Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Who will finish the WGC – Bridgestone Invitational in second place? That’s pretty much the only thing that has yet to be decided at Firestone Country Club. The reason that this event is essentially sewn up in a nice little bow is the fact that Tiger Woods will take a seven shot lead into the final round. Unless this tournament suddenly changes to a modified Stableford format like at the Reno – Tahoe Open for the final round, it will be just about impossible for Woods to falter enough for anyone in the field to catch him.
Woods is sitting at 15 under par after 54 holes. The next closest competitor is Henrik Stenson at eight under. After him comes Jason Dufner in solo third with a 54-hole score of seven under. It would be one of the biggest stories in recent memory should Woods give up this lead. I just don’t see it happening. It must be nice to have enough talent to be unhappy with carding a score of two under par when playing against the best golfers in the world. “You know, today was a day that I didn’t quite have it,” said Woods.. “But I scored. And that’s the name of the game, posting a number, and I did today. I grinded my way around that golf course.”
It’s one thing for Woods to put on this kind of performance in a WGC event, but he will need to replicate this level of play next week if he hopes to sway his detractors. It’s hard to find fault with the way Tiger has played this year, but there are certainly people that will try. Running away with this event after two rounds might just change some minds.
Now we just have to wait and see what he does at the PGA Championship next week.
Carl Conrad is the Senior Golf Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter or add him to your network on Google.
