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Woods squanders chance after chance as another major passes him by 

Putt out: Tiger Woods missed a host of great birdie opportunities in the final round of the Masters

Tiger Woods was left to count the cost of a succession of missed putts as he finished tied for fourth at the Masters.

World No.1 Woods, a winner of 14 major titles, squandered several birdie opportunities during his final round as Australian Adam Scott claimed the first major of the season.

Woods, who was controversially allowed to play on in the tournament after taking an incorrect drop and signing for the wrong score in his second round, has now gone 15 majors without a victory, not counting the four that he missed through injury and personal problems.

“I had a hard time getting accustomed to the speed,” said Woods afterwards. “The speed was so much slower than it was yesterday, and that was before it rained. Then they changed pretty dramatically. I struggled hitting putts hard enough. Every putt I left short for probably the first eight holes.

“Chip shots were skidding; approach shots if you flighted them would skid; throw them up, they would spin. And the greens were so much slower, the putts just weren’t rolling out.”

However, Woods, who added that he felt he was aiming to shoot 65 to give himself a shot at the title, said he was still pleased with his performance overall, despite coming up short.

“I played well,” said the four-time Masters champion whose last victory at Augusta came in 2005. “Unfortunately, I just didn’t make enough putts and also missed a few shots here and there. I certainly had an opportunity today.

“We could do a ‘what if’ on every tournament we lose. We lose more tournaments than we win. But I certainly had my opportunities to post some good rounds this week.

“I thought I really played well, I missed a few putts but also I made my share as well. I made a bunch of ten to 15-footers. So, overall it was a pretty good week.”

Woods also reserved some praise for the galleries, who he said supported him throughout the week, even following his contentious reprieve from what looked like a certain disqualification ahead of round three.

“They were fantastic,” said Woods. “I had so much encouragement out there. They were absolutely incredible. Especially yesterday starting out the day, I couldn’t believe the amount of support I had and everyone was just trying to get me to shoot a low one and I was very thankful for that.”

 

 

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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

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