Tiger Woods would have hoped for a better week at St Andrews. While he is well past his peak, his experience at the course put him in a good place to at least make the cut at what is likely to be his final Open at the venue.
Unfortunately, it wasn't to be.
The 14-time major winner was in an extremely difficult position heading into today, with his +6 score in the opening round meaning he would need a top class performance in order to make the weekend.
It was an improved performance from Woods this afternoon, carding a +3 round of 75 to finish up on +9 overall. That score would have been better if he had managed to get going with the putter, missing a number of opportunities to shave a couple of shots off the final tally.
He was well outside the projected cut by the time he made his way to the 18th, meaning he could soak it all in on his final hole of the week.
Tiger Woods caught up in emotional scenes at The Open
After an excellent tee shot, Tiger Woods would receive an incredible ovation from the galleries as he made his way down the fairway.
Normally a steely tough character, he couldn't help but shed a tear or two on this occasion. It was a remarkable scene.
Spine-tingling scenes as Tiger Woods soaks in the appreciation from the fans at the18th 👏🥺 pic.twitter.com/guLLUGD1Im
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) July 15, 2022
This could well be the final time we see Tiger Woods take part in The Open at St Andrews. The iconic venue holds the major at most every five years, and considering the physical struggles that the legendary golfer is going through, you'd think it is unlikely he will be taking part in this event in 2026 or later.
He also received a tip of the cap from Rory McIlroy, who was making his way down the adjacent first hole as the ovation took place.
Yep he did. Here you go: pic.twitter.com/A8TQZGEbfM
— Tom Fairbrother 🏃🏼 (@fairboyruns) July 15, 2022
Speaking to Sky Sports after his round, he confirmed this was likely to be his final Open at the venue.
"It was very emotional for me" ❤️
Tiger Woods reflects on missing the cut at St Andrews and the reception he received from the fans walking down the 18th 👇pic.twitter.com/q4s5OVUCAt— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) July 15, 2022
It was very emotional for me. I've been coming here since 1995. I think the next one could be coming around in 2030 (at St Andrews), I don't know if I'll be able to physically play by then.
To me, it felt like this might have been my last British Open here at St Andrews. The fans, the ovation, and the warmth, it was an unbelievable feeling...
The collective warmth and understanding, they understand what golf is all about and what it takes to be an Open champion.
I've been lucky and fortunate enough to win it twice here. It felt very emotional, just because I don't know what my health is going to be like.
I feel like I will be able to play future British Opens, but I don't know if I'll be able to play long enough until it comes back here.
He won the championship twice at the Scottish venue, in 2000 and 2005.
If this is his final tilt at St Andrews, it has been a hell of a ride.
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