Tiger Woods encouraged in comeback

It was only the 10th time Woods has missed the cut in a US PGA Tour event since he turned professional in 1996. But considering that until this week he had not played competitively since March 9, undergoing back surgery to relieve a pinched nerve on March 31, Woods said he was pleased at having no setbacks. 

‘I hate to say it but I’m really encouraged by what happened this week. I’m very excited to get to (the British Open),’ Woods said.

Woods, a 14-time major winner chasing the all-time record of 18 majors won by Jack Nicklaus, finished 36 holes at Congressional Country Club on seven-over 149. That was five strokes beyond the cut line to the low 60 and those tied, sharing 103rd from a field of 120 at the $6.5 million event, which benefits Woods’ charity foundation. 

Woods had not missed the last 36 holes of a PGA event since the 2012 Greenbrier Classic, two weeks before he shared third at the British Open. Woods, who has not won a major title since the 2008 US Open, found optimism despite a day of frustration where he scrambled from the rough and could not hit the long putts once his trademark.