Tiger Woods Talks U.S. Open at Pinehurst: ‘I Feel Like I Have the Strength [To Win]’

Tiger Woods talked about his condition heading into the U.S. Open at Pinehurst, what he’s been doing to improve his health since the PGA Championship, and what he’s expecting this week as the 15-time Major Champion looks to win his first crown since 2019.

He also talked about the merger talks between the PGA TOUR and PIF, which advanced last week after a Friday meeting in New York City.

Woods has perhaps his best chance to add Major Number 16 to his trophy case this week as conditions of the golf course, and the weather forecast both play in his favor. Tiger has dealt with his ailing legs and back from injuries in the past, which have made the walks around various golf courses more difficult than normal.

However, Pinehurst No. 2 is a flat golf course that requires precision and a wide variety of shot shapes, all of which Woods has available in his bag. 

Tiger on His Condition

Woods commented on his condition and stated that he feels like he has the strength to go out this weekend and put on a good performance. He also believes he can win this tournament:

“I feel like I have the strength to go and do it. It’s just a matter of doing it.”

Tiger said he believes mental discipline is the key to winning and that staying cool and sticking to his game plan is crucial.

How He’s Prepared Since the PGA Championship

Woods missed the cut at the PGA Championship at Valhalla. However, he has been working on his fitness since then and practicing various parts of his game. The issue is that nothing will prepare you for what Pinehurst has to offer, Woods stated. 

“I did a little bit of work on chipping and putting, but nothing can simulate what we have here this week.”

How the Conditions Could Benefit Tiger Woods

Tiger needs warmth and humidity to stay loose, which Pinehurst will offer this week. He is looking forward to the week and said that the conditions are difficult as U.S. Opens should be.

Tiger Woods showing how tricky it’s going to be missing a fairway or green at Pinehurst. This should be the greatest test of the year. Roll on Thursday.

pic.twitter.com/wTQQz9Ajyc

— Flushing It (@flushingitgolf) June 10, 2024

PGA TOUR – PIF Negotiations

Woods said last week’s meeting between the PGA TOUR and the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) was “productive.”

He said:

“It was productive, and is there light at the end of the tunnel? I think we are closer to that point than we were pre-meeting. We discussed a lot of different endings and how we get there. I think that both sides walked away from the meeting, felt like, we all felt very positive. As I said, both sides were looking at different ways to get to the endgame. I think that both sides shared a deep passion for how we need to get there. And there are going to be differences in opinion, but we all want the same thing.”

Final Takeaways

A couple of takeaways from Tiger’s presser:

• He seems like he feels great
• He plans to use 4-iron around the greens
• The grain will play a big part in the tournament
• He’s looking forward to watching the guys play “ping pong back and forth.”

Cover Image via PGA TOUR