PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – Gary Woodland made the most of a new tool Thursday at The Players Championship.
The big-hitting Woodland loves to hit driver, but he barely hit it in posting a 5-under 67, his best start in three appearances in this event. He didn’t have to hit driver, not with Callaway strengthening a new 3-wood that he can hit 300 yards, 15 yards farther than he hit his old one.
“I only hit four drivers today,” Woodland said. “I hit 3-wood, and I still feel like I’m getting it out there.”
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Woodland, 29, is continuing to make his way back from shoulder and wrist injuries while rebuilding his swing under Butch Harmon. He missed his first cut in this 2013-14 wraparound season but hasn’t missed one since. He finished second at the CIMB Classic late last fall, losing to Ryan Moore in a playoff, and tied for eighth at the Valspar Championship in March.
“It’s all starting to come together,” Woodland said. “I’m feeling more and more comfortable every day and my scores are starting to show it.
“Confidence is really good right now. I feel great about my game. I feel excited where I’m moving to.”