Wood Finally Finds his Game in Turkey

Yahoo

12-05-2025

England's Chris Wood hasn't recorded a top 10 since a runner-up finish in the KLM Open.
In 2018.
It's been 76 appearances, a fall to 1,472 in the world, and almost six years since the 37-year-old has left a European Tour event with anything close to pleased with his week.
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That changed on Sunday with a tie for seventh with four others in the Turkish Airlines Open, off the Mediterranean coast in Antalya.
Yes, France's Martin Couvra won by two shots and six over Wood, but you must take the good as a bonus when you've been in golfing purgatory.
Chris Wood (ENG) during round 1 of the Turkish Airlines Open, Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Resort, Antalya, Turkey.Golffile | Michael Denker
'It's been horrendous, to be honest,' Wood said about his game over the past six years. 'It's been, well, since 2019, really. I just feel like I've been going through hell.'
Wood's bogey-free 7-under 64 in the final round was his best score since a 63 in the second round of the Italian Open in September 2016.
'To put a score together today is obviously great, but I've wanted to feel like I know my game's there, not just put a score together on one day,' Wood said of his first start on the DP World Tour since missing the cut in Qatar in February. '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.'
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Wood said he never lost faith that he would find his game and comeback, even though he knew that too many days proved difficult.
Of course, a little luck is needed, and this week, it came in the form of his old manager, now DP World Tour Director of Player Relations, Stuart Cage.
On Tuesday night, Cage called Wood about a spot.
While most may have skipped the opening since they haven't played competitively for months, Wood knew he was practicing so well at home and would be ready.
Chris Wood (ENG) during the final round of the Turkish Airlines Open 2025, Regnum Carya Golf Resort & Spa, Antalya, Turkey. Golffile | Phil Inglis
'I played with Ollie Wilson the first couple of days here, and he was asking how I'm doing it,' Wood said. 'You know, how am I practicing at home to be match ready, I suppose. They're my secrets, can't give them away.'
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Wood talked about how he still has the fire in his belly and truly believes he still has the game, but his anxiety has been horrendous.
He can hit the shots but has not been able to execute them.
What he does to build on his experience in Turkey may go a long way if Wood is back as a constant on the DP World Tour.
'Hopefully this is the first little step forward,' Wood said. 'Anyone who wants me to be at their event, please pick up the phone, because I need a few starts this year.'
Related: The 300 Cut Accomplishment