Tiger's FedExCup Campaign Begins

There are a number of interesting storylines to follow at the Wyndham Championship in Greensboro -- only a half hour or so from where I live -- this week, such as:

• Camilo Villegas's attempt to defend his title
• Billy Hurley's first event since his father committed suicide
• The potential for someone to leap into the FedExCup Playoffs

And of course, Tiger's making his first appearance at the Wyndham in his attempt to extend his season.



By all reports Tiger is enjoying his time in Greensboro. In addition to rounds played with Davis Love and a pro-am pairing with LA Clippers guard Chris Paul -- who is also a North Carolina boy like me -- Tiger has apparently been spending a lot of time with fans and also laughing a lot with friends. Being in such good spirits can only help him in his mission this week, because it's certainly going to be an uphill battle.

While a win is the only way Tiger can guarantee a spot at the Barclays next week, a solo second might also do the job. In three of the last four years, no more than one player has managed to move inside the magic 125. (There were three in that other year.) If Tiger can just get inside the number, it's likely that will be enough.

Tiger's chances of getting that win are slim, given his performances so far this year. Although he's clearly showing some signs of improvement over his last few events, he hasn't been able to put four solid rounds together. (He did manage three rounds in the 60s at the Quicken Loans Invitational, more than he had posted in all the events before. Like I said, he's showing some improvement.)

One bright spot emerged during his media appearance on Wednesday. Most of the analysts felt that Sedgefield CC would be a good place for Tiger since he wouldn't need driver much if at all. But Tiger mentioned that he is able to use his 2-iron in Greensboro, something that he normally can't do here in the States because he needs the higher flight of his 5-wood for those courses.

The stinger shot that Tiger once used with devastating effectiveness has been missing from his bag for a few years now. If he can use the 2-iron, then for all practical purposes he has a stinger once more. And when Tiger has hit the fairway this year, his Strokes Gained with Approach Shots stat has been around 35th on Tour, and he's been first in Proximity to Hole. If Tiger can capitalize on that 2-iron and if his putter continues to cooperate, he should at least make the cut.

And maybe, just maybe, he can get himself into contention Sunday afternoon. That would be a tournament promoter's dream, as well as the dream of millions of fans.

History has been made in Greensboro many times over the years. Perhaps Tiger can add a chapter of his own.

The featured pairing of Tiger Woods, Brooks Koepka and Hideki Matsuyama tee off the tenth hole at 7:50am ET. While GC won't begin coverage of the event until noon, you should be able to catch Tiger on the PGA Tour Live app. According to PGATOUR.com:

The PGA TOUR LIVE broadcasts begin on Thursday and Friday at 7:30 a.m. After the two Featured Groups are done, the coverage switches to the most compelling storyline on the course until the Featured Hole coverage starts at 3 p.m.

You can get the app at the Apple Store or go direct to the website and watch Tiger there.