Yes, he played very well. considering the way he’s recently played, but he still tied for 6th...Others also led the tournament, but did not win...Five others finished ahead of Tiger...At what point do you consider someone not “just short”???
I would apply it to all players who were never in contention on the back nine today. Tiger had a VERY real chance of winning...really, two or three swings and a couple of VERY close putts were the difference. That's pretty dare "close".