We love ya! A group of female fans show their support for Tiger Woods from a balcony in St AndrewsWith his reputation in ruins after revelations of cheating and a paternity suit, Tiger Woods could have expected boos and catcalls from the crowd at the British Open today.
But fans surprised him with some warm support. And the most surprising part? The cheers came from a group of women.
Their balcony overlooking the 18th at St Andrews boasted the Stars and Stripes and they happily waved their flags as Woods, 34, finished his round.
It was just the tonic Tiger needs at the moment. Facing a possible multi-million divorce payout after admitting a string of affairs, a paternity suit and the potential loss of his world No.1 slot, the best golfer of his generation casts a stony-faced figure much of the time.
He is in Britain for the first time since his sex scandal broke and might have been nervous of a frosty reception.
But he's still proved popular, not only with the women in the window, but also with the packed galleries along the famous course.
Swinging star: Tiger takes aim during the British Open Golf Championship at St Andrews in Scotland todayAt one point, Tiger showed the crowd his old confident self as he punched the air at the ninth hole after securing a birdie.
Fans were there once more, shouting 'get in the hole' as his ball went in. After his round, Woods said he was pleased with his performance
But Tiger had a day that provided further evidence that he is no longer the force he was.
Once upon a time he owned St Andrews, winning the last two Opens here by eight and five shots respectively. If he was going to make it three in a row, the World No 1 needed to make his move on the third day of the Open. But it did not happen.
A mediocre round of 73 left him so far back that he will need a superhuman effort to claim the 15th major title he craves in pursuit of Jack Nicklaus’s all-time record of 18.
Yet, the man who has always talked himself up refused to accept he has become an also-ran and insisted: ‘I played well. I striped the ball all day but didn’t get anything out of the round. I didn’t get anything going.’
When asked about the crowd's reaction, he said they were respectful and that it was 'a great atmosphere'.
Sad smile: A pensive Tiger sits down and takes a break during play today
source: dailymail
