LOS ANGELES: Tiger Woods says he still believes he can beat Jack Nicklaus’s record of 18 major victories despite the injury layoff that has left him sidelined for more than a year.
The 40-year-old former world number one told PBS television’s Charlie Rose program that he had not given up hope of adding to his 14 major victories.
Woods gave an enigmatic response when first asked whether he felt he could reach Nicklaus’s mark of 18 majors.
“To be honest with you, no,” Woods replied. But asked if he accepted that eventuality, he added: “I’ve accepted I’m going to get more.”
When pressed later on whether he meant he still plans to break Nicklaus’s mark, Woods responded: “Correct.”
Woods has not won a major since his victory at the US Open in 2008, and has not played competitively since August 2015.
His much trumpeted comeback at the Safeway Open in northern California this month was shelved on the eve of the tournament, fueling fresh fears about his fitness.
However, Woods said he is optimistic he can return in December, insisting that the competitive fires still raged within him.
“I like beating those guys. That’s why I practice all those hours ... is to be ready to take on those guys down the stretch. And do I miss it? Absolutely, 100 percent.
“And to be at my age now, at 40 years old ... I’m the first one to admit: I can’t do the things I used to be able to do. Most people can’t at my age, versus when they were younger. I have to find different ways to go about it.”
Thomas shoots 64 to launch CIMB defense
Defending champion Justin Thomas launched the defense of his CIMB Classic title in Malaysia with nine birdies en route to an eight-under-par 64 on Thursday.
The American was joined at the top of the first-round leaderboard by compatriots Derek Fathauer and Keegan Bradley, with England’s Paul Casey one shot back.
Thomas, 23, who clinched his maiden PGA Tour title here in 2015 after a tournament record 26-under-par 262, kept his cool despite hot and humid conditions to card just a single bogey at the TPC Kuala Lumpur course.
“It was a good day... it was solid. If there’s such a thing as an easy eight-under, it was. I wedged it great,” he said.
Anirban Lahiri of India was in range with a 66 while recent Ryder Cup victor Patrick Reed of the USA, the world number seven, was four shots back with a 68.
Adam Scott, the highest-ranked player in the field at number six, was left to rue three bogeys that left him six shots back.
Scott, who finished in the top 10 in his last four tournaments, vowed to come back more aggressive.
“I hit a few bad shots in the round and made some bogeys unfortunately. It’s really good scoring conditions, so that was costly,” said Scott.
“Yeah, I think you need to play aggressive. I really need a low round tomorrow and get up near double digits under par, and try and get back in this thing.”
Ryan Moore, who is bidding to win the CIMB Classic for a third time, stumbled out of the gates to a one-under 71.
The 33-year-old, another member of the winning USA Ryder Cup team, won in 2013 and 2014.
The $7 million tournament is jointly sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the PGA Tour and offers $1.26 million to the winner.
It is the second event of the PGA Tour’s 2017 schedule, and offers 500 points toward the FedEX Cup championship, as well as an invite to the winners-only 2017 Tournament of Champions.
The 40-year-old former world number one told PBS television’s Charlie Rose program that he had not given up hope of adding to his 14 major victories.
Woods gave an enigmatic response when first asked whether he felt he could reach Nicklaus’s mark of 18 majors.
“To be honest with you, no,” Woods replied. But asked if he accepted that eventuality, he added: “I’ve accepted I’m going to get more.”
When pressed later on whether he meant he still plans to break Nicklaus’s mark, Woods responded: “Correct.”
Woods has not won a major since his victory at the US Open in 2008, and has not played competitively since August 2015.
His much trumpeted comeback at the Safeway Open in northern California this month was shelved on the eve of the tournament, fueling fresh fears about his fitness.
However, Woods said he is optimistic he can return in December, insisting that the competitive fires still raged within him.
“I like beating those guys. That’s why I practice all those hours ... is to be ready to take on those guys down the stretch. And do I miss it? Absolutely, 100 percent.
“And to be at my age now, at 40 years old ... I’m the first one to admit: I can’t do the things I used to be able to do. Most people can’t at my age, versus when they were younger. I have to find different ways to go about it.”
Thomas shoots 64 to launch CIMB defense
Defending champion Justin Thomas launched the defense of his CIMB Classic title in Malaysia with nine birdies en route to an eight-under-par 64 on Thursday.
The American was joined at the top of the first-round leaderboard by compatriots Derek Fathauer and Keegan Bradley, with England’s Paul Casey one shot back.
Thomas, 23, who clinched his maiden PGA Tour title here in 2015 after a tournament record 26-under-par 262, kept his cool despite hot and humid conditions to card just a single bogey at the TPC Kuala Lumpur course.
“It was a good day... it was solid. If there’s such a thing as an easy eight-under, it was. I wedged it great,” he said.
Anirban Lahiri of India was in range with a 66 while recent Ryder Cup victor Patrick Reed of the USA, the world number seven, was four shots back with a 68.
Adam Scott, the highest-ranked player in the field at number six, was left to rue three bogeys that left him six shots back.
Scott, who finished in the top 10 in his last four tournaments, vowed to come back more aggressive.
“I hit a few bad shots in the round and made some bogeys unfortunately. It’s really good scoring conditions, so that was costly,” said Scott.
“Yeah, I think you need to play aggressive. I really need a low round tomorrow and get up near double digits under par, and try and get back in this thing.”
Ryan Moore, who is bidding to win the CIMB Classic for a third time, stumbled out of the gates to a one-under 71.
The 33-year-old, another member of the winning USA Ryder Cup team, won in 2013 and 2014.
The $7 million tournament is jointly sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the PGA Tour and offers $1.26 million to the winner.
It is the second event of the PGA Tour’s 2017 schedule, and offers 500 points toward the FedEX Cup championship, as well as an invite to the winners-only 2017 Tournament of Champions.
