WOODS, Now World No 2 in Trouble, Drops to Ninth Place in Shanghai

Britain's Lee Westwood, who ended Tiger's reign as world number one this week, carded a two-under-par 70 to remain one off the lead, according to the article below. Tiger was having a bad day today and ended up in ninth spot after the second round. I hope that things improve this weekend. Tiger wll be playing in the Australian Masters Nov 11 - 14.      . . . June


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Woods drops to ninth, Westwood stays second in Shanghai
Sport | Reuters:

SHANGHAI (Reuters) - World number two Tiger Woods struggled on the greens to drop to tied ninth after the second round of the HSBC Champions tournament on Friday, five shots behind leader Francesco Molinari of Italy.

Britain's Lee Westwood, who ended Woods's reign as world number one this week, carded a two-under-par 70 to remain one off the lead.

In a frustrating round, Woods lipped the pin five times, twice with short putts, and cancelled out five birdies with a corresponding number of bogeys to finish with par 72.


"I struggled a little bit today," the American told reporters. "The pins were tough. I didn't hit very good, so the score could have been worse, but also it could have been a lot better."


Westwood produced three birdies during another solid performance but the 37-year-old missed on a likely fourth when he ignored his caddie's advice over the choice of club on his second shot out of the rough on the 18th.


"Billy (Foster) said it would be best to lay up and go with a full shot because of where the flag was cut," Westwood said.


"I obviously knew better as a player and hit a five-wood and left it in just about the worst place I could. But today, as per usual, I should have listened to my caddie."


The 37-year-old, on eight-under-par is in a strong position to defend his number one world ranking from Woods, Phil Mickelson and German Martin Kaymer who could all take over at the top with a victory in Shanghai.


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LEE WESTWOOD Takes Top Spot. Tiger Woods is Now World No. 2

 Tiger Woods finally lost his No 1 place in the world Golf Rankings. It was inevitable, but it really is a testament to how far ahead of the pack Tiger was to have kept that ranking for so long. For now, the No 1 spot goes to Lee Westwood of England, the first European in 16 years to hold golf's top ranking. He called it the most satisfying achievement of his career. But don't sell Tiger short. He has the ability to grab it right back
    . . . June

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Tiger Woods is No. 2 as Westwood Takes Top Spot
CBS Evening News - CBS News:

The turmoil in his personal life has taken a toll on Tiger Woods. After a reign of more than five years as the world's number one golfer, Woods has dropped to second behind a player who's never won a major.

CBS News correspondent Tony Guida reports that when Woods congratulated Lee Westwood at a tournament four weeks ago, he knew Westwood was gunning for his crown. Sunday, after 281 weeks at the top, Woods is no. 1 no longer.

'Tiger clearly has not been the most dominant player in the world for a long, long time,' says CBS Sports' Jim Nantz.

It's mostly because Woods took a five-month break from competition this season. He needed time to try to patch his life back together after confessing to a series of extramarital affairs.

"I am deeply sorry for my irresponsible and selfish behavior I engaged in," Woods said in a press conference.

Elin Woods was having none of it. The couple divorced and Tiger's game fell apart. He hasn't finished higher than fourth since.

"It's hard to play with that kind of pressure," says golfer Lawrence Elliott.

Inspired by Woods, Elliott took up golf five years ago. He worked hard to make himself a 6 handicap. Elliott thinks Woods will work hard too.

"He'll be back next year strong as ever," says Elliott.

For now, the laurels go to Lee Westwood of England, the first European in 16 years to hold golf's top ranking. He called it the most satisfying achievement of his career.

"The game went younger and it went global," says Nantz.

Nantz notes Westwood is just one of a new crop of top players who will challenge Woods for supremacy, but Nantz says don't bet against Woods.

"You never sell Tiger Woods short when it comes to what he's going to do in golf," says Nantz.

What Woods does this week at a tournament in Shanghai could put him right back at no. 1.

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Tiger Plays 1-Day CHARITY Event In Thailand. He Gives Back

Tiger Woods is looking forward to giving something back to Thailand when he makes a quick visit to his mother's home country for the first time in 10 years to play a one-day skins tournament next month, according to the following article.  Apparently, all the players have agreed to donate their winnings to charity projects overseen by Thailand's king. Maybe Tiger Can still win one this year.
    . . . June 

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Tiger to give back, play 1-day event in Thailand:
The Associated Press

BANGKOK (AP) — Tiger Woods says he's looking forward to giving something back to Thailand when he makes a quick visit to his mother's home country for the first time in 10 years to play a one-day skins tournament next month.

The Nov. 8 event is part of celebrations marking King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 60th year on the Thai throne.

'The last time I played in Thailand was in 2000. I am really looking forward to coming back and hopefully win it all!' Woods said in a statement released Thursday by organizers.

The 14-time major winner has not won a tournament this year after stepping away from the game for nearly four months in the wake of an infidelity scandal that destroyed his image and led to the breakup of his marriage.

"The Thai people never fail to impress me with their warm and genuine hospitality. This is indeed a good opportunity to give something back to them," Woods said.

Paul Casey of England, Camilo Villegas of Colombia and Thailand's top player, Thongchai Jaidee, will also compete for total prize money of $300,000. All players have agreed to donate their winnings to charity projects overseen by Thailand's king, organizers said.

Woods' stay in Bangkok will last about 24 hours. He will fly into the Thai capital the night before the tournament after competing in the HSBC Champions in Shanghai.

He will make an early morning visit to pay respects to the ailing 82-year-old King Bhumibol, who has been lodged at a Bangkok hospital for more than a year, by signing a get well book at the hospital along with Thongchai, organizers said.
 
Woods will then meet Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva before proceeding to the Amata Spring Country Club in Chonburi, a seaside province southeast of Bangkok, for the event.

All golfers will wear pink golf shirts, a sign of respect for the king that symbolizes wishes for good health.

Woods is scheduled to leave Thailand later that night for Australia to compete in the Nov. 11-14 Australian Masters in Melbourne.

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2010 CHEVRON World Challenge With Tiger Woods And All Star Players

 The Chevron World Challenge, co-sponsored by the PGA Tour, is a four-round, 72-hole stroke play event with $1.2 million awarded to the winner, according o the article below. The list of competitors includes Graeme McDowell, Martin Kaymer, Tiger Woods, Jim Furyk, Steve Stricker, Luke Donald, Paul Casey, Matt Kuchar, Ian Poulter, Rory McIlroy, Hunter Mahan, Anthony Kim, Zach Johnson, Sean O’Hair, Dustin Johnson and Bubba Watson among others.


Tiger Woods Leads Excellent 18-Man Field at the 2010 Chevron World Challenge:
WEBWIRE – Thursday, October 14, 2010DonorsChoose.org, Project Lead the Way, Teach For America and TELACU join Tiger Woods Foundation as Tournament Nonprofit Partners

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – Two of the four major championship winners from the summer – Graeme McDowell and Martin Kaymer – plus a trio of other major winners and a near full-house of 13 Ryder Cup participants will make up one of the most impressive, elite fields of the year when they compete at the Chevron World Challenge, Dec. 1-5, at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, Calif.

The unique, $5 million event features only 18 players who will take on the demanding, 7,027-yard Sherwood Country Club layout. The Chevron World Challenge, co-sponsored by the PGA Tour, is a four-round, 72-hole stroke play event with $1.2 million awarded to the winner. Jim Furyk returns as the defending champion, closing with a 5-under par 67 on Sunday last year to edge McDowell by one stroke to claim the trophy.

In its 12th year at center stage of the PGA Tour’s rigorous Challenge Season, the Chevron World Challenge annually features some of the biggest names in professional golf, and this year’s edition is no exception.
Tiger Woods, the No. 1-ranked player in the world and a four-time champion of this event, will find his hands full as he attempts to add another title to his collection. McDowell, the U.S. Open champion, and PGA Championship winner Martin Kaymer lend star power, but they’ve got plenty of company.

The top-heavy list of competitors also includes Steve Stricker, Luke Donald, Paul Casey, Matt Kuchar, Ian Poulter, Rory McIlroy, Hunter Mahan, Anthony Kim, Zach Johnson, Sean O’Hair, Dustin Johnson and Bubba Watson.

The week kicks off with a Pro-Am on Wednesday, Dec. 1, followed by professional rounds Thursday - Sunday. Sherwood Country Club, tucked away in the Santa Monica mountains, has been the tournament’s home base for 11 years and has proven to be a worthy test for the game’s greatest stars.

Furthering its commitment to improving education in California, the Chevron World Challenge 2010 has expanded its nonprofit partners to include: DonorsChoose.org, Project Lead the Way, Teach For America and TELACU Education Foundation in addition to the Tiger Woods Foundation. The Chevron World Challenge, now in its 12th year, has raised approximately $20 million to benefit education-focused non-profits with operations in California.

Furyk’s victory last year was marked by an inspired comeback. Tied for fifth going into the final round, he leapfrogged into the winner’s circle and wound up with a 72-hole score of 13-under par 275. He won three times this year, including the regular season-ending Tour Championship. Furyk also won at the Transitions Championship and the Verizon Heritage and now has 16 PGA Tour titles to his credit.

Woods came up big in two majors – he tied for 4th at both the Masters and the U.S. Open – and picked up some traction at the first three FedEx Cup playoff events when he was a combined 18-under par. But Woods’ average driving distance was down, his scoring was up and his inconsistencies in finding fairways and greens curtailed what could have added up to more.


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Is TIGER WOODS on his way back? It's Time!

 This article puts into words what I thought about the Ryder Cup. Tiger sort of disgraced himself during one of the 4 Plays, but then so did some of the other players - and all the other matches he played in were reminiscent of the 'old' Tiger. Way to go!


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Tiger Woods is on his way back, watch out PGA:
tehran times
Tiger Woods is back.

Woods, the No. one ranked golf player in the world, seems to have regained his groove and swing at the Ryder Cup this past weekend.

He beat European representative Francesco Molinari, who was up by two through the first three holes.

Well, it's either that Tiger was lucky or he proved again to the world what he is capable of doing on the course.

We can guess it wasn't just luck this time which lead to Woods' fourth win in Ryder Cup singles. The stats prove it: Woods birdied seven holes, and also eagled once for the rest of the 15 holes. You can't do all of that with just luck. Tiger used the skills we always knew he had.

But at the start of the Ryder Cup, many questioned United States captain Corey Pavin's selection of an inconsistent Tiger Woods.

The experienced Pavin proved us wrong.

The U.S. Ryder Cup team might have lost the cup this year to Europe, but with Tiger's performance, it certainly is good news for the Professional Golf Association, and also, for Tiger himself.

He stated, "I played well today. It was nice to turn my match around like I did."

His opponent, Molinari, was content with the way he played; he just wasn't content with going against Tiger. He said, "I had a good start and I think I played all right. But if Tiger plays like that, there's not much you can do."

PGA players, you aren't competing with an inconsistent Tiger and the rest of the players anymore—you're playing with the rest of the players and the Tiger.

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Tiger Woods Bests Francesco Molinari in Ryder Cup. Good Job!

 It's nice to hear someone saying something nice about Tiger for a change. He's had a lot of bad press lately, but I thought he did quite well at the Ryder Cup. Too bad he was part of that record bashing in the 4-play, but otherwise he showed us all that he still has it. Hope he starts winning some tournaments before he actually loses world No 1.
   . . . June


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Even though United States falls at Ryder Cup, Tiger Woods impresses by besting Francesco Molinari:

By Hank Gola DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER Monday, October 4th 2010

NEWPORT, Wales – Tiger Woods may have played his best round of the year Monday in a preview of what his new swing might hold for 2011.

Woods ran his Ryder Cup singles record to 4-1-1 with a 4-and-3 drubbing of Francesco Molinari, storming back from 2-down after three holes. Woods threw seven birdies and an eagle at the overmatched Italian, who had to feel as though he was playing the best player in the world.

'I had a good start and I think I played all right,' Molinari said. 'But if Tiger plays like that, there's not much you can do.'

'I played well today,' Woods said. 'It was nice to turn my match around like I did. I've been close t playing that way for a little bit now but I'm really looking forward to the rest of the year.'

And beyond.

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Will Tiger Lose The World No 1 Spot To Westwood?

 I feel badly for Tiger. He actually played pretty well for most of the Ryder Cup. Unfortunately, he weill be remembered for the their disastrous rout in the last round of 4-Play. It was as though the entire European team caught fire as soon as they saw Tiger going down. It was simply impossible to make up that large lead. I hope that Tiger can take away something good from this game anyway
   . . . June

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Westwood moves to second; No. 1 coming soon
Golf - MiamiHerald.com:

Lee Westwood became the No. 2 player in the world on Monday, then watched his European team claim victory at the Ryder Cup.

Westwood passed Phil Mickelson to earn the second spot, and it may get even better for the Englishman. According to some reports, Westwood may be in line for the No. 1 spot as soon as next week.

Westwood is expected to be in the field Thursday at the Alfred Dunhill Championship. A big finish at St. Andrews, where he finished second at this year's British Open, could be enough to be No. 1 for the first time in his career. Westwood is also expected to play in the Portugal Masters in two weeks and it's been reported he would be No. 1 in the world with just two top-20 finishes.

So Tiger Woods kept the No. 1 spot for the 278th consecutive week, followed by Westwood and Mickelson. Steve Stricker, who defeated Westwood in Monday's Ryder Cup singles matches, stayed fourth, while FedEx Cup winner Jim Furyk, PGA Champion Martin Kaymer, Paul Casey, Luke Donald, Rory McIlory and Ernie Els rounded out the top 10.

Matt Kuchar, Dustin Johnson and Graeme McDowell remained in spots 11-13, while Edoardo Molinari and Ian Poulter both moved up one to Nos. 14 and 15, respectively. Hunter Mahan dipped two to 16th.
Retief Goosen and Anthony Kim held on to their spots from last week. Zach Johnson and British Open champion Louis Oosthuizen switched places this week with Johnson up to 19th and the South African down to 20th.
Bill Haas collected his second PGA Tour win at the Viking Classic on Sunday and moved up 25 places to No. 64.

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