Woods Paired With Critic Faldo

[BAMAPHIN 22]

Nick Faldo wore a Superman logo on his cap Monday, appropriate for this British Open. Everyone must feel like they're on another planet at Royal Liverpool, a links course tucked along the Irish Sea that has not hosted professional golf in 25 years and hasn't held the British Open since 1967.
And Faldo, a three-time champion and legendary figure in these parts, may need super powers to get through the week.

It's bad enough that he has not played a tournament since the end of April. Faldo learned Monday morning he will be playing the first two rounds with defending champion Tiger Woods, whom Faldo has criticized from the broadcast booth the last two years.

Think the situation will be magnified?

"Slightly," Faldo said, eyes visibly rolling behind his sunglasses on another bright, hot day. "Won't be much fun, that."

Woods and swing coach Hank Haney can be a little sensitive when it comes to Woods' revamped swing, and Faldo took his crack two years ago at the Buick Invitational, when he was working for ABC Sports. From the 18th fairway with a one-shot lead, Woods missed a 2-iron so badly that it turned out good, landing on a tiny strip of grass right of the pond. He made birdie to win by two.

"A complete fan and miss," Faldo said, describing Woods' swing as too flat.

http://www.abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory?id=2204739

 

[Kdawg954]

Should definetly be an interesting pairing . . Faldo always seems to raise his game a little at the British Open, and Tiger is eager to continue winning more majors. I seriously doubt a lot of talking will be going on in this pairing.

 

[BAMAPHIN 22]

Tiger Woods soars to British Open lead

Tiger Woods shot a 7-under par 65 on Friday to take the lead at the British Open with a two-day total of 12-under 132. Ernie Els was a shot behind at 133 and Chris DeMarco three back at 135.

Retief Goosen is four behind, with a trio  Miguel Angel Jimenez, Adam Scott and Mikko Ilonen  all at five back.

With another amazing shot in a career filled with them, Woods seized the lead and cast aside the notion that his poor performance at Winged Foot was anything more than a rare off week for the world's greatest golfer.

Woods pulled out his 4-iron at No. 14, the flag rippling in the breeze 209 yards away, and ripped a shot for the ages. The low drive came down at the edge of the green and hopped three more times before striking the stick, dropping straight in for eagle.

Walking toward the green, Woods heard the gasps from the gallery but didn't know where his ball ended up. When told it was in the cup, he broke into a wide grin, gave caddie Steve Williams a high-five and shrugged his shoulders, almost as if he was apologizing. Williams jokingly attempted to put the bag on Woods' shoulder as the two made a triumphant walk up the fairway.


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