[PGA Championship] "Leg Pain" Woods "Worst 9 Over Par on Third Day"..."Should I Just Withdraw?"

‘The Returned Golf Emperor’ Tiger Woods is enduring leg pain on the green of the 7th hole on the third day of the PGA Championship. Tulsa, USA = Getty Images / Multibits

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "One birdie, seven bogeys, and one triple bogey."

The "Returned Golf Emperor" Tiger Woods (USA) fell to a tie for 76th place (12 over par, 222 strokes) after a shaky 9-over-par performance on the third day of the second major PGA Championship (total prize money $15 million) held at Southern Hills Golf Club (par 70, 7,365 yards) in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA on the 22nd (Korean time). He struggled with 4 over par on the first day but performed well with 1 under par on the second day. He hinted at possibly withdrawing on the final day, saying, "My leg hurts badly," and "I will think about what to do after receiving treatment."

Woods had a rough start, with a tee shot landing in the water on the 2nd hole (par 4), resulting in a bogey. The 6th hole (par 3) also saw a triple bogey as his tee shot went into a creek. He made bogeys on the 7th hole (par 4) and five consecutive bogeys from the 9th to the 13th holes. At the 15th hole (par 4), he made his only birdie by sinking an 11.3-meter long putt. Due to decreased tee shot accuracy, his iron shot green hit rate was only 33.33%, making it a tough round.

It is interesting that Woods achieved back-to-back wins twice at this tournament, from 1999 to 2000 and from 2006 to 2007. The 2007 event was especially notable as it was held at Southern Hills. After a long rehabilitation process following a car accident in February last year, he finished 47th at the Masters last month. He expressed determination, saying, "Compared to the steep ups and downs of Augusta National, Southern Hills is relatively easier." The problem is the condition of his leg. His participation in the remaining two majors, the US Open in June and The Open in July, has become uncertain.