There were contrasting fortunes for two of the world's top golfers over the weekend at the Memorial Tournament in Ohio. England's Justin Rose narrowly lost out on the title to David Lingmerth after a play-off. The ailing Tiger Woods survived the cut but slipped back to finish last of the players competing over the final two days. Woods also had to suffer the ignominy of shooting his worst round as a professional golfer on day three.
Rose is blossoming
Rose seems to be in sparkling form as the summer's major tournaments beckon. After finishing joint second at this year's Masters behind Jordan Spieth, the 2013 US Open champion was once again right in the mix at the conclusion at Muirfield Village in Ohio.
Lead soon disappeared
Rose had led by three shots going into the final 18 holes. Yet his advantage had quickly disappeared in round four, as four bogeys in the opening eight holes was certainly not the start he was looking for.
Recovery but lost the play-off
The play-off was forced though thanks to his recovery on the back nine holes which left him with a round of 72 to finish with. Lingmerth and Rose finished tied for the overall lead on 15-under par after four rounds, after Lingmerth closed with a final round of 69.
In the end it was not to be though for the Englishman as the 27-year-old Swede, Lingmerth took the honours at the third extra hole.
Struggle for Woods
These are not happy days in the golfing career of the former undisputed world number one, Eldrick "Tiger" Woods.
Once the major draw at the world's tournaments, the galleries are now becoming used to the 'wounded' Tiger instead.
39-year-old Woods was already struggling to make an impression in his latest event, after only making the cut by one shot. He could hardly have imagined that the nightmare could get worse, but it most certainly did.
Horrific third round
His disastrous 18 holes on day three of the Memorial Tournament in America epitomised his recent (poor) form. A calamitous 13-over-par round of 85 shots represented his worst ever since becoming a professional in 1996. Bogeys of all types littered his card: singles, doubles and even a horrific quadruple to finish.
Tiger to his great credit did complete the tournament, an event he has previously enjoyed happy memories at with five victories during his lengthy career. His world ranking suffered yet more of a slippage, with 180 players now ahead of the 14-time major winner.
Optimism from Woods
Woods faced the press afterwards to confirm that his back is not causing him further problems, but that in order to hopefully improve his ranking he is intent on "playing more Golf all this summer."
The world of golf wishes him well as a fully-firing Woods can only be good for the sport.
