The Match: Woods returns to action

Tiger Woods at The Match VII at Pelican Golf Club in Florida

Tiger Woods made his long anticipated return to golf on the public stage in the 6th edition of The Match, which was played in a new format over 12 holes under lights at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida. The 15-time major winner teamed up with reigning World No.1 Rory McIlroy to take on Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth. All players wore mics and Thomas stole the show with witty one liners.

Woods last played in the British Open at St. Andrews back in July, where he missed the cut and was in the field for last week’s Hero World Challenge but had to withdraw due to his inability to walk a full 18 holes. The Match was played in carts which enabled Woods to play.

The purpose of The Match is to create an entertaining made for TV event to raise money for charity and featured celebrity basketball player turned golfer Charles Barkley. The original edition of the event featured Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson with superstar American footballers Tom Brady and Peyton Manning.

Woods teamed up with reigning World No.1 Rory McIlroy to take on Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth but he was clearly not able to keep the pace with the other three currently in-form stars. All players wore mics and Thomas stole the show with witty one liners.

Tiger’s first hole of golf in over two weeks…

Birdie. pic.twitter.com/VBhzB5B5Pm

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) December 11, 2022

Thomas and Spieth birdied 7 of the 10 holes played when the match ended 3&2 in their favour.

JT & Jordan are winners of The Match pic.twitter.com/VhJ8pzWKjQ

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) December 11, 2022

One Club challenge – This one showed creativity – Each player had to choose one club to use on the fourth, and no two players could use the same club. The team of Spieth and Thomas chose a 4-iron and a 5-wood, respectively. McIlroy and Woods elected to go with a 3-iron and a 5-iron, respectively. Only Thomas managed to make a par, which put his team 3-up through four holes.