JERSEY CITY, New Jersey, (Reuters) – Tiger Woods moved into title contention at the Barclays Classic yesterday despite having a tough time reading the undulating greens at the Liberty National Golf Club.
“These greens are just so different,” the world number one told reporters after a third-round 67 gave him a four-under total of 209 at the first event in the PGA Tour’s four-tournament FedExCup playoff series.
“It’s not too often that half your putts are double-breaking putts. You’re hitting in there 10 feet, 12 feet, 15 feet and they are double-breaking putts all the time.”
The American, who finished the day five strokes behind co-leaders Paul Goydos and Steve Marino, was so confused by the putting surfaces he needed the help of his caddie Steve Williams.
“Usually I read greens on my own and feel very comfortable with my reads,” said Woods. “It is just so different here. (You think) is it going to move or not?.”
Liberty National, a waterfront course in the shadow of the Statue of Liberty, opened in 2006 and is hosting a tour event for the first time.
Co-leader Goydos, however, said he did not find the greens that confusing.
“When you have greens that are this undulating, you are not going to get fooled on where it’s going to break that much,” the 45-year-old tour veteran said.
“There’s not a lot of subtlety. Yes, they are double-breaking, but they are two elephants you’re looking at.
“You should have a pretty good idea…just because they are so severe.”
Rain and wind made the 7,400-yard layout play to an average of more than four-over-par for Friday’s early starters and officials pushed forward many of the tees on Saturday.
Woods, who compiled five birdies and a lone bogey at the par-four 10th, said his 13-foot putt for a regulation four at the last hole was a key moment.
“It was important because we played the ladies tees most of the day,” he said after a round when the competitors were allowed to lift, clean and place the ball because of the wet conditions. “The guys can run away with it if they really play well. It’s just unbelievable how short the golf course is playing.”
