Abu Dhabi Update Friday Jan 27

I turned on the television at five this morning to see Tiger walking away from a tee box, looking down at the ground, shoulders slumped. Few golfers’ body language tell you as much about how they’re feeling. I just knew that he was disappointed in not meeting whatever standard he had set for himself. A visit to the European Tour website told the tale: Through nine, Tiger was -3 for the tournament, tied for fifteenth and four behind. I would personally say that’s pretty good, all things considering. At this point, he’s in weekend striking distance of the top.

The leader in the clubhouse right now is Thorbjorn Oleson at -7. Hovering within striking distance are Sergio Garcia, Padraig Harrington and Charl Schwartzel at -4.

McIlroy has two double bogeys on the day and has fallen to a T13. Luke Donald is T32 at -1. His second double was the result of a two shot penalty for moving some sand on the fringe of the trap from which he was taking his stance. There was a bit of official discussion over this.

Morning stationary biking is over. Off to work.

Update: Tiger’s making a charge. Through 15, he’s in a tie for second at -6. Body language has changed, too. He’s happy.

Final Update: Tiger finished his round in a T4 at -5, along with McIlroy, Robert Rock, Robert Karlsson, Paul Lawrie, and Matteo Manassero. He’s doing ok.