Woods' 'Riviera Mystery'... "4 Putts from 5.6m Distance?"

On the Third Day of the Genesis Invitational, "2-On 4-Putt" at Hole 13, "The Green Is Too Difficult"

Tiger Woods is examining the putting line on the 12th hole during the third day of the Genesis Invitational. Pacific Palisades, California, USA = Getty Images / Multibits

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] 'Riviera Mystery.'

'The resurrected golf emperor' Tiger Woods (USA) made 4 putts from a distance of 5.6m. This happened on the 13th hole (par 3) of the third day of the Genesis Invitational (total prize money $9.3 million) held on the 16th (Korean time) at Riviera Golf Club (par 71, 7,322 yards) in Pacific Palisades, California, USA. His first putt stopped about 60cm from the hole, but the second putt went 90cm past the hole. The third putt also left 90cm remaining.

Woods was hampered by an average of 2.38 putts per hole that day, eventually losing 5 strokes and falling to a tie for 63rd place (5 over par 218 strokes). Interestingly, he also made 4 putts on this very hole during the third round in 2000. This continues his unfortunate relationship with this tournament. He has a special connection, having participated as an invited player during his high school years in 1992. However, after turning professional, he played 10 times without securing a single win. This is especially surprising given that this period was Woods' prime.

He always struggled on the greens, often making '3 putts.' Experts are paying attention to the fact that the grass species on the Riviera greens is not bentgrass but Poa annua. It gives the feeling that the ball bounces while rolling. This is why Woods withdrew after the second round of the 2006 Nissan Open and stopped visiting altogether. In 2018, the Tiger Woods Foundation hosted the event and he returned to compete, but he was 'cut off,' and last year he finished tied for 15th place.

This year, he is especially challenging the all-time PGA Tour wins record (83 wins). In October last year, he won the Zozo Championship, tying Sam Snead's (USA) PGA Tour record of 82 wins, and last month he warmed up with a tie for 9th place at the Farmers Open. Woods, who said, "I just couldn't get a feel for putting," stated, "It's important to learn something from today's failure," and added, "Tomorrow, I will try to shoot 6, 7, or 8 under par," reaffirming his determination.