Golf star reduced to tears after finally ending six-year run "through hell"
Former Ryder Cup star Chris Wood has endured a rotten few years but finally appears to be on the comeback trail after appearing at the DP World Tour event the Turkish Airlines Open over the weekend
Ex-Ryder Cup star Chris Wood has opened up on his journey 'through hell' after finally making his golf comeback. The 37-year-old has endured a very difficult few years after being blighted by chronic anxiety.
Things got so bad for Wood in 2023 that he was forced to take a year away from the course. But he has enjoyed somewhat of a renaissance over the past week.
After being handed a rare sponsor's invite to play at the Turkish Airlines Open, he shone as he made his first DP World Tour cut in almost three years. A seven-under par 64 on Sunday lifted Wood into the top ten of a tournament for the first time since 2018.
Speaking after his sensational second round, he struggled to choke back the tears live on TV. He said: 'It's been horrendous to be honest. Since 2019 I just feel like I've been going through hell.
'To put a score together is great but I wanted to feel like I know my game's there. Not just put a score together on one day and I genuinely feel like I'm starting to do that now.
'I've been working so hard at home just quietly with a great team. It's been a long old road to be honest but I never lost belief in myself. You have days where it feels harder than some but the fire in my belly has always been there. I'm relying on invites this year. I'm ready. I'm practicing so well at home. A call last minute isn't a problem. I'm ready to go.
'Even though I've felt like I've truly believed I've still had the game. The big thing is, I've seen the all shots, I know I can hit the shots, I've just not been able to hit them.'
He added: 'My anxiety has been horrendous and the tour have been good. The medical team have really helped me. This is hopefully the first little step forward and anyone that wants me at their event, please pick up the phone because I need a few starts this year.'
Wood is hoping that his outing in Antalya is just the start of what could be an eye-catching comeback. His top ten is set to secure him a place at the Soudal Open in Belgium in just under a fortnight's time.
But he is just trying to stay focused. He said: 'I'm just trying to stay on my mental task really. I've had so much trauma and I don't want to go back there. If we can make the mental task the most important thing, you can shoot 75 or 65 and I can tick the box that I've done well.
'We're doing some good things but it's no good if I only play one more event. I need some starts. Hopefully this is putting my name there more and people remember. I need a bit of help, obviously.'
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