Tiger Woods Sends Strong Message Ahead of 2025 Open Championship originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Unfortunately the legendary Tiger Woods is still rehabbing his torn Achilles that he suffered prior to the Masters, meaning he is not competing this week at The Open Championship at Royal Portrush for the first time since 2019, a course Woods has played before.
Woods is a three-time Open Championship winner, having claimed titles in 2000, 2005, and 2006—though none of those came at Royal Portrush. He did compete in the most recent 2019 tournament held there, but struggled and missed the cut after a rough first two rounds.
Still, when Tiger talks, people listen. Ahead of this year’s tournament, which tees off Thursday, Woods offered some insight into the challenges of the course and emphasized the importance of a strong start.
“It’s important to get off to a good start there,” Woods said. “There are some par holes to open with, but when you get closer to the ocean, it’s a little bit different.”
He also highlighted the demanding Par 3 16th hole, which measures around 236 yards.
“I think that par three is all you want,” Woods said. “It’s 240 [yards], slightly uphill, and you can’t go right—you’re dead if you go right. If you go left, there are some mounds. It’s one of the hardest par threes I’ve ever played.”
A tournament where adaptability and creative play define champions. #SunDayRedpic.twitter.com/odUVj7b05U
— SUN DAY RED (@SunDayRed) July 14, 2025
This week’s Open Championship is shaping up to be a special one, filled with compelling storylines. Most notably, it marks a homecoming for Woods’ close friend and world No. 2 Rory McIlroy, who returns to Northern Ireland.
It also presents an opportunity for world No. 1 and two-time Masters champion Scottie Scheffler to capture his first Open title. Additionally, 2019 champion Shane Lowry returns to the site where he set the course record with a stunning third-round 63 en route to victory.
Related: Phil Mickelson Names Greatest Golfer of All Time Without Hesitation
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
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