WRX Forum Buzzz
Does Tiger Woods need golf more than golf needs Tiger Woods?
In light of Tiger Woods’ return to the public eye as an assistant captain at the Presidents Cup, and his admission that his future in the game remains uncertain, GolfWRX Member Need4spd raises the question highlighted in the headline: “Does Tiger Woods need golf more than golf needs Tiger Woods?” Piggybacking off a Golf.com video, this GolfWRX forum thread has seen more than 125 replies this week and is heating up.
The responses are excellent, with many revolving around the idea that, putting aside how much we want to see him play, a return to golf may not be what’s best for Woods personally (although it would surely be difficult for the 14-time major champion).
Mackepa writes: “I genuinely believe time away from golf and the lime light is best for Tiger. Just let him have something close to a normal life.”
MidwestGolfBum writes: “Golf isn’t going to go away because he isn’t playing. There may be less interest in it at the professional level from people who don’t actually play the game like when Tiger was in his prime, but it’s not going to die as so many have predicted.”
And dbleag has an excellent take: “I am reading ‘The Fine Green Line: My Year of Golf Adventure on the Pro-Golf Mini-Tours,’ by John Newport. He meets Ivan Lendl at a mini-tour event in Florida where IL shoots 73/83.
“They discuss whether IL is trying to get good enough to go on to the PGA Tour. Lendl admits that he isn’t nor will ever be good enough to play at the highest level, but he has “competitiveness” in his blood and has to be in an environment which allows him the rush that tennis used to give him.”
To the Lendl point, Woods mentioned in his press conference yesterday that he’s been playing competitive golf since he was four. He misses it. He wants to get back to it. Certainly, if Woods were able to remain healthy, a return has substantially less downside than the grim pattern of coming back, getting hurt, needing another surgery, and being cast into that dark place again.
Great discussion with no shortage of variables to consider.
Discussion: Have your say in the thread
In our forums, our members have been pitting a Srixon ZXi combo against a TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo. WRXer ‘edutch22’ is on the hunt for a new set of irons and kicks off the thread saying:
“Looking at picking up a new set of irons and think I’ve narrowed it down to Srixon ZXi combo or Taylormade P7CB/770 combo. I am currently a 5 cap and allbeit I feel irons are my weakness. My miss is a little to the toe side. I am decently steep at 4-5 down. Always thought I am high spin but recently on trackman my 7 was spinning at 5800 roughly.
My question or looking for thoughts on which one would benefit me more from a forgiveness standpoint? Or is there another iron is should be looking at entirely? I only get to play about once or twice a week, if I am not playing a 2-3 day event. Thanks in advance.”
And our members have been sharing their thoughts and suggestions in response.
Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- manima1: “You just can’t go wrong with Srixon ZXi7.”
- MattM97: “You have to hit them to know, the V-Sole on the Srixon can be make or break for many.”
- dmeeksDC: “P7CB is more forgiving for me than ZXi7 because my main miss is low middle and the P7CB still flies and spins great on that miss. These are both really nice irons but I like the P7CB more than the Zxi7 and the P770 (or P790) more than the Zxi5. The Srixons are larger so if that gives you confidence that is the way to go. I don’t feel like I get any benefit from the V-sole and the P7CBs live up to their high Maltby forgiveness rating so the TaylorMades have been great for me.”
Entire Thread: “Srixon ZXi combo or TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo? – GolfWRXers discuss”
In our forums, our members have been reacting to a fitting session involving Mizuno’s Pro M13 and Callaway’s X Forged irons. WRXer ‘careergolfer’ recently went through a full fitting session and shared his numbers and commentary, saying:
“After playing Callaway Apex Pros for the pats 5 years, just went through a full iron fitting and thought the data was interesting enough to share. I’ve seen a lot of posts talking about fittings but not many with actual numbers, so here’s mine.
All 7-iron, same ball, same session. Final two were the ones I was choosing between:
| Club | Ball Speed | Launch | Spin | Side Angle | Carry | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current irons | 121.1 mph | 18.3° | 6,691 rpm | 0.7L | 170 | 178 |
| Callaway X Forged | 125.8 mph | 15.9° | 6,144 rpm | 2.2L | 180 | 185 |
| Mizuno M-13 | 125.8 mph | 17.9° | 6,638 rpm | 2.2L | 177 | 182 |
The consistency numbers are what actually made the decision:
| Club | Ball Speed SD | Spin SD | Total Yards SD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current irons | 3.3 | 294 | 5 |
| Callaway X Forged | 2.0 | 211 | 3 |
| Mizuno M-13 | 1.1 | 150 | 2 |
Callaway won on distance by 3 yards but got there with a much lower ball flight (15.9° launch, 6,144 spin). The Mizuno matched my existing flight profile with nearly 3x tighter ball speed consistency.
Fitter also noted I’ve been setting up with a closed face at address to compensate for a heel-heavy dynamic lie. Ordered the M-13s 1° flat to bring impact back to neutral: the theory being if I can set up square, I can actually commit to the release. I’m not sure if this was the right call TBH but took the fitter’s guidance. I’ll see what happens.
Went with the Mizuno. Clubs aren’t in hand yet. Happy to share follow-up data once I’ve played them!”
And our members have been sharing their thoughts in response.
Here are a couple of posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- PowerCobra98: “M13 certainly performed well. Enjoy the new irons once you get them!”
- dmeeksDC: “Two completely different irons. The X Forged is a tour-type iron and would match up with the S3 in the Mizuno lineup. Not going to see a lot of M-13 on pro tours. It’s a crossover iron, three different types of construction in the same set. The M-13 would be more like the AI 150 as the M-13 7 iron is a half-hollow club versus X Forged, which is a straight up forged iron. M-13 middle irons have very thin faces, not holding up well for some buyers if you read through the M-13 thread. Hopefully Mizuno has corrected it. Given the differences in construction, that is surprising ball speed with the X Forged. To me the numbers are quite an endorsement of the X Forged considering it has no ‘tech.'”
Entire Thread: “Mizuno Pro M13 vs Callaway X Forged: My actual fitting numbers – GolfWRXers discuss”
In our forums, our members have been discussing drivers. WRXer ‘Ty-Webb’ is still playing Ping’s G400 LS driver and reaches out to fellow members saying:
“Playing the G400 LS still and wondering if newer is any better? For someone who thinks golf equipment is 90% marketing, change my mind.”
And our members have been weighing in with their top picks in response.
Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- meliaant: “As someone who graduated from the OG SIM to the Qi10, I can you two things: 1) on-center hits are essentially identical. 2) off-center hits are wildly, absurdly better with newer drivers.”
- Golfingfanatic: “I went from the G400 to the GT2 – probably a wash distance wise from the sweet spot, but much better at handling spin off-center.. would definitely try some new stuff if you can.”
- bluedot: “Given the number of heads and shafts that are available, plus the fact that you’re talking about a 9 yr old club, plus the available fitting technology, the answer is almost certainly yes. Add to that the fact that the Ping LS models are sort of ‘specialized’ drivers, as are the Ping SFT’s; heck, you might need MORE spin! How much better is really the question, and that depends on how well suited the G400 LS is to your swing, and how you will go about finding an alternative.”
Entire Thread: “Has there been a better driver since this Ping release? – GolfWRXers discuss”
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Shane
Oct 8, 2017 at 9:52 pm
Golf definitely does not need TW (perhaps golf would have been better off had TW never come along), but at an emotional level TW needs Golf. TW needs to compete competitively at the highest level. He needs this to satisfy his ego and mental health. But what he needs and what he ‘s able to achieve are two different things. TW no longer has the ability or will power to succeed at the highest level. Hope he proves me wrong…..
Ole Tom
Oct 4, 2017 at 9:37 pm
Tiger is the GOAT
Pro Golf is pretty great now, but the excitement factor will never match early 2000s level again
LAbillyboy
Oct 2, 2017 at 1:40 pm
Sadly for Tiger golf has gone on just fine without him. There’s a great crop of new stars competing every week, breaking records and filling the stands. I just don’t see how he ever gets back into the mix, with the injuries he has playing 5 or 6 days in a row which is required to be successful on tour is really out of the question. Someday he’ll be hitting the ceremonial tee shot at the Masters.. that may be his next appearance on tour… BTW, he doesn’t need golf anymore either… his net worth will keep him in private jets, mansions and yachts the rest of his life and a couple generations to follow.
UnclePhil
Oct 1, 2017 at 8:40 pm
@DonRutkoff. “He knows a little about the role a parent plays?” Hahahaha!!! You’ve got to be kidding us, right? About all he knows is how to create offspring! He knows more about how to destroy a family, and that’s about it. Need I review his crash course through life and the destruction of a tattered reputation. Oh man, you’re killing me with that nonsense. He needs to just build a library in his home, fill it with “life maintenance” books and lock himself in said library and remain
quiet!
golfoho
Oct 1, 2017 at 10:26 am
Clickbait all day. Tigger who? Golf was here long before he was born and will be long after he is gone. Does golf need Jack …the GOAT or Arnold (RIP)? Without golf he is irrelevant.
Life goes on …Jordy,Justin, DJ, Jon, Rors…and they to will pass…next!
cgasucks
Oct 1, 2017 at 9:33 am
Golf needs Tiger….on the Champions Tour…
Lorne
Oct 1, 2017 at 1:06 pm
Tiger should first do a test run on the web.com tour rather than jumping directly into the PGA Tour. That would take off the pressure of performing in the spotlight. Of course if he only wants to play to be a walking endorsement for sponsor equipment that would be too bad.
Abby
Oct 1, 2017 at 9:15 pm
Tiger should test his game out on the web.com tour first before he shows up on the PGA tour. He should stay out of the spotlight until he proves he’s capable of playing at the top levels.
CrashTestDummy
Oct 1, 2017 at 5:04 am
I’d like to see him play at a high level again. Definitely a long shot. He looks really bulked up. That has got to be hindering to his flexibility. I think he needs to focus more on stretching to increase range of motion and flexibility and less on heavy weight lifting.
Donn Rutkoff
Sep 30, 2017 at 10:54 pm
I think physically Tiger cannot compete on the tour and will probably not be competitive as a Champion at age 50 either. Partly his injuries, partly the massive competition of todays 23, 20, 25, 29 year olds from around the globe on the US tour. I do think he can make a great teacher and work with kids the rest of his born days. He knows a little about the role a parent plays. And he knows too many kids don’t have parents. He can do for hundreds or thousands what his parents did for him. (Imagine if Nicklaus Palmer and Player also had DJ, Jason, Jordan, Justin, Rory and Rahm all to contend with from say 1960 to 1970.)
MW
Sep 30, 2017 at 8:19 pm
Golf is doing just fine without Tiger. The game has always been bigger than one individual, and sooner or later they all fade away. Tiger has contributed a great deal to this game but his ego got out of control, and the game of golf didn’t need the negative behaviors associated with him. I don’t miss Tiger, and that doesn’t make me a Tiger hater. I admired his game but not his personality, and I think karma bit him in the butt. I wish him the best but I don’t wish him to return to the game.
Ben
Sep 30, 2017 at 10:07 am
Golf needs tiger,
UnclePhil
Sep 29, 2017 at 8:11 pm
This Eldrick character, I’ve heard a lot about him, tell me more. Kind of a Rick Pitino type, right?
EnzoD
Sep 29, 2017 at 7:54 pm
Golf needs Tiger….as a coach and mentor. He would be a pretty good coach at the collegiate level and he’s young enough to relate to the kids.
Judge Smeills
Sep 29, 2017 at 10:15 pm
and a fine mentor for young men, adultery and DUIs
william eber
Sep 29, 2017 at 5:35 pm
Tiger and GOLF are in each others DNA and bloodstream. they are good for each other. the question should be are they each better off with each other? tiger and golf will both survive without each other but will survive better with each other. after the golf club incident and marital problems, i felt that tiger will be great again and it seemed to work out that way, ie: 2013, player of the year. after all the medical issues, i’m not as sure he’ll be great again in the pga tour, but he’ll be great for the game as the game will be great for him. his promotional work for golf and his team captianships alone are great for golf and his history, although a mixed bag, is great for golf.
He will always reign as a KING in the game. God Bless Tiger
Andrew
Sep 29, 2017 at 1:11 pm
Ben, this is the best question you’ve ever asked on WRX. Thank you for growing a pair. Yes, Tiger needs golf more than golf needs him at this point. Tiger is incapable of doing anything well other than golf. Not even golf design (Yawn). Maybe it’s time for him to learn to be a man and a father first and foremost. Start by dumping the parasite/vulture Mark Steinberg who doesn’t give a rabbit turd about you. Now to address the other half of your question, there is plenty of young talent out there now to keep the galleries entertained. Nobody talks about Tiger for more than 10 seconds anymore.
Mikey
Sep 29, 2017 at 11:49 am
Tiger is missed full stop. Tiger’s involvement in a competition brings an excitement and interest that no other golfer on the planet brings to the game. If he plays more people go to the course more people watch the TV. He is important to the game but the game will survive though without the interest and sparkle that Tiger brought to the game. Without him would the level of commercial sponsorship be at its current level? The question is will there be the same value of commercial interest if Tiger decides to finish. Tiger get fully fit and make a spectacular return I for one would love to see that, but so would millions and millions of others.
Spitfisher
Sep 29, 2017 at 11:34 am
Golf is in very very capable hands with a younger more vibrant group, sportsmanship, competition and comradery among friends, doing what they love with honor and dignity. Apparently Earl Woods tore these pages out of the “how to raise your child” hand book.
A huge talent record breaking talent to 2008 then a slow train wreck of disappointment that has repeated itself ( & that’s only the stuff we know about, I feel sorry for his kids). Now Tiger seems obsessed with just staying relevant in the news.
joro
Sep 29, 2017 at 11:27 am
The real question is does Eldrick really care about Golf or most of all his diehard fans who he has shown in the past to completely ignore. He might not need either but as long as they keep throwing the Cash at him and swooning over him he will be in the news. The only thing he seems to really care about is Blond Trailer Trash. And no, I do not respect or care about him. I know what he is really like.
Dat
Sep 29, 2017 at 11:39 am
Your point is?
Dat
Sep 29, 2017 at 11:19 am
Golf needs to worry about its own future, with or without Tiger. He can only control his own actions and future, golf on the other hand needs to go through some changes regardless.