Putting woes end Woods Matchplay tilt

Nick Watney overcomes former world No.1 on final green at Dove Mountain

Facing up to his World Matchplay exit at the hands of Nick Watney, Tiger Woods was in no doubt as to the reason for his second round defeat.

“I striped it down the end,” said a beleaguered Woods following his one down loss. “I didn’t miss a single shot coming in, which is good. And that was fun to hit the ball that well. Unfortunately I just didn’t make a putt when I needed it.

“I hit it well all day. I didn’t make any putts today and subsequently I didn’t win the match.

With Tiger facing a six-foot birdie putt on the final green to take the match to extra holes, his opponent, Watney, revealed he was already contemplating his tactics for the sudden-death shootout.

“No question I thought he was going to make it,” said Watney, who admitted he felt “fortunate” to avoid heading back up the first.

“I had my yardage book, I had my pin sheet turned to the first hole, and I was wondering if 3‑wood was too much.

“No question I thought he was going to make it. And I think everybody thought he was going to make it, to be honest. I know he thought he would. The old adage is expect your opponent to make it, and when it’s Tiger Woods you really expect him to make it.”

“We don’t see him miss putts like that very often.

“And there were a few of them.”

The 14-time major winner, Woods, returns to competitive action next week in the PGA Tour’s Honda Classic at PGA National. Though disappointed in defeat, the former world No.1 said it wouldn’t take long to remedy his putting ills.

“Yeah, it’s just normal, back to normal practice and be ready, come Thursday,” said Tiger.

“I should be able to fix it in about a day.”

Bryce Ritchie is the Editor of bunkered and, in addition to leading on content and strategy, oversees all aspects of the brand. The first full-time journalist employed by bunkered, he joined the company in 2001 and has been editor since 2009. A member of Balfron Golfing Society, he currently plays off nine and once got a lesson from Justin Thomas’ dad.

Editor of bunkered