had a heart-stopping afternoon plunging up and down the leaderboard before signing for a two-under 69. WILD RIDE The wild ride began when he picked up two birdies on an error-free outward nine and another at 11 to get within one of the lead. Without a bogey since his opening hole on Thursday, McIlroy picked up his second on the 13 and disaster struck at 14 when he took a double-bogey and skidded out of sight. The 30-year-old quickly pulled out of the tailspin with back-to-back birdies at 15 and 16 to get right back into contention. "You're going to make bogeys around here, that's what's going to happen obviously I played a very solid round up until that point," said McIlroy. "I bounced back well, those birdies on 15 and 16 were huge to get me right back into this golf tournament," McIlroy said. Koepka, bidding to become the first player in over a century to sweep three consecutive US Opens, also battled to stay in contention, turning in a 69 for a second straight day to leave him on four-under, five back of the leader. "I feel great. I'm excited. I've got a chance. That's all you can ask for. I just need to make a few putts," enthused Koepka. Woods began his day five off the pace but picked up what would be his only birdie at his second hole before stringing together 14 pars and stumbling to the finish with back-to-back bogeys that left him fuming. A one-over 72 left Woods at level par, nine shots off the pace and with work do if he is to contend for a 16th major. "I'm a little hot right now. Right now I'm still in the ball game. There are so many guys with a chance to win. We've got a long way to go," growled Woods.

US Open: Gary Woodland takes lead over Justin Rose, Tiger Woods fumes

Tiger Woods would tie Sam Snead for the most PGA Tour wins and pull within two majors of Jack Nicklaus with a victory at the US&nbsp;Open this week, but on Thursday he saw Justin Rose muscle in on one of his own records at Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Rose's six-under-par 65 matched the American's record low round for a US&nbsp;Open contested at the iconic seaside layout and gave the Briton a one-shot lead on a spectacular day of low scoring.

"Obviously a fun day of golf," said Rose, the 2013 US&nbsp;Open champion. "I was three-under par, had a rough patch, had to scramble, work hard, keep my round together.

"I was trying to stay patient with myself mentally, but kept up-and-downing the ball, kept the momentum up. And then got rewarded with a hot finish, birdieing the last three, took a good round to a great round," Rose added.

<a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/brooks-koepka-tiger-woods-chase-history-at-us-open-226739">Woods </a>flashed a familiar grimace during a sometimes torturous round on Thursday but it was his play that was proving troublesome, not his surgically repaired back.

The 43-year-old, who claimed his 15th major at the Masters in April, limited the damage from an early double-bogey by hitting back with two birdies and closing with 11 straight pars for a one-under 70.

The former world number one's start was a far cry from his opening to the 2000 tournament when he carded a 65 and romped to a record 15-shot victory.

It was good enough to keep him in contention, however.

"Well, it's just fighting it out and grinding it out," said Woods. "But I still say that it's important to miss the ball in the correct spots.

"Granted, I made a few putts today, but they were all uphill. Hitting the ball in the correct spots, if I happened to not feel comfortable with a number, dump the ball 30, 40 feet, move on about my business," Woods added.

While <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/tiger-woods-takes-a-stroll-down-memory-lane-of-15-stroke-victory-at-2000-us-open-226558&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjZo5OjwujiAhVUnI8KHSfuA-wQFjACegQIEhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3q_sqMD0foFmz_DI2NeU0T">Woods </a>saw one of his longstanding marks equalled he has quite a few records within reach.

A win on Sunday would pull him even with Snead for the most career PGA Tour wins at 82 and he would join Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Bobby Jones and Willie Anderson as winners of the most US&nbsp;Open with four.

Perhaps most importantly, however, it would see him move another step closer to his Holy Grail, Nicklaus's record of 18 career major titles.

For the moment though the only thing on Woods's mind is the next round.

"It's a quick turnaround into tomorrow," said Woods. "Right away we've got a tough par four right from the get-go.''

"And we have the harder side to start off on, and hopefully I can finish up on the front side and have the full seven holes where I can get it going," added Woods.

Tiger Woods would tie Sam Snead for the most PGA Tour wins and pull within two majors of Jack Nicklaus with a victory at the US Open this week, but on Thursday he saw Justin Rose muscle in on one of his own records at Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Tiger Woods would tie Sam Snead for the most PGA Tour wins and pull within two majors of Jack Nicklaus with a victory at the US Open this week, but on Thursday he saw Justin Rose muscle in on one of his own records at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Rose's six-under-par 65 matched the American's record low round for a US Open contested at the iconic seaside layout and gave the Briton a one-shot lead on a spectacular day of low scoring. "Obviously a fun day of golf," said Rose, the 2013 US Open champion. "I was three-under par, had a rough patch, had to scramble, work hard, keep my round together. "I was trying to stay patient with myself mentally, but kept up-and-downing the ball, kept the momentum up. And then got rewarded with a hot finish, birdieing the last three, took a good round to a great round," Rose added. Woods flashed a familiar grimace during a sometimes torturous round on Thursday but it was his play that was proving troublesome, not his surgically repaired back. The 43-year-old, who claimed his 15th major at the Masters in April, limited the damage from an early double-bogey by hitting back with two birdies and closing with 11 straight pars for a one-under 70. The former world number one's start was a far cry from his opening to the 2000 tournament when he carded a 65 and romped to a record 15-shot victory. It was good enough to keep him in contention, however. "Well, it's just fighting it out and grinding it out," said Woods. "But I still say that it's important to miss the ball in the correct spots. "Granted, I made a few putts today, but they were all uphill. Hitting the ball in the correct spots, if I happened to not feel comfortable with a number, dump the ball 30, 40 feet, move on about my business," Woods added. While Woods saw one of his longstanding marks equalled he has quite a few records within reach. A win on Sunday would pull him even with Snead for the most career PGA Tour wins at 82 and he would join Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Bobby Jones and Willie Anderson as winners of the most US Open with four. Perhaps most importantly, however, it would see him move another step closer to his Holy Grail, Nicklaus's record of 18 career major titles. For the moment though the only thing on Woods's mind is the next round. "It's a quick turnaround into tomorrow," said Woods. "Right away we've got a tough par four right from the get-go.'' "And we have the harder side to start off on, and hopefully I can finish up on the front side and have the full seven holes where I can get it going," added Woods.

Records on line as Tiger Woods, Justin Rose target US Open

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