Tiger’s new ‘old’ swing reminds Steve Stricker of Woods of ‘early 2000s’

Tiger Woods may be displaying a different motion from the one golf watchers have seen for the last four years, but to Hero World Challenge contestant Steve Stricker, the swing he saw his old friend use on the range at Isleworth evoked memories of the heyday of the former world No. 1.

“It looks a lot similar to early 2000s to me from the side when I was watching,” Stricker, who caught a glimpse of Woods’ practice session earlier this week, told reporters on Wednesday.

Stricker, who has served as a sort of unofficial putting advisor in years passed, referred to a time when Woods was at his peak, winning seven majors between 1999 and 2002 and notching the “Tiger Slam” by owning all four grand slam titles simultaneously.

Woods’ wheels have logged a lot of miles, his body undergone a slew of surgeries and other injuries, and he has revamped his swing and changed coaches several times since those halcyon days. This week’s tournament -- his first under the watchful eye of new consultant, Chris Como -- could provide some hints as to how Woods’ frame and swing will hold up under the rigors of competition.

If Wednesday’s pro-am were any indication, all systems are go for the golfer who called Isleworth his home course for 16 years and the smooth, easy motion he brought to the course “new, but old.”

“I felt like I really needed today,” Woods told reporters after carding a 2-under 70 in his first 18-hole stroll since he missed the cut at Valhalla in August. “It was nice to get out there today and play ... I’m starting to get my power back, starting to get my speed back.”

The next hurdle comes Thursday, when Woods will tee it up with Jason Day starting at 12:15 p.m. ET. The tourney host appeared to pass the first test with ease.

“It looked great ... The compression looked there, the turn looked there,” said Zach Johnson, who stunned Woods at last year’s event when his hole out from the fairway forced a playoff he eventually won. Johnson also took in a few iron shots of Woods at the range and concurred with Stricker’s assessment.

“It looked like he was just kind of riding a bike,” Johnson said.

This week’s no-cut, 18-player contest may be unofficial, but it yields world ranking points and Stricker, for one, believes the 24th player in the world will soon begin making his way back up the ladder.

“It looked a lot freer. Didn’t look like he was getting in his way. Looked like the club was going through a lot freer. Looked like it was on a better path,” Stricker said of Tiger’s swing. “If he starts swinging it better and starts feeling good about what he’s doing again, it won’t take long for him to be at the top of the game again.”