DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- Something happened between the Bahamas and Dubai, by way of San Diego. Gone in the Middle East was the guy who exuded confidence and fitness in the Caribbean. Missing were the free-flowing swings, replaced by a golfer who one television commentator said looked "like an old man.''
Tiger Woods got seven rounds into his comeback from multiple back surgeries and limped to the sideline again. He came all the way to the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, a 17-hour flight from Los Angeles, to play 18 holes of tournament golf, leaving with doubts looming larger.