“Felt like I was ready to compete,” Tiger Woods admits being mentally UNPREPARED in ‘rusty’ Hero World Challenge comeback

Tiger Woods admits that he was not mentally prepared for the professional challenge although he physically knew what to do.

“Felt like I was ready to compete,” Tiger Woods admits being mentally UNPREPARED in ‘rusty’ Hero World Challenge comeback

Tiger Woods [Image Credit - Daily Records]

Golf GOAT Tiger Woods is unsatisfied with the 2023 Hero World Challenge return since his last performance on The Masters. He’s been recuperating since withdrawing from mid-round in Masters as he suffered from an ankle injury due to a February 2021 accident.

On Thursday he recorded a 3-over-par 75 in the Bahamas feeling rusty and not mentally prepared. During the first-day press conference, he plainly admitted that even though he’s body knew how to react, he wasn’t mentally ready, “Mentally, I was really rusty and made a lot of errors in the mind that normally I don’t make.”

Following his return to the greens after more than seven months, fans were just excited by the fact that the GOAT has returned. It was a relief to see the legend walking without limping or having to use a cart. His performance may not have satisfied him, but he sure made others relieved with his presence again on the field.

Since the February 2021 car crash, Woods has suffered severe injury and underwent several surgeries. He injured his lower right leg, ankle, and foot which made it harder for him to take shots in professional tournaments. Some even dreaded that he would retire, but he boldly stated in a recent interview that he’ll retire when he feels like it.

“I got off to a decent start…I had really a lack of commitment through most of the middle part of my round and finishing. I just didn’t quite commit to what I was doing and feeling.”

Tiger Woods’ first day at Hero World Challenge failed to impress the GOAT himself

Tiger Woods partnered up with longtime friend Justin Thomas for the event and recorded four birdies, five bogeys, one double bogey, and eight pars on the day. While speaking to Golf Channel broadcast, he stated could not “finish off my round the way I needed to” and “it kind of went sideways at the end.”

Tiger Woods [Image Credit: People]
Tiger Woods [Image Credit: People]

Since suffering injuries, he has missed five PGA Tour events and had to undergo surgery to fuse his right ankle back in April. Furthermore, he dropped down to the career lowest 1,307 spot in OWGR. Despite many voicing for his retirement, he refused to bite the bullet so soon and claimed he could “absolutely” win the Hero World Challenge.

Speaking about his health condition he stated he feels sore, but will be hitting the gym soon and get back in shape for the next day’s performance. He’ll be playing in the 2nd round on Friday with Rickie Fowler. Fans are excited to see what the GOAT will bring on the greens on Friday.

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