Tiger Woods tries again and today he's back on the field for the event organized by his Foundation, the Hero World Challenge, in the Bahamas. There are only 18 participants, it's a minor appointment and outside Fedex, but with a major field, because all golf's aces are at the starting tees: 8 of the top 10 in the world order of merit; 17 of the first 30. Among them also our Francesco Molinari, who accepted the invitation of his American friend-rival. The TVs from all over the world are ready to shine the spotlight on the champion and the fans to glue themselves in front of the television screen. Everything is at stake and everyone is at stake: if Tiger gets back in shape, the entire golf chain can breathe a sigh of relief.
The 41-year-old has been out of action since last February, after his fourth back surgery. The former number one is now number 1199 in the world, but since 2013 he has practically never played, he has only played 19 tournaments, many of which were interrupted due to physical problems. This does not erase his 683-week dominance at the top of the merit order, a record that is difficult to beat, but it says a lot about his state of form and health in recent years.
We recall, for those who still don't know, that Tiger Woods has won 79 tournaments on the PGA Tour including 14 majors (the last one in 2008) and over one hundred tournaments adding up the various circuits.
All that remains is to hope: “During the practice laps – claims the champion – I didn't have any back problems and the news is noteworthy if compared to what I went through. I finally feel really good. Last year I was able to hit a ball, but then I felt pain, but now I don't have any more discomfort even if I notice a certain stiffness. Let me play and I'll be able to tell you what I'll be able to do."
On the course of the Albany Golf Course, in the district of New Providence, the Japanese Hideki Matsuyama defends the title, one of the eight competitors in the top ten of the world ranking in the race: in addition to the Japanese, number 5, there are Dustin Johnson, number 1 , Jordan Spieth 2, Justin Thomas 3, Justin Rose 6, Brooks Koepka 7, Henrik Stenson 8 and Rickie Fowler 9. To follow the English Tommy Fleetwood (18), winner of the European Order of Merit 2017, and the Swede Alex Noren (17). In such a context, Francesco Molinari (number 21) has his cards to play, even if he has been a bit fluctuating in recent performances. The Turin native now belongs to the world elite and is able to compete at any level and against any opponent
