The Loop

Soltau: Tiger Prepares for Windy Afternoon

April 13, 2008

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Tiger Woods arrived at breezy Augusta National Golf Club just before 1 p.m. and went straight to the putting green. After a short practice session, he headed to the range with swing coach Hank Haney, studying the Sunday pin sheet as he walked. Woods always makes mental notes and practices shots he thinks he will need during the round.

As predicted, swirling winds of more than 20 miles-per-hour are making the course play tough so far. The sun is out and there's hardly a cloud in the sky, but spectators are dressed warmly in wind shirts, sweaters and jackets. It's currently in the low 60s. It appears that about one out of four fans are attired in something green.

Woods declined a pre-round interview request from CBS, as did leader Trevor Immelman.

--Mark Soltau