Tiger Woods took the ‘very rare’ decision to step on the range after finishing his first round at the US Open in a bid to find something heading into Friday.
The 15-time major champion has been on the comeback trail in 2024, but has been limited to only playing the big events.
He’s been working to improve his physical fitness for major weeks in an attempt to keep making cuts and proving that he’s still capable of competing with the best.
The American golf icon got off to the perfect start on Thursday with a birdie on his opening hole.
Tiger Woods went straight to the range after the first round
USOPEN
However, Woods hit a sticky patch midway through his round as he went five-over par through seven holes.
He ended the day four-over par and nine shots off the provisional first round leader Patrick Cantlay.
In recent years, Woods has often left the golf course after rounds to immediately get into recovery to get his body ready.
But he was seen heading to the range with golf reporter Dan Rapaport noting Woods has practiced ‘more this week than any since the accident’.
Popular X account, TWLegion, also called it ‘very rare’ for Woods to be stepping onto the range after a round.
Woods was also seen working with Justin Thomas and even giving his compatriot some pointers.
The 48-year-old will now face an uphill battle to make the cut into the weekend with only the top 60 players including ties making it.
But Woods appeared happy physically after his first round and hopes to step it up on Friday.
“I’m physically getting better as the year has gone on,” he said.
Tiger Woods shot four-over par on Thursday
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“I just haven’t been able to play as much because I just don’t want to hurt myself pre, then I won’t be able to play in the major championships.
“It’s pick your poison, right? Play a lot with the potential of not playing, or not playing and fight being not as sharp.”
He added: “I’m hoping I don’t get too tight in the car ride back and I can hit a few.
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Tiger Woods didn’t feel too far away from a strong round
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“My speed was not quite there. I think I three-putted two or three times today so if I clean that up and hit a couple iron shots not as loose as I did, I’m right there at even par.
“It can go so far the other way here – the wrong way – and it’s just so hard to get back.
“This is a golf course that doesn’t give up a lot of birdies and it gives up a lot of bogeys and higher.
“I thought I did the one thing I needed to do today which was drive the ball well. I did that but I just didn’t capitalise on any of that.”