Woods continues to take a dip

Golf: The 18th hole on the TPC Sawgrass is not nearly as daunting without wind, which was the case on a muggy Tuesday morning when Tiger Woods set up over the tee shot with a 3-wood in hand.

The ball never had a chance to stay dry.

It started down the left side with a severe hook and splashed down some 20 yards to the left of the water’s edge. With a mild curse under his breath, Woods asked his caddie for another ball.

It was his fifth ball in the water during nine holes of practice at The Players Championship at Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.

He lost two in the water on the front nine the day before.

There have been flashes of brilliance, as always, but far more shots that hardly resemble golf from the world’s best player.

“It’s just a matter of … getting my mind where it needs to be,” Woods said. “And certainly, I’ve made a lot of adjustments in my life, and I’ve gone through a lot – a lot. Just trying to make sure I get everything organized so I can play.”

Woods missed the cut last week at Quail Hollow after shooting a second-round 79, the second-highest score of his career.

Associated Press

Riley’s talk turns up the Heat

NBA: The idea that Miami Heat president Pat Riley would float the possibility of returning as the team’s coach isn’t sitting well with the man who used to work for him.

Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said he feels badly for Heat coach Erik Spoelstra over Riley’s comments. Van Gundy said Riley’s comments will lead to “an offseason of speculation on whether or not Pat’s going to coach.”

With the Heat preparing to try to keep Dwyane Wade and lure other All-Star free agents, Riley wouldn’t completely rule out a return to the sideline.

Associated Press