Golf legend Tiger Woods has been preparing for The Open Championship at Royal Troon after hinting that this might be his last shot at the Claret Jug.
After a full round on Sunday, Woods, alongside his good friends Justin Thomas and Max Homa, got another glimpse of Troon's back nine. The trio seemed to be in high spirits, cracking jokes under the Scottish morning sun as they acclimatised to the conditions.
This was a stark contrast to a month ago at Pinehurst No. 2 when the US Open proved too challenging for the 48 year old, who missed the cut at seven-over-par.
On that day, a disheartened Woods hinted that he may have played his final US Open, and that this week's Open Championship could be his last.
"As far as my last Open Championship or US Open Championship, I don't know what that is. It may or may not be," he said, suggesting that his illustrious career might be nearing its end.
The 15-time major champion has been trapped in a cycle of rustiness due to a lack of competitive play because of his recent injuries, having participated in only four tournaments this season.
Ex-rival Colin Montgomerie has since encouraged Tiger Woods to consider retirement and be "realistic". He said: "I hope people remember Tiger as Tiger was, the passion and the charismatic aura around him. There is none of that now.
"At Pinehurst, he did not seem to enjoy a single shot and you think 'What the hell is he doing? ' He's coming to Troon and he won't enjoy it there either."
And it seems if this is not his last Open, the 153rd next year at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland will be.
It was clear throughout the day on Scotland's west coast that the effects of Woods' 2021 car accident and subsequent surgeries are still at play, with his compromised mobility visible in his awkward gait and stiffness when tying his shoelace. He seemingly actively avoided the bunkers when practising shots.
The practicing trio would arrive at the green after playing their approaches at each hole, dropping balls in various areas to prepare for the myriad of short-game challenges they may face when the tournament starts on Thursday.
Homa and Thomas would casually throw a couple of balls into the sand when it came to the bunkers, while, possibly to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on his body due to the depth of some of the holes spread across this magnificent links layout, Woods would remain well away.
Despite a decline as a major force in the world of golf, 15-time champion Tiger Woods continues to have the ability to captivate crowds like few other athletes.
Even while sharing a course with two of the PGA Tour's biggest names, it was apparent that spectators were there primarily to watch him.
Any shot he made sent adrenaline surging through galleries as they eagerly anticipated his next move, often disregarding the fact that fellow players Homa and Thomas had yet to make their turns.
The audience witnessed sparks of Woods' former brilliance during the game. The most notable was a skilfully executed recovery from the sand on the 14th hole proving that even in his twilight years, Tiger still has a wealth of skills up his sleeve.
However, not all fans returned home delighted; some were disappointed that Woods didn't engage with them for autographs. To be fair, this isn't unusual behaviour during mid-round games.
A volunteer keen on seizing the moment was reprimanded, not by Woods himself, but by a security guard accompanying him throughout the event. The overzealous selfie-seeking fan was met with an unequivocal "Absolutely not," after he attempted to request a photo.
Although golf and boxing share little common ground, Woods prove that it echoes one universal principle of sport: power is often the last thing a sportsman looses. Despite having endured immeasurable physical strain both on and off the course over time, Woods can still launch the ball impressive distances.
Woods demonstrated his formidable driving prowess on the par-four 12th, sending his drive a full 30 yards down the fairway beyond Thomas and Homa. However, his birdie putt from 12 feet went astray a recurring theme of the day as he consistently misjudged green speeds.
Significantly less meticulous around the greens compared to Thomas and Homa, Woods chose to take extra putts and chips after completing holes with his original ball. In contrast, his partners painstakingly calculated each potential pin position.
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After finishing the 15th hole, signs of impatience were evident as Woods waited with his caddie at the 16th tee while Homa and Thomas diligently practised on the 15th green. Nevertheless, the atmosphere remained jovial both within and outside the ropes, with all three golfers warmly welcomed at the 17th tee.
Even hints of friendly wagering broke the surface, with Homa and Thomas overheard discussing "odds" - possibly an indication new challenges or prop bets took shape. At the 18th green, the tossing of a tee by Homa's caddie commonly used to decide shot order marred the previously competitive tone.
The day's proceedings ended majestically for Woods at hole 18, where a brilliant shot set up around twenty feet left for a potential birdie. The spectators present responded appreciatively, welcoming him into the grandstands enveloping the clubhouse-facing green.
But, true to the day's form, he disappointingly undershot his final putt. While there were flashes of Woods' brilliance across the nine holes, it was the physical challenges and the harsh reality of sport that stood out. All good things must end, and if this isn't Woods' final Open, the next one seemingly will be.
