Tiger Woods’ odds of capturing a 15th Major ballooned ahead of the PGA Championship in Atlanta.
Despite remaining in an upbeat mode, the former long-time World No. 1 slumped further down the board on day three of the WGC – Bridgestone Invitational in Akron, Ohio.
The $US 8.5m is Woods first full tournament since playing alongside Scot Martin Laird last April in the final round of the Masters.
Tiger Woods reacts after missing a putt on day three of the WGC - Bridgestone Invitational. (Photo - Fran Caffrey/www.golffile.ie)
With the threat of afternoon thunderstorms officials brought forward tee times to 7am.
Woods’ appearance on the first tee at that time had both grandstands packed with fans including one chap dressed in a full length tiger’s outfit.
But while the crowd gave Woods a standing ovation there was hardly much to cheer about as Woods struggled with the driver.
Woods could find just four of 14 Firestone fairways in a round of 72 for a one over par tally, and on a course where’s dominated in capturing seven of the 11 Ohio WGC’s.
And to give Woods further pain, he posted 33 putts, a respective six and four putts more than his first and second round.
“I didn’t putt well again today,” said Woods.
“The iron game is back, and I started to get feel in my hands, and just about every iron shot was on my number, which was great.
“A good reward now ahead of the PGA is just to continue building. I just need to be more committed on my target lines starting off the tee shots because the ball doesn’t move anymore.
“So I need to put a good round together and let it build. That’s something I haven’t done yet. I’ve only played three rounds.
“Unfortunately I’m not there battling with the chance to win, but I can still post a good round tomorrow.”
In Woods dozen Bridgestone appearances, he’s only once finished outside the top four and that was last year in finishing T78th.
He’ll start the final round in a share of 38th position at one over par and contest the final round in the company of South African, Hennie Otto.
