(Los Angeles) American golfer Tiger Woods, who made his return to competition on Saturday after five months off, lost “The Match”, a 12-hole televised tournament, played in duet with Rory McIlroy, against Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas.
Spieth and Thomas won three of the first four holes and made seven birdies in ten holes, to win this competition which was held at night at the Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, a suburb of Tampa (Florida).
The atmosphere was relaxed and relaxed for this tournament organized to benefit the relief organizations for the victims of the hurricane Ianwhich raised $2.6 million.
“We were able to play through the spotlight in a way that had never happened before in our sport, to grow it in a different way,” Woods said.
“And for the people who were hit hard by the hurricane Ianwe were able to raise a lot of funds to help them rebuild here,” he added.
“It was awesome,” Spieth said. “What a great experience. We were comfortable on the course and we made a few birdies. »
“I had fun,” also commented McIlroy, current world No. 1. “I would have had a little more fun if we hadn’t been beaten. I hope this is not the last game I will play. »
Woods, winner of 15 Majors, and whose 82 PGA wins put him level with historic record holder Sam Snead, has only played a total of nine rounds this year while still recovering from serious injuries. in the leg in a car accident suffered in February 2021.
Woods, who will turn 47 on December 30, did not participate last week in the Hero World Challenge, a competition he organizes each year in the Bahamas, due to a right foot injury. He said his injury did not impact his swing, but caused him pain when he walked.
“I haven’t hit a golf ball in about two and a half weeks, so it will be interesting,” he said before the tournament started.
The four golfers used carts to get around and faced a few challenges in the nightly tournament, such as hitting their tee shots covered by their own shadow.
Next week, Woods is scheduled to play alongside his son Charlie at the PNC Championship in Orlando.