Woods is back and still aiming high at Open

By: 10 years ago

Tiger Woods of the US smiles during a press conference ahead of the British Open Golf championship at the Royal Liverpool golf club, Hoylake, England, Tuesday July 15, 2014. The British Open starts on Thursday July 17. AP

HOYLAKE, England — Tiger Woods was an early arrival to the British Open with hopes of avoiding an early departure.

Woods has played only two competitive rounds in the last four months because of back pain that led to surgery. That’s why he chose to get to England a day earlier than usual — Saturday — to get acclimated to links golf at Royal Liverpool.

He at least can count on his health. Even though Woods missed the cut at Congressional in his return three weeks ago, he was pleased at having no setbacks, and even has been to the gym a couple of times this week.

As for his goals? They haven’t changed. When asked what would be a reasonable result at his first major of the year, Woods, replied, “First.”