Tiger Woods returned to competitive golf last week. The ace golfer competed in the Hero World Challenge in The Bahamas before traveling to Florida for the PNC Championship. The 15-time major champion played alongside his 14-year-old son Charlie and finished T5 in the 20-team field. Following the event, Tiger said that he's encouraged by his performance.
Thomas Bjorn has come out to laud Woods. The European Ryder Cup veteran reiterated every Woods fans' emotion by saying that the golfer could make a strong comeback in 2024. The 52-year-old Dane noted that Woods could fight for titles next season and that people ‘should never rule him out of anything.’
Bjorn said, as quoted by the Irish Independent:
“We should never rule Tiger Woods out of anything. He is, however, getting on in age and he’s picked up quite a few injuries. Tiger is 47 now, and it’s extremely difficult to win tournaments at that age. It might be more difficult for him, but Tiger Woods is the one person you can never rule out.”
It's pertinent to note that Woods will turn 48 on December 30. Despite his age, many players, fans and pundits have backed him to win a 16th Major title in 2024. Woods’ PNC Championship outing seemed reassuring for fans. The golfer looked comfortable taking golf swings after months on the sidelines due to injuries.
For the unversed, Tiger and Charlie finished T5 at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club on Sunday. The father-son duo carded an impressive 11-under 61, including nine birdies and one eagle in the second round.
They signed a scorecard of 19-under 125 after 36 holes. Despite a strong showing, Team Woods fell six shots short of eventual champions Bernhard Langer and his son Jason.
Tiger Woods on the 2024 US Open
Having had a successful PNC Championship outing, Woods is excited for the new season.
The PGA Tour star hinted at eyeing a 16th major title when he spoke about the US Open on Sunday. The golfer, who looked fit on the greens, addressed that he's not exempt for next year's US Open. However, he seemed confident about getting an exemption to contest.
Speaking about his probable participation in the US Open next year, Tiger Woods said:
"As of right now, no, I'm not in. Whether or not I have to formally ask them or they invite me or give me an exemption or I have to go qualify, who knows? I don't know what the process is.”
Woods last won a major in 2019, winning the Masters at Augusta to end a decade-long drought.