Tournament article

ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP 2019

"No fans allowed" but fans called out "Tiger" from outside the course to cheer him

Tiger has played another marvelous round of 64 and became the solo leader after Round 2 at 12 under total. He made 1-meter putt to start his round with a birdie, but on the 2nd hole, he missed the 1-meter par saving putt and bogeyed.

Then after the 3rd Hole, Tiger heard his name called from outside the course. Fans were cheering for Tiger from other side of the fence. PGA TOUR officials have decided that the course will unfortunately be closed to all spectators on Round 2, but still over 100 of fans came and they shouted Tiger' name from outside.

"I was so surprised because there shouldn't be any fans today."
But Tiger was very pleased to hear them cheer for him and answered back with a big smile.

"I know there were many casualties and damages by the torrential rains. I really wish that everybody be safe and well."

Cheers from outside must have worked. Tiger recalls as "My putts were great from 4th and on". He has trouble at 6th, where he had to hit out of the trees on his 2nd shot which got caught in the nasty roughs, but he was able to save par there too. Then he went on to make 8-meter birdie putt on 7th.

Tiger made the turn with 1 under play, then he almost made eagle on 10th, and followed by another birdie on 11th with holing 5-meter. Tiger was on the roll again. He made 3-meter on 13, tap in birdie on 17 and, easily made it on 2 at Par 5 18, and 2 putted for birdie finish to score 64, 2 days in a row to total at 12 under, solo leader. Gary Woodland follows him with 2 shots behind.

Tiger went through his 5th knee surgery in August and chose his "come back game" to be this ZOZO Championship.
"It usually takes more time to adjust recovering from surgery, but I am amazed to be able to play so well. My iron shots are really good."

Tiger last came to Japan 13 years ago and showed his incredible power and distance. Now at 44, he has precise iron techniques which allows him to put himself in chances even from the roughs, and with his great putting almost assures him to make those birdie chances. Tiger has made his Major victory count to 15 and also his career PGA Tour victories to 81 at the Masters in April. He is just 1 more win away to tie the record of 82 victories by Sam Sneed.

"I will play to win again tomorrow."

Tiger could be making another memorial record at history making first ever US PGA Tour tournament held in Japan.