HOYLAKE, England —Â The question posed to Tiger Woods was a simple one.
“Given your limited preparation coming in here, what would be an acceptable finish for you this weekend?’’ Woods was asked by a reporter in advance of this week’s British Open at Royal Liverpool, which begins Thursday.
“First,’’ Woods said.
The response elicited laughter in the standing-room-only interview room, but Woods was not laughing, not even smiling.
“Anything less than that would be unacceptable?’’ the questioner followed.
“That’s always the case, yeah,’’ said Woods, the second betting choice at 14-1.
That has always been the case for Woods, who has never shied away from sharing his lofty expectations. But after some three months away from the game because of back surgery, having played only two competitive rounds since March 9, could this be a case of Woods trying to talk himself into being the old, bold Woods?
In many ways during the 30-minute interview session, Woods was the same old Woods, stubbornly stating his goals, however unrealistic they might be.
In other ways, though, he was different, more relaxed and introspective —Â particularly when recalling his 2006 British Open victory (the third of his career) at Hoylake and speaking about how different his life is now.
“Well, it’s eight years on. My life has certainly changed a lot since then,’’ Woods said. “That was a very emotional week. I pressed pretty hard at Augusta that year, trying to win it, because it was the last time my dad [Earl] was ever going to see me play a major championship. And then I didn’t play well at the [US] Open, missed the cut there miserably.
“Then came here and just felt at peace. I really, really played well. On Sunday, I really felt calm out there. It was surreal at the time. I’ve had a few moments like that in majors where I’ve felt that way on a Sunday. And that was certainly one of them.’’
Other than losing his father, Woods’ life has changed dramatically. His scandalous extramarital dalliances became public and led to his messy divorce. He has been dogged by a litany of injuries. He has two children now and is with a different woman, skier Lindsey Vonn. He has a new swing with a new coach (Sean Foley having replaced Hank Haney) and a different caddie (Joe LaCava having replaced Steve Williams).
“My life is very different than it was then,’’ Woods said. “And then on top of that, this is a different golf course than what we played in ’06. It was hot, ball was flying. It was very dusty. Now, we’re making ball marks on the greens, which we weren’t doing then.’’
Woods played 12 practice holes Saturday on the more lush links, thanks to a wet spring in the area. He played 18 on Sunday and another 18 on Tuesday.
Sunday playing partner Matt Kuchar was asked if he thought Woods could contend this week despite his lack of tournaments.
“Absolutely I think he could,” Kuchar said. “The British Open, the knowledge he has, the skill set he has? Yeah, he could contend.’’
Kuchar called Woods’ form “impressive,’’ adding, “We had a little match going, and on the last hole he duly stuffed one in there from 160 yards to beat me, so that was a bit of a bummer, but totally like the Tiger we’re used to seeing.”
Woods, despite missing the cut while shooting 74-75, said playing the Quicken Loans National at Congressional was critical to his comeback because it bolstered his confidence in his physical condition. He insisted his lack of competitive reps will not hamper his chances of winning the Claret Jug for the fourth time of his career.
“I’ve been in circumstances like this,” Woods said. “If you remember, in ’08 I had knee surgery right after the Masters. I won a US Open. I didn’t play more than nine holes, and the Sunday before the US Open I didn’t break 50 for nine holes and still was able to win it in a playoff, with a [torn] ACL and a broken leg.
“I’ve proven I can do it. It’s just a matter of putting my game and giving myself the best chances this week to miss the ball in the correct spots, to be aggressive when I can and obviously to hole putts. That’s a recipe you find for every major championship, but I’ve just got to do it this week.”