MAMARONECK, N.Y. _ In retrospect, the brilliant career of Tiger Woods was like a comet flashing across the sports universe as he piled up 14 major championships from 1997 to 2008. But then, Woods plunged into an unfathomable 11-year major drought marred by personal problems and injuries before finally surfacing to win No. 15 at the Masters in April 2019, leaving him three short of Jack Nicklaus' record 18 majors.
Last October at the Zozo Championship in Japan, Woods won his 82nd PGA Tour title to tie Sam Snead for first all-time. Since then, Woods has made only six appearances in 2020 with just one top-10 finish. So, reality suggests he's not likely to contend at the 120th U.S. Open, starting Thursday at Winged Foot Golf Club.
Given his physical struggles after four back surgeries, no one understands better than Woods the challenge that lies ahead of him at the age of 44. "You know, I think it gets harder to win as we all age," Woods said following his practice round on Tuesday. "When you're in your prime, in your peak years, you have to take advantage of those opportunities so that when you get to the all-time marks, you have the opportunity."
