Tiger looks to bounce back at Omega Dubai Desert Classic

Tiger Woods makes his second start of the 2014 season this week in the European Tour’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club in the United Arab Emirates. A two-time winner of the tournament, he will look to get back on track after missing the secondary cut for the first time in his PGA TOUR career last week at the Farmers Insurance Open in La Jolla, Calif.

Woods shot a 7-over-par 79 in the third round at Torrey Pines Golf Course, equaling his worst score as a professional on U.S. soil. After failing to qualify for Sunday’s final round, he returned to his home in Jupiter, Fla., and worked on his putting and relaxed.

“It was just one of those days that happened, and it was one of the trains I just couldn’t get off,” said Tiger, who carded two double bogeys and five bogeys during a seven-hole stretch. “There was nothing different with my ball-striking [Tuesday] compared to last Saturday.”

Woods, the 2013 PGA TOUR Player of the Year and No. 1 player in the world, expects to play well this week. In addition to his two victories, he has only finished out of the top five once in six appearances. 

“I am not that far off,” he said.
 
On Tuesday, Tiger played in an 18-hole exhibition for former champions, part of a 25-year anniversary celebration of the event. Paired with defending champion Stephen Gallacher and Fred Couples, Woods shot a 71 despite a double bogey on the par-5 18th hole. Rafa Cabrera-Bello and Henrik Stenson tied for the low score with 66.

Tiger will play the first two rounds of the tournament with Rory McIlroy and Gallacher. They are scheduled to tee off Wednesday at 11:05 p.m. ET, followed by the second round Friday at 3:25 a.m. ET.