Open Championship 2022: 'I’m trying to needle him' - Justin Thomas probing Tiger Woods for St Andrews insight
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Updated 10/07/2022 at 15:16 GMT
Tiger Woods is a star attraction at the Open Championship, being a three-time winner of the event - and twice on the Old Course at St Andrews. Justin Thomas has used a practice round with Woods on Friday to pick his brains on the test he will face next week. He's not sure Woods gave him full access to his vault of knowledge.
Tiger Woods and Justin Thomas walk down the fairway during a practice round ahead of the Open Championship at St Andrews Old Course on July 10, 2022 in St Andrews, Scotland
Image credit: Getty Images
Justin Thomas has admitted to picking Tiger Woods’ brain during their practice round ahead of the Open Championship on Sunday.
Woods and Thomas have a close relationship and have been regular playing partners, albeit recreationally of late due to the former’s injury troubles.
The 15-time major winner Woods is back at the scene of two of his three Open Championship wins, but on recent form he stands little chance of contending as he continues to struggle with the leg injury he suffered in a car crash last year.
Thomas, in stark contrast, arrives at St Andrews as a major champion after winning the US PGA Championship in May.
He missed the cut at the Scottish Open on Friday, but that allowed him to travel to St Andrews - and a priceless round with Woods.
“(I’ve been picking Tiger’s brain) a little bit,” Thomas said. “I understand he is going to be a little withholding of some information but I’m trying to needle him and get as much out of him as I can.
“He’s done pretty well around this place.
“I’ve never had probably a more productive missed cut than the Scottish Open because it’s been nice to come out here and prep the last two days.”
Three-time Open winner Sir Nick Faldo does not think Woods can contend, but Thomas would not be surprised to see the 46-year-old towards the top of the leaderboard.
“No, (Tiger in contention wouldn’t surprise me) absolutely not,” Thomas said. “I’ve learned not to challenge anything Tiger can or can’t do.”
Woods will be in action in semi-competitive action on Monday, as he will tee it up alongside Georgia Hall, Rory McIlroy and Lee Trevino for the Celebration of Champions as part of the Open’s 150th anniversary.
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