• PGA Tour

Golf needs Tiger to shine in Ohio - Kaymer

ESPN staff
August 3, 2011
First Lee Westwood, and then Martin Kaymer replaced Tiger Woods as world No. 1 © Getty Images
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Former world No. 1 Martin Kaymer is desperate to see Tiger Woods challenge for the title at this week's WGC-Bridgestone Invitational at the Firestone course in Ohio.

Woods, now 28th in the rankings, is making his return to golf at the tournament, having been absent since May due to a string of leg injuries.

He will be partnered by a new caddie as he attempts to end a 21-month wait for a tournament win, a spell that has seen him struggle with every facet of his game, particularly his work from the tee.

His strikes with the driver will be under serious scrutiny at the event, which represents a serious test from tee to green - although putting should not pose too many problems for the competitors.

And Germany's Kaymer hopes Woods returns to form, giving golf another shot in the arm following Rory McIlroy's breakthrough major success at June's US Open.

"I really hope that he will play well. We need him - we really need him," said Kaymer. "Obviously what Rory did at the US Open was huge, but Tiger has been so successful over the years and it will be great if he comes back and shows us all or proves that he's the best player who ever played the game."

Woods will be partnered by British Open winner and close friend Darren Clarke for the first two rounds.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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