Today, Tiger Woods is in position to complete his remarkable comeback to win not only this weekend’s TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club, but also win the FedEx Cup in the process. Woods is currently -12 and will be paired with Rory McIlroy, who is second at -9.
With six birdies in his first seven holes, Tiger Woods shot the low round of the day, a 5-under 65. Woods is seeking his 80th PGA Tour victory and first trophy since the 2013 World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational.
Following Woods around since Wednesday, there’s a sense of humility that has taken his spirit. He is grateful to be back playing golf, after undergoing the arduous trials and tribulations of adjusting his game due to nagging back injuries.
While Woods has remained mum on outside expectations, it is clear if he’s able to win today, the media and fans can stop campaigning to “Make Tiger Great Again.” Coupled with his personal demons, it is amazing that Woods is in a position to compete, much less be in a position to lead the US in next week’s Ryder Cup.
Here are more historical stats to chew on:
- 53-4 is Tiger Woods’ record when holding at least a share of the 54-hole lead on the PGA Tour, including a 42-2 record when holding the outright lead
- Woods’ third-round 65 was his fifth consecutive round in the 60s, which stands as his longest streak of the season. It is his best since a streak of six rounds in 2013 (R1/ The Northern Trust – R2/Dell Technologies Championship)
- Woods would become the third FedExCup champion to win after beginning the TOUR Championship outside the top five in the standings (Rory McIlroy/6th/2016; Bill Haas/25th/2011)
- Would become the first three-time champion of both the FedExCup (2007, 2009) and TOUR Championship (1999, 2007)
