Tiger Woods wasn't back. Nor is he now lost again. Instead, he's like many players on the PGA Tour: capable of winning any week or capable of blowing up on a Sunday as well, as he did in the U.S. Open.
Woods actually has hit the ball well off the tee of late, perhaps evidence his swing change finally is producing results. But it's Woods' putting -- and fortunately for him not his health -- that continues to abandon him. As players age, putting gets tougher -- it requires more concentration, more steadiness, more mental toughness. It also requires more confidence. No matter how great you used to be, confidence in your putter only extends as far as the latest round.
There's also no dominant player on tour right now -- 15 players have won the last 15 majors. So the question likely isn't whether he can win another major but when. It might not happen often, but it would be surprising if it doesn't happen at all.
- John Keim
