It has been a long time but Tiger Woods is always worth the wait – especially if keeps to his annual promise that his game is better than ever.
This week’s Buick Invitational in Lo Jolla, California is where Woods make his grand entry into 2008, eyeing his fourth straight title and, more importantly, launching his campaign for more major silverware.
Of course, whenever Woods starts a season, there is talk about a Grand Slam – that is winning the Masters, US Open, British Open and PGA Championship in one season.
He did at one time own all four trophies, although it straddled two seasons and came to be known as the Tiger Slam.
The 32-year-old Tiger himself believes it is possible, and there is no golfer alive with more self-confidence than the world number one.
The Torrey Pines Golf Course near San Diego is significant in Woods’ major quest because the South Course is where the 2008 US Open will be played.
Woods has won 13 major titles, only five behind the record owned by Jack Nicklaus.
On the European Tour, players continue their stay in the Middle East for the second leg of a three-tournament swing, the Qatar Masters.
The event has suffered a minor blow with defending champion Retief Goosen, of South Africa, having to withdraw because of an eye injury.
According to reports, Goosen underwent laser surgery two weeks ago and actually arrived in Qatar with the firm intention of playing.
However, during a practice round, the vision in one of his eyes started to blur. He made an emergency trip to Dubai to correct the problem and dashed back to Qatar.
Despite his strenuous efforts, Goosen’s problem hasn’t been fully resolved and he had no choice but to withdraw his name from the tournament.
