The Loop

Tiger Woods shoots 62 to stir anticipation of his return

October 02, 2011

HOBE SOUND, Fla. -- There were times when Tiger Woods would shoot 62 and it wouldn't be news, but on a slow weekend his course-record at Medalist GC stirs anticipation of a return to competition at this week's Frys.com Open. Woods made 10 birdies -- including seven in a back-nine 29 -- to better the 64 shot by a group of 10, including course co-designer Greg Norman, Steve Marino and Jesper Parnevik.

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Woods hasn't played a competitive round since the PGA Championship in August. Photo by Getty Images

The round came three days after officially getting the Presidents Cup pick from Freddie Couples and five days after hiring caddie Joe LaCava out from under Dustin Johnson. On a teleconference announcing the picks, Woods hinted that something like this was coming with clearance by doctors to resume his workout and practice schedules.

Woods finished strong, missing a 15-footer for eagle on the course's 18th hole. Known for its difficulty, Medalist plays 7,157 yards from the tips with a course rating of 74.5 and a slope of 142.

While skeptics were quick to point out the lack of pressure on Woods, there is a precedent in his favor. In 1997, he shot 59 at Isleworth and followed up with the first of 14 majors at The Masters.

-- Tim Rosaforte