Read more: Tiger Reaches Out To Cheer Up Rory After U.S. Open Heartbreak, But Rory Changed His Number
Some of golf's biggest stars routinely say that major championships are won or lost before even stepping foot on the course each week. For Tiger Woods, this notion seemed especially true this week ahead of the Open Championship at historic Royal Troon Golf Club in Scotland.
Tiger Woods claims he lost a full night's sleep during his flight from Florida to Scotland for this week's British Open, preoccupied by coverage of the attempted assassination on former President Donald Trump.
In an interview with BBC Sport, Woods said all he watched on the flight from Florida to Royal Troon Golf Club was news reports about the incident at Trump's rally in Pennsylvania, where one person was killed after a gunman opened fire on the stage less than 10 minutes into Trump's speech. Trump himself was shot in the ear before the attacker was fatally shot by security.
"It was a long night [because of the assassination attempt] and that’s all we watched the entire time on the way over here. I didn't sleep at all on the flight, and then we just got on the golf course." Woods told the BBC.
The sleepless transatlantic journey and immediate practice round on Sunday left Woods feeling unprepared to compete in one of golf's majors. "I didn’t accomplish a lot because I wasn’t in the right frame of mind," he said.
Donald Trump raises his fist after being shot during a rally in Butler, Pa. on July 13, 2024/ AP
Woods is aiming for a fourth British Open title this week at Royal Troon, but his lack of rest and focus due to following coverage of the assassination attempt leave him facing an uphill battle. It marks the latest setback for the 15-time major champion, who has struggled with injuries and form in recent years.
Woods, who has ties to both sides of the American political spectrum, said the non-stop television coverage on his international flight weighed heavily. Without rest, the 48-year-old was left scrambling in Sunday's practice round at Royal Troon with the championship looming.
Some have questioned whether it may be time for Woods to retire, including fellow pro Colin Montgomerie. But Woods is not ready to walk away yet, determined to keep chasing more major victories for as long as his body allows.
"As a past champion, I’m exempt until I’m 60. Colin’s not – he’s not a past champion, so he’s not exempt. So he doesn’t get that opportunity to make that decision. I do."
Tiger Woods during a practice round prior to the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon on July 17, 2024, in Troon, Scotland. (Harry How/Getty Images)
Considering Woods' recent results and injury history, focus and preparation are paramount if he hopes to factor in the season's third major. Though one of the game's all-time greats, this week promises to be a tall task as Woods aims to find both his game and composure under extraordinary circumstances.
Donald Trump embraces Tiger Woods after presenting him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom on May 6. Photographer: Alex Edelman/Bloomberg
Whether he can overcome the hurdles and challenge for a historic fourth Claret Jug remains to be seen. But for Tiger Woods, simply making the cut might feel like victory itself after a sleepless journey sparked by deeply unsettling world events.
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