Scotland’s Ewen Ferguson will look to take inspiration from Tiger Woods as he bids to claim a third DP World Tour title in the ISPS Handa Championship.
Woods was involved in an incredible finish to the 2001 World Cup which took place at this week’s venue of Taiheiyo Golf Club in Gotemba, which sits in the foothills of Mount Fuji.
The 15-time major winner and partner David Duval were five shots off the lead with just four holes to play, but birdied the 15th, 16th and 17th before Woods chipped in for an eagle on the last to get into a four-way play-off.
Woods and Duval were eliminated on the first extra hole as South Africa’s Ernie Els and Retief Goosen went on to lift the title, but Ferguson has been watching highlights of the exciting climax to get ready for his return to action after three weeks off.
“I always look back at highlights from previous tournaments at the venue,” said Ferguson, whose previous wins both came in 2022, including the ISPS Handa World Invitational in Northern Ireland.
I watched the highlights from 2001 with Tiger and Duval. We were watching Tiger’s chip in on the 72nd hole in 2001, which was cool.
“There’s been a few changes since then but, I’m buzzing to get going. I’ve been out on the course a few times and it plays amazing. The greens are so pure, it’s a tree-lined destination, can’t beat it. I’m enjoying it.
“I have not played for three weeks so may be a bit rusty, but a few holes in you start to find your feet. Anything can happen in any week in golf.
“Been playing consistent (this season), hopefully get myself up there and into contention this week, and if not a bit more often in future. My golf has been good, just a couple of shots here and there would push it to the next level.”
