Tiger Woods is happy with every part of his game except his putter after finishing the Memorial second to last in strokes gained-putting.
Woods, a 79-time PGA TOUR winner, finished six shots short of the playoff number and lost almost eight shots to the field at Muirfield after failing to get a handle on his flatstick.
His putting (-7.695) numbers were a stark comparison to his long game where he ranked first in tee- to-green (+14.157), approach the green (+11.164) and proximity (23 feet, eight inches).
‘If I just putt normally, I probably would be right there with those guys and up there in the last couple of groups,’ said Woods.
‘I just need to hit better putts. This week I didn’t feel comfortable with my lines and my feel was a little bit off. Consequently, I missed a bunch of putts.
‘But I hit it really good this week, so that’s a positive going into Shinnecock, where ball striking is going to be a must. Obviously way different golf shots around the greens, lots of bump and runs and putters or spinners.
‘It will be a very different golf course, but overall if I hit the ball like this, I’ll be pleased in two weeks.’
Woods will take the week off to work on his putter before the US Open at Shinnecock Hills.
‘It’s just a minor tweak here and there,’ he said.
‘I’ve just got to get more comfortable with my lines and make sure I’m consistent with my lines. But it’s just reps. As soon as I get the reps in I’ll be all right.’
