Tiger Woods collected so many major championships over his first half-dozen full seasons as a professional, the message was bound to become distorted at some point.
This time, it was all about the volume.
During an otherwise forgettable pro-am round at the PGA Tour event in San Diego, an announcer listed his resume highlights over the public-address system – including seven major championship wins – as Woods’s group approached the final green.
Typically blase during most pro-ams, Woods’s ears pricked up as he began shaking his head animatedly, a smirk on his face. The accurate statistic: he already had amassed eight major titles in his short professional tenure.
Woods, whose relationship with the public would change appreciably over time, made light of the accounting error as he exited the 18th green.
He was asked: “What happened to your other major?”
“Good question,” Woods said, laughing.
All but forgotten, the episode occurred 11 years ago and now feels like a foreshadowing of sorts. There have not been many wisecracks about his performances at the majors lately.
Woods last won a major title six years ago, when he hobbled off that same Torrey Pines course as the 2008 US Open champion, and enters this week’s British Open with his game and health again under scrutiny and only lightly regarded as a contender.
Read more: Too much tinkering has toned down Tiger
This time, the public proclamations of analysts, pundits and former associates have been much harder on the ears and cannot be dismissed as mere statistical errors.
Woods, 38, has not finished in the top 20 this year and has played two competitive rounds since having minor back surgery four months ago. Plenty of rusty cutlery has been used to carve him up more recently.
Nick Faldo questioned his level of preparation, Paul Azinger said Woods’s myriad swing changes have only made him worse and Curtis Strange suggested that most players would not have bothered making the trip across the Atlantic under similar circumstances.
Stuck on 14 major title victories, Woods missed the first two majors of 2014 because of the back issue, making his goal of besting Jack Nicklaus’s record of 18 majors feel as distant and dissonant as the 2003 anecdote in San Diego.
“I think Tiger is always going to be compared to Jack and there’s a big difference in where these two players are at this age, or were, at the age of 38,” Azinger said.
Well, yes and no. Woods and Nicklaus each amassed 14 majors by age 38, although Nicklaus won the British Open that year, and subsequently added three more.
In short, Woods’s record-shattering start at the majors has ground to a halt and, unless he wins this week at Royal Liverpool, he will have fallen behind on the career curve.
As ever, Woods-watching will be a huge part of the weekly proceedings. In fact, the American broadcaster ESPN will use its online channel, ESPN 3, exclusively to carry every Woods itch, twitch and expectoration. However long he sticks around.
Read more: Fans will tune in to Tiger Woods’ return
Given the competitive decline from the lay-off, making the weekend might seem a reasonable goal, although Woods has a more lofty target in mind.
“First,” he said.
Hubris has become a Woods hallmark, but he won the British Open the last time it was played at Liverpool, in 2006, when he was at the apex of his popularity.
The victory came a few weeks after the death of his father and, on making the final putt, Woods hugged his caddie and wife, and wept openly to show a vulnerability that did far more for his public persona than the win.
The caddie and wife are long gone and so is much of the goodwill he engendered among the fans.
The degree to which he can recapture his aura has become the game’s principle obsession.
“I’ve been in circumstances like this before,” said Woods, who finished fourth at the Masters in 2010 after a lengthy lay-off resulting from his marital scandal. “I’ve proven I can do it.”
Yet the calendar eventually conspires against every player. Tom Watson never won a major after turning 33, Seve Ballesteros collected his last at 31 and Arnold Palmer was 34 when the pipeline dried up. Woods, whose medical file is already thick, turns 40 next year.
Since the modern four-major-titles grand slam was formally embraced in 1960, only 20 of the 218 tournaments have been captured by players in their 40s.
“Is it foolish for people to write him off? I would say so,” Rory McIlroy said. “If he’s playing and he’s competing, he’s got as good a chance as any.
“I wouldn’t write him off completely. I still think he can do things that we have never seen from any other golfer.”
While Woods has been battling injury and periodic ineffectiveness over the past six years, the road to major glory has only become steeper.
“I think it gets harder every year to win a major,” Woods said. “The field is getting deeper. Guys coming out here are stronger and more athletic.”
As for Woods, not so much.
“In Tiger’s quest to get better, I think he’s actually gotten a little bit worse,” Azinger said.
In late June, Woods missed the cut by four shots in his only start since the March back surgery, then went on a family vacation.
“Tiger has played two rounds and thinks he’s ready,” said Faldo, a six-time major winner and television analyst. “So we shall see.”
The Hoylake rough is higher than the level of optimism.
“I don’t think you could ever expect him to be on the first page of the leader board come the weekend,” said ESPN’s Strange, a two-time major winner.
Then again, like the blather of the public-address announcer 11 years ago in San Diego, this is mostly amusing background noise to Woods.
It could be about as accurate, too.
Watson, the reigning US Ryder Cup captain, all but slammed a palm on the table when discussing the former No 1’s chances this week.
He said: “Why can’t you understand that Tiger might very well win this tournament?”
Message received, clarity subject to further review.
selling@thenational.ae
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Wicked
Director: Jon M Chu
Stars: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey
TO A LAND UNKNOWN
Director: Mahdi Fleifel
Starring: Mahmoud Bakri, Aram Sabbah, Mohammad Alsurafa
Rating: 4.5/5
The%20Super%20Mario%20Bros%20Movie
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The specs
Engine: 3-litre twin-turbo V6
Power: 400hp
Torque: 475Nm
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Price: From Dh215,900
On sale: Now
SERIE A FIXTURES
Saturday Spezia v Lazio (6pm), Juventus v Torino (9pm), Inter Milan v Bologna (7.45pm)
Sunday Verona v Cagliari (3.30pm), Parma v Benevento, AS Roma v Sassuolo, Udinese v Atalanta (all 6pm), Crotone v Napoli (9pm), Sampdoria v AC Milan (11.45pm)
Monday Fiorentina v Genoa (11.45pm)
MATCH INFO
FA Cup fifth round
Chelsea v Manchester United, Monday, 11.30pm (UAE), BeIN Sports
What is the definition of an SME?
SMEs in the UAE are defined by the number of employees, annual turnover and sector. For example, a “small company” in the services industry has six to 50 employees with a turnover of more than Dh2 million up to Dh20m, while in the manufacturing industry the requirements are 10 to 100 employees with a turnover of more than Dh3m up to Dh50m, according to Dubai SME, an agency of the Department of Economic Development.
A “medium-sized company” can either have staff of 51 to 200 employees or 101 to 250 employees, and a turnover less than or equal to Dh200m or Dh250m, again depending on whether the business is in the trading, manufacturing or services sectors.
A cryptocurrency primer for beginners
Cryptocurrency Investing for Dummies – by Kiana Danial
There are several primers for investing in cryptocurrencies available online, including e-books written by people whose credentials fall apart on the second page of your preferred search engine.
Ms Danial is a finance coach and former currency analyst who writes for Nasdaq. Her broad-strokes primer (2019) breaks down investing in cryptocurrency into baby steps, while explaining the terms and technologies involved.
Although cryptocurrencies are a fast evolving world, this book offers a good insight into the game as well as providing some basic tips, strategies and warning signs.
Begin your cryptocurrency journey here.
Available at Magrudy’s , Dh104
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
MATCH INFO
Tottenham Hotspur 3 (Son 1', Kane 8' & 16') West Ham United 3 (Balbuena 82', Sanchez og 85', Lanzini 90' 4)
Man of the match Harry Kane
Expert advice
“Join in with a group like Cycle Safe Dubai or TrainYAS, where you’ll meet like-minded people and always have support on hand.”
Stewart Howison, co-founder of Cycle Safe Dubai and owner of Revolution Cycles
“When you sweat a lot, you lose a lot of salt and other electrolytes from your body. If your electrolytes drop enough, you will be at risk of cramping. To prevent salt deficiency, simply add an electrolyte mix to your water.”
Cornelia Gloor, head of RAK Hospital’s Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Centre
“Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can ride as fast or as far during the summer as you do in cooler weather. The heat will make you expend more energy to maintain a speed that might normally be comfortable, so pace yourself when riding during the hotter parts of the day.”
Chandrashekar Nandi, physiotherapist at Burjeel Hospital in Dubai
Kanguva
Director: Siva
Stars: Suriya, Bobby Deol, Disha Patani, Yogi Babu, Redin Kingsley
Fixtures (6pm UAE unless stated)
Saturday Bournemouth v Leicester City, Chelsea v Manchester City (8.30pm), Huddersfield v Tottenham Hotspur (3.30pm), Manchester United v Crystal Palace, Stoke City v Southampton, West Bromwich Albion v Watford, West Ham United v Swansea City
Sunday Arsenal v Brighton (3pm), Everton v Burnley (5.15pm), Newcastle United v Liverpool (6.30pm)
Company name: Farmin
Date started: March 2019
Founder: Dr Ali Al Hammadi
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: AgriTech
Initial investment: None to date
Partners/Incubators: UAE Space Agency/Krypto Labs
RESULTS
6.30pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 Group One (PA) US$65,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
Winner RB Money To Burn, Fabrice Veron (jockey), Eric Lemartinel (trainer).
7.05pm Handicap (TB) $175,000 (Turf) 1,200m
Winner Ekhtiyaar, Jim Crowley, Doug Watson.
7.40pm UAE 2000 Guineas Trial Conditions (TB) $100,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner Commanding, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
8.15pm Singspiel Stakes Group Two (TB) $250,000 (T) 1,800m
Winner Benbatl, Christophe Soumillon, Saeed bin Suroor.
8.50pm Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner Zakouski, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
9.25pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 Group Two (TB) $350,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner Kimbear, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
10pm Dubai Trophy Conditions (TB) $100,000 (T) 1,200m
Winner Platinum Star, Christophe Soumillon, Saeed bin Suroor.
10.35pm Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner Key Victory, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby.
U19 World Cup in South Africa
Group A: India, Japan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka
Group B: Australia, England, Nigeria, West Indies
Group C: Bangladesh, Pakistan, Scotland, Zimbabwe
Group D: Afghanistan, Canada, South Africa, UAE
UAE fixtures
Saturday, January 18, v Canada
Wednesday, January 22, v Afghanistan
Saturday, January 25, v South Africa
UAE squad
Aryan Lakra (captain), Vriitya Aravind, Deshan Chethyia, Mohammed Farazuddin, Jonathan Figy, Osama Hassan, Karthik Meiyappan, Rishabh Mukherjee, Ali Naseer, Wasi Shah, Alishan Sharafu, Sanchit Sharma, Kai Smith, Akasha Tahir, Ansh Tandon
RESULTS
Time; race; prize; distance
4pm: Maiden; (D) Dh150,000; 1,200m
Winner: General Line, Xavier Ziani (jockey), Omar Daraj (trainer)
4.35pm: Maiden (T); Dh150,000; 1,600m
Winner: Travis County, Adrie de Vries, Ismail Mohammed
5.10pm: Handicap (D); Dh175,000; 1,200m
Winner: Scrutineer, Tadhg O’Shea, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
5.45pm: Maiden (D); Dh150,000; 1,600m
Winner: Yulong Warrior, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
6.20pm: Maiden (D); Dh150,000; 1,600m
Winner: Ejaaby, Jim Crowley, Doug Watson
6.55pm: Handicap (D); Dh160,000; 1,600m
Winner: Storyboard, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
7.30pm: Handicap (D); Dh150,000; 2,200m
Winner: Grand Dauphin, Gerald Mosse, Ahmed Al Shemaili
8.05pm: Handicap (T); Dh190,000; 1,800m
Winner: Good Trip, Tadhg O’Shea, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
Company%20Profile
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Indoor cricket in a nutshell
Indoor Cricket World Cup - Sept 16-20, Insportz, Dubai
16 Indoor cricket matches are 16 overs per side
8 There are eight players per team
9 There have been nine Indoor Cricket World Cups for men. Australia have won every one.
5 Five runs are deducted from the score when a wickets falls
4 Batsmen bat in pairs, facing four overs per partnership
Scoring In indoor cricket, runs are scored by way of both physical and bonus runs. Physical runs are scored by both batsmen completing a run from one crease to the other. Bonus runs are scored when the ball hits a net in different zones, but only when at least one physical run is score.
Zones
A Front net, behind the striker and wicketkeeper: 0 runs
B Side nets, between the striker and halfway down the pitch: 1 run
C Side nets between halfway and the bowlers end: 2 runs
D Back net: 4 runs on the bounce, 6 runs on the full
COPA DEL REY
Semi-final, first leg
Barcelona 1 (Malcom 57')
Real Madrid (Vazquez 6')
Second leg, February 27
Score
New Zealand 266 for 9 in 50 overs
Pakistan 219 all out in 47.2 overs
New Zealand win by 47 runs
New Zealand lead three-match ODI series 1-0
Next match: Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, Friday
Company%20Profile
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THE BIO
Age: 30
Favourite book: The Power of Habit
Favourite quote: "The world is full of good people, if you cannot find one, be one"
Favourite exercise: The snatch
Favourite colour: Blue
Scoreline
Bournemouth 2
Wilson 70', Ibe 74'
Arsenal 1
Bellerin 52'
Not Dark Yet
Shelby Lynne and Allison Moorer
Four stars
How to vote
Canadians living in the UAE can register to vote online and be added to the International Register of Electors.
They'll then be sent a special ballot voting kit by mail either to their address, the Consulate General of Canada to the UAE in Dubai or The Embassy of Canada in Abu Dhabi
Registered voters mark the ballot with their choice and must send it back by 6pm Eastern time on October 21 (2am next Friday)
Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week
MATCH INFO
Brescia 1 (Skrinia og, 76)
Inter Milan 2 (Martinez 33, Lukaku 63)
Nayanthara: Beyond The Fairy Tale
Starring: Nayanthara, Vignesh Shivan, Radhika Sarathkumar, Nagarjuna Akkineni
Director: Amith Krishnan
Rating: 3.5/5
TRAP
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donaghue
Director: M Night Shyamalan
Rating: 3/5
Tottenham's 10 biggest transfers (according to transfermarkt.com):
1). Moussa Sissokho - Newcastle United - £30 million (Dh143m): Flop
2). Roberto Soldado - Valencia - £25m: Flop
3). Erik Lamela - Roma - £25m: Jury still out
4). Son Heung-min - Bayer Leverkusen - £25m: Success
5). Darren Bent - Charlton Athletic - £21m: Flop
6). Vincent Janssen - AZ Alkmaar - £18m: Flop
7). David Bentley - Blackburn Rovers - £18m: Flop
8). Luka Modric - Dynamo Zagreb - £17m: Success
9). Paulinho - Corinthians - £16m: Flop
10). Mousa Dembele - Fulham - £16m: Success
Abu Dhabi GP starting grid
1 Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
2 Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes)
3 Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari)
4 Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari)
5 Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull)
6 Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
7 Romain Grosjean (Haas)
8 Charles Leclerc (Sauber)
9 Esteban Ocon (Force India)
10 Nico Hulkenberg (Renault)
11 Carlos Sainz (Renault)
12 Marcus Ericsson (Sauber)
13 Kevin Magnussen (Haas)
14 Sergio Perez (Force India)
15 Fernando Alonso (McLaren)
16 Brendon Hartley (Toro Rosso)
17 Pierre Gasly (Toro Rosso)
18 Stoffe Vandoorne (McLaren)
19 Sergey Sirotkin (Williams)
20 Lance Stroll (Williams)
