Opinion & Analysis
Tiger Woods’ back isn’t the problem
I started to write: If you think Tiger Woods is through, you’re a doofus. In retrospect, that seemed a bit harsh. What I really meant to say was, if you think Tiger’s bad back spells the end of his career, you’re a doofus.
Tiger’s career may be faltering, but it’s not for all the reasons that have been given over the past couple of weeks:
Back giving out. Leg causing back to give out. Swing stressing leg causing leg to stress back. Mind giving out. Boredom setting in. Family focus. Tolerance for the circus almost depleted. Follow Tiger’s health in social media and you’d think he was in intensive care. This back thing could be the end.
One poster on Geoff Shackelford’s blog said aging happens to all the greats: “And all that is left is the memory of their accomplishments.”
Whoa! Could this be a bit premature? About the guy who won how many times last year? That would be five. In 16 starts. He was PGA Player of the Year… for the 11th time!
No. There’s only one reason why Tiger Woods might be done: He’s decided to be done. And we don’t know that yet.
Listen, I’m no big Tiger fan. Maybe because I grew up with heroes like Arnold Palmer, Gordie Howe, Al Kaline, Night Train Lane and Mickey Lolich, most of whom played sports before your Mom met your Dad and did it with a demeanor that said, “Thanks for paying attention; let me sign that for you.”
Tiger’s kind of not like that.
But he is the best golfer ever. And whether he plays the Masters or not, he will be back with a vengeance if he wants to be. If you doubt that you were the guy that bet your house on the Broncos and are still certain McCain took Ohio.
The question is, does he still want to be Tiger Woods?
Here are six reasons not to count him out.
No. 1: The injury is not permanent.
Right now he will get rest, and a lot of it. Here’s what one medical blog says about treating a bulging disk: Place yourself on movement restrictions for at least a few months: no heavy lifting, no jumping, no prolonged sitting, no frequent bending at the waist. And I’ll add, “Absolutely no swinging as hard as you can at a golf ball after you bend at the waist.” Obviously Tiger is not the standard patient, but when it comes to backs, he’s human. He’ll probably miss the Masters. But I’ve got him in my majors pool. So I’m a doofus (See No. 2).
No. 2: You don’t understand him so speculating is feeble.
Don’t feel bad. Nobody does. People say Hogan was an enigma. Hogan was a four-color, 48-point tabloid headline compared to Tiger Woods. Remember those old balata balls we used to slice open to get at that mysterious liquid center that we all feared touching, tasting or lighting on fire? Well, Tiger Woods is the liquid center at the core of our sport. He makes golf fly. Some of us think that core is mostly anger. Others believe it’s just unadulterated competitiveness. Some say he’s missing a childhood and therefore can’t relate so he’s into golf as no one else has ever been. Or he’s really one of those Quiet introverts who are tortured by the media attention he’s subjected to now and so will never tell you what’s really on his mind. Whatever. We’ll never know. So simply treat him like any other great 38-year-old athlete/golfer. We know for certain that of golf’s 423 majors, only 65 have been won by players 38 or over. That indicates that health and altered focus diminish most careers, even for the best. But there are still those 65. Ask Gary Player.
“You can’t compare Tiger Woods to normal people,” Player says. “In his case, it wouldn’t matter if the gap is 10 years. He’s always done what no one else does.”
If he wants to.
No. 3: Look at what he’s accomplished during his “drought.”
During the five years of Tiger’s so-called majors “drought” from 2009 through 2013, he did the following: Won 14 PGA Tour events, which is almost three a year; won three of his 18 WGC championships; finished Top 5 in the Masters three times; finished Top 5 in majors six times; finished Top 10 in the majors nine times.
This record is, for most mortals, a couple of careers. It’s not overstating things to say that were it not for a very unfortunate break on the 15th hole of last year’s Masters, he would have 15 majors today and we wouldn’t be having this conversation. Jack Nicklaus’ drought of five years (’81 to ’85) came later in his career, after his competitive interest waned a bit. But for the record he won four majors after he turned 38 and Tiger can still do that. Nicklaus also had some health issues including stamina (read: weight) and back.
No. 4: Keep talking. You’re only creating refrigerator fodder for him.
Remember Tom McCollister? He’s the columnist for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution who wrote “Nicklaus is gone, done. He just doesn’t have the game anymore. It’s rusted from lack of use. He’s 46 and nobody that old wins the Masters.”
He wrote that in early 1986. Jack reacted the way I think Tiger will to all of this doom and gloom these days about his career. “I read in the Atlanta paper this week that 46-year-olds don’t win Masters,” Jack said. “I kind of agreed. I got to thinking. Hmmm. Done, through, washed up. And I sizzled for a while. But I said to myself, I’m not going to quit now, playing the way I’m playing. I’ve played too well, too long to let a shorter period of bad golf be my last.”
Maybe Tiger doesn’t read his coverage. I doubt it. My guess is he reacts just like Jack did. He’d like to prove you wrong, unless he thinks he’s already done that enough times and doesn’t want to bother.
No. 5: What does Jack think?
“My guess is that his priority over the next couple three years will be to break my record,” Nicklaus told Jaime Diaz of Golf World over the winter. “Frankly, I still think he’s going to break it.”
No. 6: What’s Haney saying?
Tiger may see The Big Miss as a big diss, but read the whole thing and listen to Haney on Golf Channel or Twitter and you hear tons of respect for Woods. Yes, he thinks some of Tiger’s “intimidation” power is overstated, but that doesn’t mean he doubts his overwhelming talent. Listen to him on Twitter:
@Rob_Whatham: Do you think that the way Tiger is swinging is putting undue stress on his lower back, hence causing injury?
@HankDHaney: I don’t buy that
@chrisatgolf: when u play someone better (perceived) than you, it can influence ur play
@HankDHaney: There is nothing perceived about Tiger’s greatness
@MrElculver2424:If Tiger has 54-hole lead at Masters, u think he’ll close it or will he mentally collapse on Sun?
@HankDHaney: He is the best closer ever
I called Hank this week and got a very interesting take on Tiger’s latest drama. What worries Hank right now is not Tiger’s back, the bulging disk, or the Foley swing that some say is stressing a 38-year-old body in ways it shouldn’t. It’s not new aging talent or, as GMac put it the other day, Tiger’s loss of “that force field of invincibility.”
What worries Hank Haney is Tiger’s practice. Or the lack of it. “He’s the best player, period,” said Hank. “So he’s a threat no matter what. But he hasn’t practiced all year! Everyday you don’t practice is a day you’re falling behind and losing ground. He’s not just not putting in a full day, he’s putting in no day.” Haney points to Tiger’s relaxed schedule in December and January “to get healthy.”
“That doesn’t have anything to do with short game,” Haney said. “He’s third to last in three-putt avoidance! That’s feel. That’s practice.”
Backs can be fixed; motivation is tougher. “I don’t think the long term problem is the back. Or the swing. The biggest question going forward is, Is he motivated enough? Does he still want to be Tiger Woods? I’m not sure.”
As the editor-in-chief of this website and an observer of the GolfWRX forums and other online golf equipment discourse for over a decade, I’m pretty well attuned to the grunts and grumbles of a significant portion of the golf equipment purchasing spectrum. And before you accuse me of lording above all in some digital ivory tower, I’d like to offer that I worked at golf courses (public and private) for years prior to picking up my pen, so I’m well-versed in the non-degenerate golf equipment consumers out there. I touched (green)grass (retail)!
Complaints about the ills of and related to the OEMs usually follow some version of: Product cycles are too short for real innovation, tour equipment isn’t the same as retail (which is largely not true, by the way), too much is invested in marketing and not enough in R&D, top staffer X hasn’t even put the new driver in play, so it’s obviously not superior to the previous generation, prices are too high, and on and on.
Without digging into the merits of any of these claims, which I believe are mostly red herrings, I’d like to bring into view of our rangefinder what I believe to be the two primary difficulties golf equipment companies face.
One: As Terry Koehler, back when he was the CEO of Ben Hogan, told me at the time of the Ft Worth irons launch, if you can’t regularly hit the golf ball in a coin-sized area in the middle of the face, there’s not a ton that iron technology can do for you. Now, this is less true now with respect to irons than when he said it, and is less and less true by degrees as the clubs get larger (utilities, fairways, hybrids, drivers), but there remains a great deal of golf equipment truth in that statement. Think about it — which is to say, in TL;DR fashion, get lessons from a qualified instructor who will teach you about the fundamentals of repeatable impact and how the golf swing works, not just offer band-aid fixes. If you can’t repeatably deliver the golf club to the golf ball in something resembling the manner it was designed for, how can you expect to be getting the most out of the club — put another way, the maximum value from your investment?
Similarly, game improvement equipment can only improve your game if you game it. In other words, get fit for the clubs you ought to be playing rather than filling the bag with the ones you wish you could hit or used to be able to hit. Of course, don’t do this if you don’t care about performance and just want to hit a forged blade while playing off an 18 handicap. That’s absolutely fine. There were plenty of members in clubs back in the day playing Hogan Apex or Mizuno MP-32 irons who had no business doing so from a ballstriking standpoint, but they enjoyed their look, feel, and complementary qualities to their Gatsby hats and cashmere sweaters. Do what brings you a measure of joy in this maddening game.
Now, the second issue. This is not a plea for non-conforming equipment; rather, it is a statement of fact. USGA/R&A limits on every facet of golf equipment are detrimental to golf equipment manufacturers. Sure, you know this, but do you think about it as it applies to almost every element of equipment? A 500cc driver would be inherently more forgiving than a 460cc, as one with a COR measurement in excess of 0.83. 50-inch shafts. Box grooves. And on and on.
Would fewer regulations be objectively bad for the game? Would this erode its soul? Fortunately, that’s beside the point of this exercise, which is merely to point out the facts. The fact, in this case, is that equipment restrictions and regulations are the slaughterbench of an abundance of innovation in the golf equipment space. Is this for the best? Well, now I’ve asked the question twice and might as well give a partial response, I guess my answer to that would be, “It depends on what type of golf you’re playing and who you’re playing it with.”
For my part, I don’t mind embarrassing myself with vintage blades and persimmons chasing after the quasi-spiritual elevation of a well-struck shot, but that’s just me. Plenty of folks don’t give a damn if their grooves are conforming. Plenty of folks think the folks in Liberty Corner ought to add a prison to the museum for such offences. And those are just a few of the considerations for the amateur game — which doesn’t get inside the gallery ropes of the pro game…
Different strokes in the game of golf, in my humble opinion.
Anyway, I believe equipment company engineers are genuinely trying to build better equipment year over year. The marketing departments are trying to find ways to make this equipment appeal to the broadest segment of the golf market possible. All of this against (1) the backdrop of — at least for now — firm product cycles. And golfers who, with their ~15 average handicap (men), for the most part, are not striping the golf ball like Tiger in his prime and seem to have less and less time year over year to practice and improve. (2) Regulations that massively restrict what they’re able to do…
That’s the landscape as I see it and the real headwinds for golf equipment companies. No doubt, there’s more I haven’t considered, but I think the previous is a better — and better faith — point of departure when formulating any serious commentary on the golf equipment world than some of the more cynical and conspiratorial takes I hear.
Agree? Disagree? Think I’m worthy of an Adam Hadwin-esque security guard tackle? Let me know in the comments.
@golfoncbs The infamous Adam Hadwin tackle ? #golf #fyp #canada #pgatour #adamhadwin ? Ghibli-style nostalgic waltz – MaSssuguMusic
Episode #16 brings us Cliff McKinney. Cliff is the founder of Old Charlie Golf Club, a new club, and concept, to be built in the Florida panhandle. The model is quite interesting and aims to make great, private golf more affordable. We hope you enjoy the show!
Last week, I came across a reel from BBC Sport on Instagram featuring Scottie Scheffler speaking to the media ahead of The Open at Royal Portrush. In it, he shared that he often wonders what the point is of wanting to win tournaments so badly — especially when he knows, deep down, that it doesn’t lead to a truly fulfilling life.
View this post on Instagram
“Is it great to be able to win tournaments and to accomplish the things I have in the game of golf? Yeah, it brings tears to my eyes just to think about it because I’ve literally worked my entire life to be good at this sport,” Scheffler said. “To have that kind of sense of accomplishment, I think, is a pretty cool feeling. To get to live out your dreams is very special, but at the end of the day, I’m not out here to inspire the next generation of golfers. I’m not out here to inspire someone to be the best player in the world, because what’s the point?”
Ironically — or perhaps perfectly — he went on to win the claret jug.
That question — what’s the point of winning? — cuts straight to the heart of the human journey.
As someone who’s spent over two decades in the trenches of professional golf, and in deep study of the mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of the game, I see Scottie’s inner conflict as a sign of soul evolution in motion.
I came to golf late. I wasn’t a junior standout or college All-American. At 27, I left a steady corporate job to see if I could be on the PGA Tour starting as a 14-handicap, average-length hitter. Over the years, my journey has been defined less by trophies and more by the relentless effort to navigate the deeply inequitable and gated system of professional golf — an effort that ultimately turned inward and helped me evolve as both a golfer and a person.
One perspective that helped me make sense of this inner dissonance around competition and our culture’s tendency to overvalue winning is the idea of soul evolution.
The University of Virginia’s Division of Perceptual Studies has done extensive research on reincarnation, and Netflix’s Surviving Death (Episode 6) explores the topic, too. Whether you take it literally or metaphorically, the idea that we’re on a long arc of growth — from beginner to sage elder — offers a profound perspective.
If you accept the premise literally, then terms like “young soul” and “old soul” start to hold meaning. However, even if we set the word “soul” aside, it’s easy to see that different levels of life experience produce different worldviews.
Newer souls — or people in earlier stages of their development — may be curious and kind but still lack discernment or depth. There is a naivety, and they don’t yet question as deeply, tending to see things in black and white, partly because certainty feels safer than confronting the unknown.
As we gain more experience, we begin to experiment. We test limits. We chase extreme external goals — sometimes at the expense of health, relationships, or inner peace — still operating from hunger, ambition, and the fragility of the ego.
It’s a necessary stage, but often a turbulent and unfulfilling one.
David Duval fell off the map after reaching World No. 1. Bubba Watson had his own “Is this it?” moment with his caddie, Ted Scott, after winning the Masters.
In Aaron Rodgers: Enigma, reflecting on his 2011 Super Bowl win, Rodgers said:
“Now I’ve accomplished the only thing that I really, really wanted to do in my life. Now what? I was like, ‘Did I aim at the wrong thing? Did I spend too much time thinking about stuff that ultimately doesn’t give you true happiness?’”
Jim Carrey once said, “I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it’s not the answer.”
Eventually, though, something shifts.
We begin to see in shades of gray. Winning, dominating, accumulating—these pursuits lose their shine. The rewards feel more fleeting. Living in a constant state of fight-or-flight makes us feel alive, yes, but not happy and joyful.
Compassion begins to replace ambition. Love, presence, and gratitude become more fulfilling than status, profits, or trophies. We crave balance over burnout. Collaboration over competition. Meaning over metrics.
Interestingly, if we zoom out, we can apply this same model to nations and cultures. Countries, like people, have a collective “soul stage” made up of the individuals within them.
Take the United States, for example. I’d place it as a mid-level soul: highly competitive and deeply driven, but still learning emotional maturity. Still uncomfortable with nuance. Still believing that more is always better. Despite its global wins, the U.S. currently ranks just 23rd in happiness (as of 2025). You might liken it to a gifted teenager—bold, eager, and ambitious, but angsty and still figuring out how to live well and in balance. As much as a parent wants to protect their child, sometimes the child has to make their own mistakes to truly grow.
So when Scottie Scheffler wonders what the point of winning is, I don’t see someone losing strength.
I see someone evolving.
He’s beginning to look beyond the leaderboard. Beyond metrics of success that carry a lower vibration. And yet, in a poetic twist, Scheffler did go on to win The Open. But that only reinforces the point: even at the pinnacle, the question remains. And if more of us in the golf and sports world — and in U.S. culture at large — started asking similar questions, we might discover that the more meaningful trophy isn’t about accumulating or beating others at all costs.
It’s about awakening and evolving to something more than winning could ever promise.
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clay
Aug 7, 2014 at 8:21 pm
Im a avid golfer i work on a golf course and probably golf 3-6 days a week (as i can play my course for free) i have a recorded swing speed of 119 MPH and can tell you it is MURDER on the lower back and i have left the course mid round to go to the hospital due to painful spasms that being said since that day three years ago i have learned there is very few instances in golf where you need your clubhead going 120 MPH yea its fun to hit an 8 iron 195 yards and have it check back 2-3yds but i can just bring my swing speed down out of the stratosphere and use a 7 or 6 and save my back and so can tiger if Rory isn’t careful he’s gonna have the same issue they both have to learn when they can/cant and when they should/shouldn’t swing 120 if they dont he will drop out of every important tournament from now till forever and Rory may be on his way to the same problem
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8thehardway
Apr 21, 2014 at 10:24 am
First his “front” got him in trouble, now it’s his back… once his sides go, he’s had it.
Dominic Johnson
Jul 13, 2014 at 1:14 pm
Ive personally experienced both HGH and AAS and there has never been a question in my mind that Tiger has used PED’s for quite some time. Unfortunately for him as well as Alex Rodriguez they both seem to have had more impressive careers either early on or before they started their “use”.
For all the Tiger supporters out there, simply post this article on any Bodybuilding website and you’ll find out pretty quick there’s no doubt of Tiger’s PED use. Like a commenter said ” takes one to know one “, well I am one, and I know one…..Not to mention Serena, Lebron, DWade, Dwight Howard, Ray Rice, Lee Westwood, Trout, Ray Lewis, Nadal, Clay Mathews Jr, Harper, and any other freakish type athlete out there.
Think of it this way….Bonds and Rodriquez were known for their great hitting, good power and incredible fielding….once the PED use began all that was left was the power. Rodriguez and Bonds would have been comparable to Ken Griffey Jr had they not used.
Another prime example is McIlroy’s “change”. Im not speaking of just his physical changes, but look at how erratic his behavior has been as well.
Myself, I believe PED’s only hurt Tiger’s game, not to mention the mental aspect of PED use. When you’re on you feel like an 18 year old superman, when you’re off you feel like a sixth grade little girl, and you’re never the same.
PED’s for some athletes are beneficial, NFL Linebackers, lineman, basketball forwards, baseball first baseman / home run hitters, however I can’t see where it is benefit to an athlete that requires quickness AND finesse….like a shortstop turned third baseman.
If it wasn’t for the example to young athletes ( college / high school ), who don’t need them due to the overwhelming amount of Test and growth hormone naturally occurring in them, it wouldn’t trouble me in the least if all major sports allowed their use. Look at the modern power age of baseball that saved the game after the strike / lockout of the mid 90’s. Baseball is historical proof that the increase in scoring due to PED use made for a much more popular game. Please all of you over 60 who are still in love with America’s slow, boring pastime can keep your comments to yourself. Baseball is once again declining in popularity due to the lack of offense.
One last thing about taking one to know one….everyone I know that has used PED’s is never the same ( Mickey Rourke, Carrot Top ). Their personalities change forever, their bodies change forever, injuries rates are never the same, their mental health is never the same. With PED’s there are two periods in your life: on cycle, off cycle.
Look at these examples with regard to physical breakdowns in the second half of their careers :
Serena ( are you serious )
Tiger
Wade ( Drop foot )
Lee Westwood ( Off now )
A Rodriguez
Josh Hamilton
Mathews Jr.
Brian Cushing ( positive tests, and admitted using with CM Jr. )
Bonds
McGwire
Sosa ( Turned white, or sort of green )
Trust me, if you’ve never experienced PED’s yourself, you should really keep your comments to yourself. You have no idea what you are talking about, and that is not meant as an “I told you so”.
Again, want proof ? Post a thread on a bodybuilding forum about Tiger and these other athletes and the comments will most likely be short and in an almost comical tone about how obvious it is.
Don’t believe me, just ask Arnold ( Schwarzenegger that is ) !
Pat M
Apr 19, 2014 at 11:02 pm
His back is bad but I also think he has mental problems. He needs to go back to Stevie Williams to get back on track.
Mike
Apr 19, 2014 at 7:47 pm
Tiger Woods is one of the best professional golfers of all time. That being said he is also a miserable human being. Treats his fans, his fellow professionals, people who work the event, volunteers, virtually everyone he comes in contact with like crap.
He is self indulgent with a huge sense of entitlement. He has been great for professional golf, i. e. huge purses but that has translated into guys like you and me footing the bill in the form of $500 drivers, 100,000 autos etc. Those advertisers and equipment companies aren’t forking out those huge dollars out of the goodness of their hearts. We are paying for it folks. Yep he is super scrutinized just like every other superstar. I got a solution for that. If you don’t want the scrutiny that comes along with $100 million endorsement contracts etc? It’s easy go do something else. Oh yea, being a SEAL or selling cars or working at Burger King (whatever you’re qualified for) doesn’t pay nearly as much. So suck it up ,stop whining and start treating the folks who pay you the huge dollars with some respect. Did i mention in addition to being self-entitled he’s a cheater, flat out. Brandle Chamblee is the only guy to have the heuveos to actually express say it and before you start with the lible talk it’s an opinion and even if it wasn’t the absolute defense is the truth. And it’s the truth. I just love guys like you who say “I’m not a Tiger lover” and then proceed to “sing his praises.”
Personally I couldn’t care less if he plays another hole of golf or not. I’m just tired of listening to “everything Tiger.” He isn’t the reason I tune in to watch the show. I will never use anything Nike. Lots of other exciting golfers out there to watch that at least present the image of a decent human being.
Oh and by the way a 48 point headline is 2/3″ kinda tiny compared to the 120 or 150 point headlines the tabloids use. You would think a guy in the newspaper/magazine industry would know that.
PGAJim
Jun 15, 2014 at 7:36 pm
LMAO,
Thanks for the laugh. Granted, he is moody on the course, but that’s because he wants to win !
I’m no Bill Belichick fan, but what has all that moodiness got him…
3 super bowls and 3 more trips there in 15 years.
Just FYI, Tiger makes a practice of being super nice to the little people. I have volunteered at several tourneys where was palying and have seen him show up early, days early and spend time with the “little people”.
This is not endorsement related. Its true charity.
Oh Yeah, his foundation has raised more than the top 15 golfers beneath him combined the past 10 years.
Be a hater, thats fine, but don’t spread BS like u know it as law, because you are WAY OFF.
dksherlock
Jun 19, 2014 at 5:48 pm
What makes Mike a “hater” (such a third-grade term!)? Because he criticizes Tiger Woods, a near billionaire, on a sports comment page? Many golf fans are like Mike: they enjoy supporting athletes who they perceive to be decent men, who treat their fans and family well. Good for you that Tiger was “super nice” when you saw him; there are many stories of opposite behavior, it’s pretty well documented.
Brooke
Jun 25, 2014 at 1:14 pm
I think some of your statements or too general. For example one of his playing partners at his home course is a 13 year old kid. Most jerks dont have 13 year old friends. Maybe he is tired of everyone judging him.
How do you know he treats people who work the events like “crap”?
And of course he is going to have an ego. I would like to see how you would act if you had 500 million and accomplished all Tiger has and still be somewhat down to earth.
Kevin E. Smith
Apr 16, 2014 at 12:03 pm
“Tiger’s career may be faltering,” Didn’t Tiger Woods win five times in 2013?
Rixirox
Apr 15, 2014 at 12:49 am
BS! Tigers hurt. He can’t practice. it hurts. Tiger will always be Tiger. When he is well and can practice. He rips you when he’s well. He’ll be back.
Bob Shackleford
Apr 9, 2014 at 6:10 pm
Uh, a disc injury is kinda one of the worst physical injuries you can get. Most of them are very permanent. Now sure, Tiger has literally some of the best medical care in the world, but I wouldnt play it off like its no big deal.
west
Apr 3, 2014 at 1:51 pm
Is Tiger getting: “up there,” yes. But this is golf. I don’t think this back thing will be the end or demise of Tiger. He’ll rest for a few months, get some rehab and maybe incorporate some minor swing changes and be back in the game. I think the only big change we might see is if Tiger decides to change his intense “all throttles go” “full steam ahead” approach to the game. You don’t have to practice 12hrs/day, hit 10k balls, or swing +125mph on every drive to win majors…
Jafstar
Apr 3, 2014 at 11:13 am
He’s sad his life fell apart after his divorce and that is probably more unsettling than most people have given credence to.
Now most people are watching him just to f*** up like he’s a NASCAR driver going around the track.
He’s not having fun, that is his real problem, and not having a family backing him 100% is probably the difference in his attitude.
How would you like it knowing your ex-wife is probably talking crap about you to your children while you’re trying to make a putt.
It sucks, but he has to accept the humility of not being the Golden Child anymore. He himself has to find joy in the game or ask his family why they think he should play golf. Maybe it will remind him of who he was and what he was trying to accomplish when he first started down this road.
keepitreal
Apr 5, 2014 at 8:21 pm
i agree. being exposed would be crazy-hard for an egomaniac to handle. just goes to show how fragile it all is. that said, golf sucks without tiger and/or phil in contention each week.
nb1062
Apr 30, 2014 at 12:41 pm
Not a Tiger fan, big Phil fan – That having been said golf doesn’t suck if either of them isn’t in contention. I love to see Phil win but golf has a lot of great players to provide some excitement.
Old putt
Apr 17, 2014 at 6:10 am
Great analysis. You hit all the points.
Old putt
Apr 17, 2014 at 6:12 am
Great analysis. From the fight and scandal throughout the last few years Tiger has become even more complex. Good job Jafstar
dksherlock
Jun 19, 2014 at 5:54 pm
Oh yes, poor sad Tiger! Come on. His wife doesn’t have to be “talking crap” about him, what a silly thing to say. Tiger’s children will be able to Google all his escapades. And if you’re intent on garnering sympathy for this guy, good luck.
JP
Apr 2, 2014 at 11:48 am
“But he is the best golfer ever.” — ummm, really? Isn’t that a bit premature as well? And do we only judge the “best” by number of Major’s won? Sorry, but where I come from, “best” is a term used to define the entire package of grace, skill, talent, humility, respect for fans, etc. Tiger falls short in at least four of the above. Ben Hogan is still the BEST imho.
Max
Apr 4, 2014 at 12:03 pm
Skill, Talent, scoring avarage, number of wins, best statistic… thats how you measure best golf player. Its not however how you measure kindest human being.
I think people forget what he has done for the sport. And what he’s still accomplishing.
Give him a break it not about being nice, or having humility. Its about being the best at what you do. He does not have a job that demands humility or grace, so what? Have you met him?
Personally a lot of athletes act all high and mighty and well untill the day I meet him, Im not going to put him down for his lack of grace… what are you a christian… come on!
Rancho Bob
Apr 18, 2014 at 10:51 am
Skill, talent, scoring average, etc. Yep. Amazing. Most majors? Welllllll..
But exactly what has he done for golf? As near as I can tell all he’s done for golf is make it somewhat more popular, which brought about the NASCARization of golf. That’s hardly better, unless you own a course or an equipment manufacturer.
Now we have twits shouting out “get in the hole!” on par five tee shots and, even stupider, “mashed potatoes!” People who think five or more hours for a round of golf is reasonable. People who have to mark every putt and align the 18 inch come back. People who have no love nor respect for the intricacies of the game, but want to pound the ball a mile–but usually it’s 215 yards into an adjacent fairway.
He’s shown himself to believe that he is far, far more important than the game. Interact with fans, sign autographs, etc.? Ahhhh…no, not really. Never mind that the fans made him what he is. Without them, he’s just another guy on Tour.
Money? Yep, he’s brought that into the game. So the pros all make a lot more and I’m sure they’re happy about that. As are the manufacturers. But the price of golf has gone up quite a bit as well to pay all those sponsorships and the cost of equipment is through the roof. Is that a benefit?
Tiger has done a lot for himself and for the PGA and for the manufacturers. For the true game of golf?
Nothing at all.
Max
Apr 20, 2014 at 4:52 am
I agree I think you should give time for your fans. No doubt, but just like Michael Jackson, one should focus on the music, and not his very special personality or the all of the other weirdness. I think its the same for tiger. Focus on his golf! I am personally tired of people judging a player from other things than ability to play. I play golf myself, so I know the rules and the gentleman-ness of golf. But Tiger is only human. To me Tiger is the best golfer to play the game. He’s not however the most winning or the most polite. THat does not mean however that I dont still feel that he’s the best. Just like the best president of the US is not the nicest or the one who has the least amount of sex scandals. Tiger is amasing at his ob, period.
Ron
Apr 26, 2014 at 7:36 am
I’m curious. Have you actually had the opportunity to meet Tiger? He has given to several foundations and has a technology school of his own. He praises the hard working military men and women of this country, so when and where did Tiger snub you. I’ve been to several tournaments and golfers fail to acknowledge me. They’re on their jobs, trying to stay focused. How would you feel if while working I called you with a comment every 5 min. A bit distracted, I imagine.
billy
Apr 2, 2014 at 11:36 am
Oh and if you want to know who stole Tigers Motivation MoJo look no further than “Nike”.
It was purchased and sent packing the minute he got that huge contract.
billy
Apr 2, 2014 at 11:34 am
“That doesn’t have anything to do with short game,” Haney said. “He’s third to last in three-putt avoidance! That’s feel. That’s practice.”
This is what I have been saying all year…Tiger has lost something more damaging to his career than his back…His short game has left the building.
Other Pro’s love competition with weak short games.
Max
Apr 20, 2014 at 4:55 am
Isnt he saying that its good. THere are only two people last year who were better at avoiding three puts? I sounds like you read it the other way.
joro
Apr 2, 2014 at 11:30 am
It is not about what is wrong but how it got that way. That is easy, swinging too hard as required today is hard on the back
matt
Apr 2, 2014 at 9:35 am
WOW… Subject-Tiger certainly sparks some debate, not sure he is going in the right direction with the Foley swing, too much focus on trackman numbers and not enough practice/competition. The ‘never give in’ mentality that Tiger gained respect for over the years has diminished somewhat over the last few years, obviously other outside factors influencing this, but he’ll be back, whether its too little too late will be the question
Jamie
Apr 2, 2014 at 3:58 am
Year 6 since Eldricks last major, so just how is he gonna pass the great Jack Nicklaus,
too many good players now, fear factor has gone, I doubt jack looses too much sleep, no majors since 08, where are 4 more coming from ?
not next week that’s for sure!!!
Max
Apr 20, 2014 at 4:56 am
How many Majors did Jck have at age 38?… 14 the same as tiger. So judging bay age alone,,, no problem.
JoePro
Apr 1, 2014 at 11:50 am
If Tiger can put together 2-3 great years, they’ll probably be 2of3 or 3of4, he’ll best jack by about 3. If he can put together 2-3 good years he’ll get jack by 1-2, but I have no doubt if he stays in the game and plays mediocre golf he will, at the least, tie Jack. It’s just simple Tiger math, whether you love him or hate him, it imperical. If Watson can lose the Open Championship, by not getting up and down from 65′, at 60ish, I’ll take Tigers chances till he’s 60. I’m sure he’ll lose interest by 55 though. Because he’ll have the record and nothing left to “push” him.
Dennis Clark
Mar 31, 2014 at 10:13 pm
When Jack Nicklaus turned 38 he had 14 majors. Between the ages of 35 and 39, he won one.
Forsbrand
Apr 19, 2014 at 3:44 am
He didn’t change his swing with four different instructors though. Jack pure class!
Tony
Mar 31, 2014 at 8:03 pm
I find it funny that his back only hurts after a bad shot, 5mins later he can flush a shot and theres no back pain. Weird hey?
Barry
Mar 31, 2014 at 9:49 pm
Totally agree.
Such a drama Queen!
In the US Open, he hits a bad shot he is on his knee.
Look him when he drops the last putt, he is bent over backwards, screaming like a banchee….surprise, surprise, no pain.
PS Mark Calcavecchia has had 8 knee operations, 4 on each leg, and he has got to be at least 40 lbs over weight.
Doe writhing in pain like Eldrick, NO. Mark came recovered in half the time.
TMTC
Forsbrand
Apr 19, 2014 at 3:45 am
Absolutely spot on. Whinces when there’s a bad shot then he’s flipping about all over the place like a floor gymnast when he holes a putt……..
Jafstar
Apr 3, 2014 at 11:17 am
Yah…gotta keep that Nike contract…. a few young guns could snatch that thunder away from him if they start winning majors here and there.
curtiss mull MD
Mar 31, 2014 at 5:26 pm
What the heck does Hank Haney know about backs and the cause and effect of a golf swing! Any orthopedic surgeon will tell you the worse thing for the back is rotation of the low back under load. Most of us will experience back issues during our lives and most of us will show degenerative disk changes on xray by the age of 60. The causes are manifold. Heredity. physical conditioning (or lack of), repeated loads on the spine thru lifting or twisting. I suspect even Big Easy Ernie with his smooth non violent swing will probably show changes by xray at some time, maybe now. That in itself doesn’t mean he has a back issue necessarily. I have always believed Tigers swing would lead to problems later in life. Rest and rehab is the treatment as long as he shows no progressive neurological loss. He will get better but if he doesn’t change his back problem will return.
Jamie
Apr 1, 2014 at 3:04 am
I have extensive knowledge on this subject, this being I suffered a massive disc prolapse some years back, make a bulging disc feel like a mild headache!!
The disc herniation caused huge damage to the nerve rootS at the base of my spine causing permanent damage, the condition is called CAUDA EQUINA SYNDROME, permanent pain, leg weakness, back pain,ect,ect,
now I went to my orthopaedic surgeon to ask him about the possibility of playing golf again, his answer was yes, the golf swing does not massively load the disc, you turn the spine, you do not load it,
I play weekly, with drugs and heat pads, and guess what, I do not drop to the floor in pain, I can play with it, but hey im not Tiger!!!!
Agreed he is a sportsman at the top of his game, not out for 18 with his pals, but the issue is the falling to the ground in agony, not buying it !!!
I still flush a seven iron, I still hit my driver 240 on a good day,
his problem is a lot less than C.E.S Syndrome,if he drops to floor in real pain, the guy should be in the emergency room, not the golf course, Eldricks problem is between his ears!!!
JoePro
Apr 1, 2014 at 12:45 pm
Your swing speed is probably 82 max on a really nice hot day with a alcohol, pain killer, ibuprofen cocktail. Try adding roughly 40 to it and you’ll be in their neighborhood, which is on another planet. Your riding a bike, they’re driving Ferrari’s, there is absolutely no comparison. On the best day of your life, in your “prime”, you couldn’t sniff that for one swing. Hell, 99.5% of us couldn’t. They do that day in day out for decades. 240 on a good day?! I think you need to get some unbiased perspective my friend.
Jamie
Apr 2, 2014 at 2:31 am
Ill give you some unbiased perspective my friend, how many times did Jack Nicklaus walk off injured when the round was getting away from him, answer never!!
Ben Hogan never kept hobbling off, sinking to the floor, did Arnold ever have a lot of injury problems, Gary Player come to think of it, did he walk off,some people have real physical problems, they get on with it, I couldn’t give a monkeys how fast he swings, the great JACK NICKLAUS seemed to manage ok, for 18 majors!!!!
JP
Apr 2, 2014 at 11:52 am
Spot—on!
JoePro
Apr 3, 2014 at 8:41 pm
I was merely using swing speed to point out that your “condition” has no significance in comparison to to Tigers. Nor wood my swing speed. Every era has their favorites, as it should be, but age seems to polish the turd. Every golfer you mentioned had multiple WD’s, medical and otherwise, except maybe Player. Jack alone had 6 or 7, so……..there’s that. Hogan “hobbled” off multiple times, for good reason, but it happened none the less. A lot of that era and before had WD’s because they were too drunk to finish. Doesn’t change the fact that they were great golfers, just a fact. At this point in time time Tiger is tied with Jack, which makes him at the least tied s the greatest golfer ever, a fact. If he gets to 46 and doesn’t have 18 majors he won’t be. If he gets to 47 and has 19, he is the GOAT, a fact. Golf is simple, it boils down to numbers period. People who don’t understand that don’t understand golf, which is their right. But they’re just polishing the turd, which is also their right.
Forsbrand
Apr 19, 2014 at 3:46 am
Spot on! Couldn’t have said it better!
Puddin
Mar 31, 2014 at 4:33 pm
Great article. Tiger will be in full bloom before we know it. Maybe not next week. But, he will win multiple times again this year. Modern medicine at the professional level is far more advanced that what the normal Joe gets.
Brad
Mar 31, 2014 at 4:30 pm
Good article that puts things in perspective. Bottomline. Only Tiger can beat Tiger. I recall all the naysayers when Montana when down with a back injury and surgery. Afterwards, he won two Super Bowls and three division championships.
BOBBY D
Mar 31, 2014 at 3:18 pm
we spend more time questioning if and when ELDRICK will play, who cares…when he is ready then he will play,hope it’s never !
WHO CARES…
jbcueman
Mar 31, 2014 at 1:56 pm
Has Tiger checked with the Laser Spine Institute? Have him talk to Natalie Gulbis.I just had a lumbar discectomy for bulging disk and pinched nerve.Had a 6″ incision,10 staples but I was up & walking within 7 hours.Went home next morning.I am a 62 year old male.
johnnyray
Mar 31, 2014 at 12:19 pm
Great article. It is about desire at the end of the day. All great athletes play with pain and injuries. In golf, Ben Hogan was the supreme example of this after he miraculously recovered from the car crash. His doctors said he would never walk unaided again, much less play golf, much less win major championships. Hogan wrapped both of his legs, essentially unnoticeable under his long trousers, for every round he played. He endured unimaginable pain and discomfort every day of his post-accident life. Plus he chain smoked Camels! I hope Tiger finds his desire again. It would be an indication, after all he’s been through, that he’s regained something beyond physical health.
JohnC
Mar 31, 2014 at 12:10 pm
Speculators are of the same ilk who predict doomsday prophecies. They are individuals who are chock-full of drama and opine by rationalizing information in such a manner that they believe it to be accurate.
The general circumstances surrounding the performance of Tiger Woods has been no different than any other high-ranking golfer. Every professional faces demons of one type or another during their career. Only Tiger Woods will know the future in this regard.
If ultimate success of the greatest among us could truly be predicted by soothsayers then being at the top would indeed be a lonely place, for it would be occupied by no one.
Craig T
Mar 31, 2014 at 11:54 am
Tiger has not been “Tiger” since Y.E. Yang took him down. The rest of this stuff is on the periphery. He was the best closer in majors. He is no longer. He used to say it was all about the majors. That has changed too.
joro
Mar 31, 2014 at 11:41 am
Doofus is right Carney, and you are one big one. Sure, Tiger has pains, Steve said in 2000 that he was wearing his body out with all the exercise and other physical things he was doing. Well, it is coming to a head now. That, along with swinging as hard as he can is causing more and more back problems.
Any GOOD teacher will tell you that swinging too hard is the worst thing you can do for the back, and he, along with others swing way too hard. Look at Phil with hin oblique pain, caused by his long hard swing, and in time it will catch Rory. It is no secret, the back cannot take all the hard torque. Swinging smooth and moving the body with the arms is the way, not doing the twist. Look at guys who have been out there for years with no problems, all smooth swingers with short backswings. It is no secret;, just common sense.
PBGS
Mar 31, 2014 at 1:38 pm
The exact reason you’re on the PGA Tour!
petie3
Apr 8, 2014 at 3:43 pm
Snead, Boros, Couples, Irwin. Enough said.
RG
Mar 31, 2014 at 12:17 am
Tiger has had a hall of fane career in just the last 5 years. In 2013 he had more wins than anyone else. Whenever you engage in speculation on Tiger you expose yourself as an idiot. What I mean is you are not qualified, none of us are qualified, to speak on what he is or is not doing. Your like a flea talking about what the dog your riding on should or should not do. Maybe Jack Nicklaus is qualified to speak about Tiger and he thinks Tiger will break his records, which really is all that’s left for Tiger. He’s won more, owns all the stroke records in Majors and just about every other tournament. Stop speculating flea and just sit back and enjoy whatever he shows us, and be grateful you were able to see such spectacular performances in your lifetime.
Brian
Mar 30, 2014 at 10:07 pm
I think that tiger will get back on track if his new caddie starts to find him a new woman at each event like his old caddie did when tiger was winning all the time.
steve
Mar 30, 2014 at 9:49 pm
I remember hearing Tiger say the reason he went to Foley was to get better and the swing was easier on his body. I quess not. The Foley move has set his career into stand still. He still doesnt trust that swing. Tiger used to when majors with his B game. Check your ego go back to Butch.
rah
Apr 8, 2014 at 8:38 pm
Best advice he can take
Jim
Mar 30, 2014 at 9:41 pm
If the Tour isn’t going to penalize slow play with stroke penalties, they should perhaps give Loupe, Na, Bradley, and their other slow play ilk a just below terminal dose of Ritalin along with an exemption for that drug if tested.
Agonizing enough having to watch them, think about the poor pros that have endure their fatal slowness and the effect on their game. ENOUGH ALREADY, Finchem !!!!
JohSte
Apr 1, 2014 at 5:53 am
I timed Loupe on one putt it took him 38 seconds from the time he took away his marker to actually putting the ball.
Jim maybe those 3 you mentioned do need to a meth dealer who is a reliable source!!!
Big pharma not good with that stuff.
MHendon
Mar 30, 2014 at 9:13 pm
I don’t know if it was Johnny Miller or which ever commentator, but I remember one of them saying the only golfer who practiced more than Vijay Singh was Tiger Woods. Practice makes perfect but as we get older that wear and tear from our youth begins to catch up with us. His single minded focus to be the best ever has worn out the rest of him. More than likely the next ten years will have moments of brilliance while he is briefly feeling good followed by extended periods of mediocrity while he nurses another injury.
Jason Sobal
Mar 30, 2014 at 8:55 pm
Cant help but wonder if he regrets lifting so much and playing that U.S. Open at Torrey Pines on the broken leg? It seems like his body made major compensations that are now causing him to have a chain reaction of other problems.
Jon
Mar 30, 2014 at 8:48 pm
Why has nobody looked at LaCava? The man is a walking golf cart with sky caddie. At least Williams had some emotion.
JohSte
Apr 1, 2014 at 5:54 am
lol.
letsbehonest
Mar 30, 2014 at 6:23 pm
He needs some “blood spinning.” If you believe Tiger wasn’t juicing your nuts.
keepitreal
Apr 5, 2014 at 8:17 pm
so is rory
Snowman
Mar 30, 2014 at 11:56 am
Nothing will stop Tiger EXCEPT Health Issues and he definitely has some. How bad are they? We don’t really know and he ain’t talking. Barring a true career ending injury, he could be competitive into his mid 50’s (as was Hogan) so he may have ~60 more chances to win 5 majors… but if he gets to 17, the pressure will be massive. I’m hoping we get to see it.
letsbehonest
Mar 30, 2014 at 3:31 pm
Tiger’s pursuit of Jack ended when the PGA Tour started drug testing. It’s not a coincidence that Tiger’s body has broken down without steroids. Majors are more physically demanding and without steroids, Tiger’s body can’t handle the rigor of competing at these venues for 4 days/4 times a year. If Tiger wins another major (doubtful) it’s because he and his doctors have figured out a way to circumvent the current drug testing.
Justin
Mar 30, 2014 at 10:02 pm
I wouldn’t go so far as to say that he used steroids. However, his body is definitely feeling the wear and tear of the intense weight training, and the marine training he went through. Don’t get me wrong, he pretty much invented the modern power game, but all the time lifting definitely is giving him problems now.
RG
Mar 31, 2014 at 12:07 am
Ask Gary Player what he thinks about lifting heavy weights.
keepitreal
Apr 5, 2014 at 8:18 pm
he kissed nelson mandela’s feet…his opinions are worthless
Pugster22
Mar 30, 2014 at 9:28 am
Tiger has more “wear and tear” on his body than any other professional golfer on the planet…and it is catching up to him.
He was on TV at a very young age and has been hitting balls and playing competitive golf since three. (?)
The amount of tournaments that Tiger played since his early youth were not available to Arnold, Jack, Player, Trevino, Floyd.
His body is about 8 to 10 years older than his age.
Any thoughts????
mark b
Apr 1, 2014 at 12:21 am
I’d have to check the stats, but I’m pretty sure that Jack, Arnie, Lee and Ray did not play a lowly 16 to 18 tournaments per year. Tiger has played the absolute minimum for most of his career — with a few paid foreign appearances thrown in for giggles. If there is wear on him, it’s not coming from a rigorous golf schedule.
Forsbrand
Apr 19, 2014 at 3:48 am
Another rigorous hobbie perhaps?!
bestman
Apr 22, 2014 at 1:22 am
once you are in pain,you are always.it installs itself in your mind & stays there forever even when you play a painless round.your mind is always alert & affraid it will come back,diminish your capabilities & worse make you unfit for the game to continue as it has been & brought yuo so much fame.being second is difficult.still he’s number one in the world.
i don’t think even a psy can get it out.and as tiger has played since so many years tear & wear are part of his condition.so lets focuss on the new guys with hughe capabilites and not let tiger’s pain ruin our pleasure.i went recently from right hand play to left hand due to pain on the right side & it works( i am left hander in fact but did not realise) my focus goes to bubba now more than mickelson who is a “fake lefthander”(sorry )its like being left handed in tennis,there is always something special for us in comparison with others & last friday i beat a guy who thought it would be impossible playing left hand.with this change my game is back.my fun in the game is back.tiger should think about changing the way he trains & be more relaxed & refocus towards his capabilities he had in the beginning .how is his life with vonn?we don’t hear anything??
mark b
Mar 30, 2014 at 2:14 am
Please come back Tiger. We need you. I can imagine no worse afternoon of Golf on TV than having to watch Kevin Na and Andrew Loupe fidget their way to the top of a leaderboard. Check that — add in the old spitting Keegan Bradley and you have the death of the PGA.
steve
Mar 30, 2014 at 9:41 pm
How more Sam Saunders
steve
Mar 30, 2014 at 9:42 pm
How about more Sam Saunders
JonathanBilbo
Mar 29, 2014 at 10:47 pm
I’m pretty sure he is just wore down from having to carry the TOUR for all these years. He is human and maybe he just wants to be ordinary like the other golfers and not have to deal with circus that surrounds him all the time. He should retire for a year or two and see if he still wants to play, you can see it in his face every round now that he is just drained. Jordan retired and came back so ….
thefullsp
Mar 29, 2014 at 10:20 pm
It was regularly written that he used to do 2 hours of yoga every day. Wonder if he still does…?
Sean
Mar 29, 2014 at 9:39 pm
Time will tell. Thanks Bob.
DJ
Mar 29, 2014 at 9:15 pm
Tiger needs to go back to the Scotty
Jerret
Mar 30, 2014 at 11:28 am
Best WRX comment I’ve seen! Couldn’t have said it better, when it was in his hands….Game, Set, Match!
CJ haws
Mar 30, 2014 at 2:56 pm
Amen! Been saying it for years. He has the “Scotty” curse during the majors…
John
Mar 29, 2014 at 6:37 pm
Good article Bob. I hope Tiger gets back to contention on Sundays ‘cos it is boring to watch all these slow players like Loupe and Na and probably others to ruin the game to watch! I quit watching basketball after Jordan retired, football after Elway retired and i sure will quit watching golf after Tiger quits!! It ain’t worth it for me to watch mediocre !!!
Roger
Mar 29, 2014 at 5:52 pm
Bob, thanks for an article with real depth and insight and no bashing!
froneputt
Mar 29, 2014 at 5:39 pm
Agree with the author, and for once, with Haney.
getitclose
Mar 29, 2014 at 5:21 pm
Best article I’ve read on here. I’m a little biased because Tiger is my idol and always will be. But this article is an unbiased, honest, well written example of what is going on. It’s not throwing absurd comments around like “Tigers done” and “What’s wrong with Tiger? Is he quitting”. Lord knows there isn’t a whole lot of us Tiger enthusiast around anymore, but to say he wasn’t that great or to say he isn’t that great is indeed, absurd!
Great read! Keep it up…
Large chris
Mar 29, 2014 at 4:23 pm
Totally agree with this article. Tigers desire has lessened a little the last few months, and when he wasn’t contending in some tourneys last year he looked worn out. If he gets the desire back then he will win more majors.
GolferX
Mar 29, 2014 at 2:32 pm
Actually, that pulled hamstring was 25 years ago. And the throbbing from the change in barometric pressure woke me up this morning. Don’t get old, boys– Ben Hogan.
GolferX
Mar 29, 2014 at 2:29 pm
Only Tiger can answer the questions posed by your article, Bob. The problem is that we don’t really know the extent of the damage caused by his leg injury. As someone, who suffered a serious pulled hamstring in my mid-thirties, I can tell you that 20 years later, the damage continues to confound me to this day. The body is meant to break down and for an athlete, the slightest diminution of ability is devastating.