Starting Thursday in The Barclays at Ridgewood Country Club, Woods will be hard-pressed to successfully defend his second FedExCup title as he continues to mend a shattered game — and deal with his divorce from Elin Nordegren that was finalized Monday.
Although he remains No. 1 in the official world golf rankings, Woods begins this year's playoffs ranked 112th in the points race. Winless in nine starts this season — the longest he's gone to start a season without a win in his professional career — Woods has battled an assortment of ailments plaguing his game, from his driver to his putter.
In The Barclays, Woods needs to at least finish between 50th and 57th, or better, this week to be one of the top 100 to advance to next week's Deutsche Bank Championship, the second of four playoff events. Each carries a $7.5 million purse, and there's a $35 million bonus pool up for grabs.
Woods has not finished better than a tie for 23rd in his last four events.
Woods needs finish of 50th-57th, or better, to advance in playoffs
