[PGA Championship] Woods "Strong 1-Under Par on Second Day"..."Still Got the Moxie"

‘The Returned Golf Emperor’ Tiger Woods is executing an iron shot on the 9th hole during the second day of the PGA Championship. Tulsa (USA) = Getty Images / Multibits

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Tied 99th → Tied 53rd."

First of all, he avoided the 'cut off.' This is the second major PGA Championship second-day scorecard of the 'Returned Golf Emperor' Tiger Woods (USA) this season. On the 21st (Korean time) at Southern Hills Golf Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma (par 70, 7,365 yards), he recorded 4 birdies, 1 bogey, and 1 double bogey for 1 under par, tied for 53rd place (3 over par 143). After a shaky 4 over par the previous day, the red light was on for advancing to the third round, and he grimaced saying, "It hurts every time weight is put on my leg."

On this day, Woods made birdies on the 5th hole (par 5), 10th hole (par 4), 13th hole (par 5), and 16th hole (par 4), a bogey on the 8th hole (par 3), and a double bogey on the 11th hole (par 3). It is rather unfortunate that he struggled on two par 3 holes. The 11th hole was especially tough as he battled the rough and greenside bunker, resulting in a '3 on 2 putts.' His iron shot green hit rate improved from 38.89% to 55.56%, and notably, his scrambling ability (75.00%), which is making par or better after missing the green, stood out.

It is interesting that Woods won this tournament consecutively twice, from 1999 to 2000 and from 2006 to 2007. The variable remains the condition of his leg. Last February, he was seriously injured in a car accident in Los Angeles, California, breaking both legs, and after lying in bed for three months, he underwent a long rehabilitation process involving a wheelchair and crutches. Last month at the Masters, he finished 47th. He said, "Southern Hills has relatively flat terrain, making it easier to walk," promising to make it to the third round.