LOS ANGELES – Playing with Tiger Woods is supposed to be an acquired skill. The inside-the-ropes presence. The large crowds. The distractions. No wonder a psychologist studied Woods’ effect on his playing partners in the mid-2000s and concluded that he won not only because of his immense skill, but also because of intimidation.
Justin Thomas didn’t compete against Woods in his athletic prime, but he’s had plenty of head-to-head opportunities over the past three years – and he’s bucked the trend of the so-called Tiger Effect.
Thursday’s opening round will be the 15th time they’ve been grouped together in a tournament.