It would be a fitting conclusion at Firestone for Woods to walk off with yet another trophy, except it’s not that simple. He has yet to win this year, and while Woods used to own the short fields in these World Golf Championships with 18 titles, the competition is stiffer than ever.

Dustin Johnson affirmed his position at No. 1 in the world by winning the Canadian Open last week for his third PGA Tour title of the year. He won at Firestone two years ago and, like Woods, calls it one of his favorite stops of the year because it is big, tree-lined and doesn’t have many frills.

Rory McIlroy is coming off a runner-up finish in the British Open. He won at Firestone in 2014, sandwiched between victories in the British Open and PGA Championship. McIlroy has eight consecutive rounds in the 60s.

“I really think it is horses for courses. There are just courses that fit your eye better than some others,” McIlroy said. “Tiger has proved that with here, with Bay Hill, with Torrey Pines, with ... well, actually, anywhere.”

Woods hasn’t been back to Firestone since 2014, when he hurt his back early in the final round. He hasn’t been eligible since then.

He raised expectations, certainly among his fans, with his strong showing at Carnoustie, where Woods had the lead for a couple of holes on Sunday, only to fall back with a double bogey. He wound up three shots behind, with the only consolation being a spot at Firestone.

“He’s going to play well this week,” Justin Thomas said. “This place is like Augusta for him. He could probably take two, three weeks off and he’s going to get it around here fine because he knows how to. He’s won here as many times as I’ve won everywhere in my career. I grew up watching him win a lot of tournaments here, hitting the shots in the dark. ... So he’s going to be very, very comfortable here.”