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PGA Professional Expert Panel on Tiger Woods Return

- PGA.com

Tiger Woods' return to competitive golf is full of drama, excitement and quite a full questions. And who better to guide us through Tiger's return this week at the World Golf Championships - Accenture Match Play Championship than the PGA Professionals who have been a part of some of Tiger's most memorable moments in golf. Check back each day to hear what our exclusive panel has to say about Tiger's performance and what it means to the entire golf community.

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Joe DeBock: Head Professional --
Torrey Pines Golf Club

Thursday
-- Pretty somber here at Torrey Pines. Once the word got out here at Torrey, disbelief and denial ruled the course. The buzz at Torrey the last couple of days reminded everyone like the good old days. Business has been good, the course is full and many people are practicing, playing and shopping. Tiger was most definitely the topic of everyone. I am sure Tiger felt he was totally ready but maybe subconsciously he looked like he was being careful, not the all out Tiger Woods. He walked slower and took a lot of small steps, especially getting in and out of bunkers. His stance looked more narrow at times, maybe keeping his knees under him. Trying to win without being competitive for the last 8 months would have been tough, of course we all believed it could be done. My only regret is, I wish his return was at Torrey Pines, "oh I know life gets in the way". Thank goodness Tiger is back and we look forward to seeing him next year at Torrey Pines!

Wednesday -- While Tiger looks good physically, to me he had more bounce in his step at Torrey Pines -- even with the bad knee. Plus he definitely looked like he swung harder and more aggressively at the U.S. Open than he does now. Maybe it was just all the excitement or emotions around that event. Of course Tiger is quite at home at Torrey Pines. Here at the Accenture, he is playing a new course, with a new knee and a new opponent. I actually think he looked cautious for the most part, walking slowly and softly but ready to pounce if he needed to. I did notice he would fall back quickly to his back foot on many shots, maybe favoring his left knee, who knows? Still, Tiger left Torrey Pines in a match play mode because when you are in a playoff, the match play mentality naturally takes over, which surely suits him perfectly in this tournament.

Tuesday -- I like to say you're only as good as your last tournament and well, we all remember Tiger's last tournament, especially those of us here at Torrey Pines. Of course, this is a little bit different. While all the other players have been practicing and playing the last 8 months, Tiger has not had that luxury. If his fellow competition ever had a chance to win, this is it; or is it? I think the pressure is on them!

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Chuck Dunbar: Head Professional --
Pebble Beach Golf Links

Thursday -- Okay, so the Tiger Watch may be over much sooner than many of us suspected. I figured Tim Clark to give him a pretty decent match but on the scorecard Clark was -6 through 16 holes, albeit some short putts were conceded. As I watched Tiger's game, he really didn't hit it bad; maybe found a few too many bunkers, but a pretty solid round from a ball striking standpoint. One big problem...he ran into a buzz saw today. After yesterday's round, I really thought we'd see Tiger on the weekend as I figured momentum would build. I'm sure I'm not the only one wrong on this one.

Wednesday -- A surprise to no one that he won. In watching his match, I think his better shots were when his swing was aggressive. That's how he's most comfortable. When he wasn't so aggressive, the result was either off-line or short. I recall in the 2000 Open at Pebble Beach, Tiger's game got rolling to the point where he stopped playing the field and played against the course. Of course he completely dominated then and as confidence grows (not that he lacks any) he may just do that with upcoming matches. Albeit it's a bit different in match play but I think after watching today it's safe to say that Tiger's back.

Tuesday -- I think the general assumption is that Tiger may be "rusty" after a long layoff. I highly doubt it. My sense is that Tiger could have made his comeback earlier this year, such as the Buick down at Torrey Pines, and still would have been the odds on favorite. I think he'll make his match play debut not at 100%, but at 110% as he's not one to tee it up unless he's as good, or better than when he last

Put it on the peg on tour. Outside of maybe returning earlier to the site of his last event/win, the Match play event is probably the best place for Tiger to put the "D" in Drama since he could be the best at match play since Lawson Little.

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Dave Bryan: Head Professional --
Southern Hills Golf Club

Thursday -- Tiger was not at his best, but Tim Clark would have beaten most players today. Clark kept the pressure on the entire day, and it seemed as if Tiger was pressing a little on the back nine, as he challenged very tough pin locations, which is unlike Tiger. He is usually very patient in attacking pins, because he is such a great putter, but the putts were not falling today, and it looked as if he became more aggressive. All that proves is he might just be human after all. One thing is for sure- he will take a lot away from the last two days, and go back to work in preparation to win his next event. I sensed a different atmosphere this week, and I think we were all excited with Tiger's return. It is going to be a great season, as Tiger tries to prove that he is back, and the other players try to prove that they are ready for his return as well. Get out and enjoy this great game, and have a great season yourself.

Wednesday -- Greatness is difficult to identify, or describe. But we are most fortunate to be experiencing it with Tiger Woods. One thing was apparent in late 2007 when Tiger won the PGA Championship at Southern Hills and dominated the rest of the season- he was swinging in great rhythm and control. That is what I saw today. He looked anxious and nervous at the start, actually stepping away from shots on the first two holes, and then hit wonderful shots. His mechanics looked great, with perhaps a little more bend in his left leg through impact, and his putting was excellent despite the greens being a little slow. I would think Tiger is very pleased with his performance, and I, like everyone else, can't wait till tomorrow.

Tuesday -- I was sitting at a table in the Men's Grill at Southern Hills in 1996, and a member asked me, " do you think Tiger Woods will have a successful pro career?" I responded that Tiger had just won 36 straight matches in USGA Championships, against very strong competition (three US Junior Championships, and three US Amateur Championships), and I thought he would do just fine. He has an amazing desire to win, and an uncanny ability to play well when it counts, despite foreboding circumstances. This week's tournament is right in his wheelhouse, and we have already seen what a wounded Tiger can do. Match play and a hungry Tiger: I certainly wouldn't bet against him. Welcome back.

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John Lyberger: Head Professional --
Congressional Country Club

Thursday
-- T.N.T - Who dropped the bomb on who? Well unfortunately for Tiger he will be home changing diapers tonight thinking about those birdies that got away -- while Tim Clark will live for another day. Tiger looked like he had a hard time finishing his shots on the back nine. This produced poor tee shots and missed greens. Too many doors were left open for Tim and he had no trouble capitalizing. Lets look for a rematch in July with Tim and Tiger at Congressional Country Club in the final pairing of the ATT National.

Wednesday -- Tiger picked up right where he left off. It is amazing that he can return to this level of play after surgery 8 months ago. His win today reinforces my opinion that this match play competition is the perfect test for his return. Tomorrow's match against Tim Clark will not go as easily for Tiger. Tim is a very steady performer and should take Tiger to the closing holes. I have seen Tim and Tiger both play at Congressional. They can each handle the big courses very well!

Tuesday -- Tiger has been looking forward to returning to competitive golf since the day he woke up from surgery. As it has been stated before...Tiger will not make a return unless he believes that he can win. This format makes perfect sense for the timing of Tigers return. He doesn't need to worry about the wayward drive or two or worry about a missed 3 footer. He is competing against the other player he is matched against not the field. He can continue to work on his physical and mental game without necessarily worrying about his over all score. With each match one he will gain more confidence...Look out field.

 
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