What to expect from No. 3, Tiger Woods

By SI Group
January 24, 2011

Jim Herre, managing editor, SI Golf Group: Welcome to another edition of PGA Tour Confidential.

Let's get right to it. By winning in Abu Dhabi, Martin Kaymer passed Tiger Woods in the World Ranking and is now second to Lee Westwood. Woods is third for the first time since 2004, and will be making his first start of the season at this week's Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines. So, what can we expect from Tiger?

Cameron Morfit, senior writer, Golf Magazine: I think he will either win or come very close. If he doesn't, on that golf course, I think it'll be time to sound the alarms.

Jim Gorant, senior editor, Sports Illustrated: It would be surprising if he's not in the top five this week. He loves the course, has had tons of success there, and has been working hard for weeks. Takes a lot to win, but he should be right there.

Farrell Evans, writer-reporter, Sports Illustrated: Tiger has a new swing and a fresh outlook on his life after a tough past year. He will win at Torrey Pines.

Michael Bamberger, senior writer, Sports Illustrated: He owns the course, but he doesn't own his swing yet, or his new self. My guess is that he's hanging around the lead all week but doesn't win.

Morfit: He just looked so close at the Chevron, and I'd guess he'll want to make a statement this year. That said, his putting is still a question mark and may or may not respond to all the reps.

Alan Shipnuck, senior writer, Sports Illustrated: Red-ass. He'll come strong.

Gary Van Sickle, senior writer, Sports Illustrated: We don't know what to expect, and that's why Tiger is more exciting than ever right now. He might win, he might miss the cut. I have to believe he's going to finish among the top five, though. A win wouldn't be a surprise, given his track record at Torrey. And that would certainly sex up the race for the No. 1 world ranking.

Morfit: Yes, golf didn't get enough sexing up last year.

Shipnuck: It's true that winning is delicate and he might not yet have the confidence in his swing or putting. Tiger made it look so easy for so long, but it's really not.

Van Sickle: Exactly right, Alan. Tiger's secret to success wasn't a secret: he made clutch putt after clutch putt, and he didn't make bogeys because his short game and putting were so good. It is definitely not easy to climb back to that pinnacle.

Jeff Ritter, senior producer, Golf.com: He's won this thing six times and has had time to get angry and get ready, so you have to think he'll be right there on Sunday. But if he misses the cut or finishes back in the pack? Ominous sign for his '11 season.

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