WGC-Bridgestone Invitational: Power Ranking the top 10 at Firestone

The WGC-Bridgestone is on the short list of tournaments Tiger’s won post-2009. His seven-stroke win in 2013 was the high water mark of his comeback and now it seems as if he’s ready to win again.

What better place than Firestone to pick up another win? He’s only done it eight times. So many players would take for a career what Big Cat’s done at one event.

Woods won in the first event in 1999 and through 2001, 2005-2007, 2009 and in his last start here in 2013. He didn’t play in 2008, either.

He also has three top-fives.

That’s a pretty good success rate.

"“…it’s straightforward. I’ve always liked golf courses that play that way,” Woods said in 2009. “Ever since I was a little boy, my dad and I would always play tree-lined golf courses where it’s the older style of golf course, not elephant burial grounds. They’re just straightforward right in front of you. I’ve always loved golf courses like that. They’re just so defined.”"

In 2018, Woods is up to four top-10s in 12 starts with just one missed cut. He had the world buzzing when he momentarily took the lead at the Open, where he had his highest finish in a major since 2013.

Woods took three of the last four weeks off in advance of a busy stretch coming up for fans thirsty to get more of a glimpse. He’ll play this week, next week’s PGA Championship at Bellerive, and presumably each playoff event as long as he’s eligible. A Ryder Cup spot seems in line, too, although captain Jim Furyk has yet to commit one way or another.

If he can keep it in between the trees this week, Woods has as good a chance as any.