Tiger Woods takes aim at critics

Tiger Woods has fired a broadside at critics who said a few years ago that he would never win again in the wake of his sex scandal and succession of injuries.

After falling as low as 58th on the world rankings and going two full seasons without a win on the PGA Tour, many observers wrote Woods off and insisted that his star was on the wane.

However, the 14-time major winner has spent the majority of this season back as world No.1 and has racked up eight PGA Tour victories in the past two years, including five this season.

After finishing tied for third in the Turkish Airlines Open, Tiger Woods said: “A couple years ago, there were a lot of guys, so many of you guys here that were saying I could never win again.

“I’m looking forward to the four venues . I like them and obviously I’ve played well on them.” – Tiger Woods

“I’ve got eight wins since then, so it’s been good and I’m very happy with the progress I’ve made.  I’ve won on some venues that were very tough this year, and obviously being part of The Presidents Cup with Freddie and winning that point, too, was another special moment.”

Major glory, however, continues to elude Tiger Woods. His US Open triumph in 2008 remains the most recent of his 14 victories in golf’s four main championships. Even so, he is upbeat on his chances for next season.

The 37-year-old said: “Next year is a really good one, and on top of that, Pinehurst , I’ve had a third and second place finish there and hopefully it will keep improving like it has. I’m looking forward to the four venues. I like them and obviously I’ve played well on them.”

Tiger Woods: Remaining 2013 schedule

Tiger Woods still has one more event left this year – the Northwestern Mutual World Challenge at Sherwood Country Club from December 5-8.

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor