NORTON, Mass. – Tiger Woods and Ernie Els have been paired together 33 times since 1997 according to PGA Tour records, but Sunday’s two-ball at TPC Boston was a little different. At least for Els, who counts Woods as a friend as well as a foe.
“It’s nice to see him back on the road like he should be,” Els said. “It seems his personal and professional life are better. It’s nice to see that.”
As for Woods, it was nice for the world No. 1 to continue seeing results in his ongoing swing change, a process that was put to the test by swirling winds and a golf course that was becoming crispier with each gust.
Woods carded a third-round 69 despite numerous missed putts on his closing nine and a less-than-stellar day off the tee statistically (8 of 14 fairways in regulation).
“Today was more of a challenge (to commit to the swing),” said Woods, who conversely is leading the field in approach shot proximity. “I did it for the most part.”
The highlight of Woods’ day came on the 18th hole after his second shot into the par 5 sailed into the rough behind the green and Woods hoisted the ball high into the air to 1 foot.
“His third shot (at No. 18), it was impossible to get it where he did,” Els gushed.
