Former world top golfer Tiger Woods hasn't won a tournament in five years and a major crown in the past decade.
Woods, now ranked 80th in the world, hopes to end his major title drought in this week's US Open, which will be held at Shinnecock Hills.
Leaving no stone unturned, Woods said he's staying on his 155-foot yacht, or what he calls "dinghy," to be closer to the course when he begins his 20th US Open campaign on Thursday. This is the first time that Woods will play in the US Open since missing the cut in 2015 tournament.
Woods' Yacht Worth $20 Million
"Yeah, staying on the dinghy helps,'' Woods jokingly says, adding that it will help him physically and mentally if he stays closer to the course on the $20-million yacht he calls "Privacy." Bought by Woods in 2004, Privacy has a top speed of 17 knots and can accommodate 17 people. The yacht has a theatre, gym, and a Jacuzzi.
By staying on his yacht, Woods said he could save time compared to staying in a hotel, which is two to three hours away from the course. With that distance, Woods said there's a possibility that a player might miss their tee time or encounter accidents along the way.
The yacht is now located in Sag Harbor, which is 30 minutes away from the Shinnecock Hills Golf Club. In previous interviews, Woods describes Sag Harbor as a cute little town. The former world No. 1 golfer said he would use the time before the tournament to understand the place more and enjoy the tranquillity of the surroundings.
Woods Struggling With Putter
Since coming back from his fourth back surgery, Woods has played in 10 tournaments. During the Memorial Tournament, Woods finished a tie for 23rd place at Muirfield Village, but he struggled with his putter. During the said competition, Woods three-putted five greens and missed seven putts of five feet or less.
Woods downplayed his putting struggles, saying that as a professional, he has to make adjustments. Woods also expressed confidence that he can put it all together this week at the US Open.
According to Dan Kilbridge of Golfweek, Woods has a chance to contend for his 15thmajor title with his steady iron play and Shinnecock's spacious fairways. Woods' caddie Joe LaCava says that the course suits the play of the former world No. 1.
However, Woods' putting woes could derail his chances in the tournament if he will not improve. Also, the thick rough at Shinnecock will pose a huge challenge for Woods.
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