After getting an up close and personal look at Tiger Woods at the PNC Championship, Justin Thomas’ legendary caddie, Jim “Bones Mackay insists nothing can be ruled out when it comes to the 15-time Major winner.
While Twitter went into typical overdrive as to the credentials of Tiger’s 13-year old son, Charlie, Mackay admits he was more impressed by 46-year old Woods who continues to work his way back to full health following a near-fatal SUV crash in February 2021.
In fact, Mackay, who caddied for JT in the same group as Woods at the Ritz Carlton, was so impressed by what he saw that he even suggested Woods would be capable of playing his way into the Ryder Cup shakeup in Rome next September.
“Nothing impressed me more than how well Tiger played,” Bones said.
“I was out there thinking ‘oh my gosh, it’s a Ryder Cup year’.”
Woods has already gone on the record to suggest that his ailing leg would only be able for four Majors next year, and maybe one or two other events. How that stacks up to Woods earning a Ryder Cup pick from USA Captain Zach Johnson remains to be seen, but Mackay believes you can’t put anything past Woods.
“Let’s not put anything past the guy,” he added.
“I’m excited because I think he’s going to come out there and make plenty more noise and give some of those guys who would love dearly to play with him late on Sunday an idea of what it was like.”
Mackay wasn’t the only one suggesting that Woods could rattle a few cages on the fairways next year. As previously reported by Irish Golfer, Pádraig Harrington was another impressed by Woods’ speed at the latest edition of ‘The Match’, so much so that the Dubliner believes Woods will add to his 15-Major haul.
“Tiger knows if he can get himself into position, that he’ll raise his game and put a little bit of pressure and stress on the rest of the field,” Harrington said.
“I think he needs a little bit of physicality as in that ball speed. It’s just tough if you go out there against these young guys, there’s so many of them that they’re hitting it and they’re overpowering golf courses.
“If you’re not somewhat able to keep up there, initially, you’re not doubting Tiger being good down the last nine holes, but the little bit of extra speed will help him because in the first 63 holes, that the last nine holes, you know, who would want to be coming down the stretch against Tiger… all these young guys. You know he’s capable of doing anything at that stage. And, yeah, I think he’s in a better position to get himself into that last nine holes.
“He looked good physically. As I said, he looked better at that match. So, you know, I’m not saying he “could be,” I actually believe he will be a danger. I think he’ll win another major.
“The way I looked at him, I genuinely think he will be in contention. And as I said, I’m sure he wishes every tournament he could play, if it’s like a major, he’s going to have a chance.”
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