Connect with us

Blog

After Impressive PNC, What’s Next for Tiger?

Avatar photo

Published

on

What's Next for Tiger?

The switch flipped around the turn. Tiger Woods had been in hit-and-giggle mode for the previous two-plus days of the PNC Championship, content to play a few shots and crack a few jokes. Let us not forget that the man nearly lost his leg in February. But Tiger felt better from the moment he woke up Sunday morning, and Team Woods had the lead in sight. The smiles turned to fist-pumps. The wandering eyes locked in on the prize. Something about that Sunday red-and-black.

Tiger and Charlie put on one helluva show, dropping 11 straight birdies from Nos. 7-17 at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club to briefly tie Team Daly for the lead. There was, incredibly, a legitimate buzz in the air for a December exhibition featuring three kids too young to drive and two men older than 80. Virtually every single spectator on site followed the Woodses all day, and those hotel guests who couldn’t score the hot ticket found a hillside where they could glimpse the action. It was the group behind, however, that produced the champion: John Daly, still smokin’ his smokes and drinking his Diet Cokes, and John Daly II, now a freshman on the Arkansas golf team and no longer Little, put in a spoiler performance that’d make 2009 Stewart Cink proud.

The Woodses’ 15-under 57 came up two shots short, in solo second, but now we’re talking semantics. Tiger will be beaming on the 30-minute flight back to Jupiter—for the way he played, the way he felt and how his 12-year-old son composed himself and performed in the high-tension moments.

Charlie Woods played a high, soft cut into the 16th green. Start it in the middle of the green, let it move toward the hole. Just like dad. Birdie. And then he topped that on the next hole, the difficult par-3 17th, when he held a 5-iron into a right-to-left wind and snuggled his ball to three feet from a water-guarded front-right flag. It was the closest anyone got on that hole, including the pros. Birdie. Both Tiger and Charlie knew they needed to eagle the par-5 finishing hole, a distinct possibility after Tiger’s second crawled just over the green. As he approached his ball, the sun gleaming off his forearms and his eyes locked on a landing spot, context flew out the window. This was Tiger being Tiger.

“The competitive juices, they are never going to go away. This is my environment. This is what I’ve done my entire life,” Tiger said afterward. “I’m just so thankful to be able to have this opportunity to do it again. Earlier this year was not a very good start to the year, and it didn’t look very good. But the last few weeks, to push as hard as we have the last seven months with taking no days off and just working our butts off each and every day, and to have this opportunity to be able to play with my son and to have these memories, for us, for both of us, our lifetime, it’s worth all the pain.”

Team Woods shot an impressiive 15-under 57—with 11 straight birdies—on Sunday to finish second.

Jensen Larson for Golf Digest

This week was always going to be a test for Woods. He’d played only two or three rounds all year, and certainly not three days in a row. He’ll be encouraged that he had noticeably more speed and pop on Sunday than the previous two days. He also had much better bottom-control, which is tour speak for being able to have the club interact with the turf/ball at the same time over and over. There were no drop-kick drivers, like there were on Saturday.

ADVERTISEMENT

Justin Thomas, who Woods played with on Saturday, still came away beaming. “I was so impressed by the speed that he had and the shots he was hitting,” Thomas said. “At least from my perspective, it looked like a lot of the moves and everything were there.”

For all that’s been made of Woods ushering in the power era of golf, his strength has always been his irons. They have survived five knee surgeries and five back surgeries, and, for the moment, a horrific car accident. Woods had tour-level distance control all week and looked comfortable shaping the ball both ways. There were high cuts and there were low draws. The shot he hit into the par-3 eighth—a 4-iron cut that pierced through the wind and still sat soft, those are Tiger shots. There were a lot of Tiger shots this week. More than anyone expected.

“Way impressed,” said Sunday playing partner Matt Kuchar, who has played his fair share of golf with his fellow 40-pluser. “He’s still flushing it. Still has speed. Irons are spectacular. Tiger Woods of old-like irons. Huntin’ flags, pin high every time. It’s awesome.”

His driver swing is noticeably different; he’s much more flat footed at impact, a nod to the fact he’s not yet comfortable pushing off his right leg and clearing onto his left side during the downswing. There’s more wrist action at the bottom that he’d like. Because he cannot generate the speed with his legs, much of it comes from the arms. It is, ironically, somewhat analogous to the way Phil Mickelson generates speed. Whether he’ll move back toward that squat-and-clear motion as his leg strengthens remains to be seen. So much remains to be seen.

If this week proved anything, it’s that Tiger still has the game. He can still hit the golf shots … so long as he has a ride to the next one. For a man who has lived a complicated life in the public eye, his greatest challenge moving forward is, ironically, so very simple: walkingIt boils down to whether he can walk 18 holes for five straight days. Because, as his caddie Joe LaCava reminded us this week, tournament golf requires a practice round. Even for Tiger. And that’s to say nothing of the practice ramp-up he’ll need to get the game to a place where it can stand up to Rahm and Rory and rough. Because of the scramble format, and the Woods boys’ overall proficiency at golf, we still haven’t seen Tiger hit a single shot out of rough.

“I’m not … I’m not at that level. I can’t compete again these guys right now, no,” Tiger said. “It’s going to take a lot of work to get to where I feel like I can compete at these guys and be at a high level.”

Tiger rides in a golf cart with his girlfriend, Erica Herman, and his daughter, Sam Woods, during Sunday’s final round.

Ben Jared

Woods did fatigue as the afternoon wore on. There were a number of grimaces. But pain—pain he can deal with. His leg has its structural integrity back; doctors told him there was no risk of further injury this week. It would just be a matter of pain management.

As for what’s next, it’s more of the same. Gym work and physical therapy, every single day, multiple times per day. Woods, who turns 46 next Thursday, said earlier this week that he has not taken a single day off in his rehab. This, a taste of the intoxicating rush of competition, will only motivate him further.

“As I told you guys in the Bahamas, I’m not going to play a full schedule ever again. I’m going to have to pick and choose what events, and even then, my body might not cooperate with that. So I don’t know how many events I’m going to be playing in. And it’s going to be up to training sessions, practice sessions, recovery tactics, all those different things to be able to do it. As I said … [I’m] protective on it now, and just so thankful to be able to do this again because it didn’t look good there for a little.”

Earlier this week, Woods scoffed at the notion of requesting a cart for a PGA Tour event. “That’s just not who I am,” he said. “That’s not how I’ve always been.” He will take exactly zero handouts on his road back, which is nowhere near its completion. And yet this week cannot be considered anything but a hugely encouraging sign.

As for the future, well, we likely won’t hear much from Tiger over the next few months. He seems to prefer dropping news out of nowhere and sending the internet into a frenzy. Until then, or until he steps into the public eye once again, he’ll return to a cadence of living that’s become all too familiar: rehab, rehab, rehab.

The week was everything that Tiger had hoped for in his return to golf: “I’m just so thankful to be able to have this opportunity to do it again.” Ben Jared

This article originally appeared on Golf Digest.

Blog

Stop Wasting Strokes: 5 Simple Drills to Kill the Dreaded 3-Putt

Tired of ruining a great hole with the dreaded 3-putt? These 5 simple drills fix your speed, conquer pressure, and turn three putts into two.

Avatar photo

Published

on

There is no feeling in golf quite as demoralizing as the 3-putt.

You smash a perfect drive. You hit a pure iron shot that lands safely on the green. You’re feeling like a pro, walking up to your ball with a birdie on your mind.

Then, disaster strikes. You blaze the first putt eight feet past the hole. Your comebacker for par is a nervous, jabby stroke that lips out. You tap in for a bogey, walking off the green with that all-too-familiar feeling of frustration, your good shots completely wasted.

The 3-putt is the great scorecard killer. It’s the difference between breaking 90 and shooting 95. The good news? It’s almost always the easiest problem to fix. It’s not about buying a $500 putter; it’s about controlling your speed and handling pressure.

Here are 5 simple, time-tested drills to kill the 3-putt and make you a confident force on the greens.

ADVERTISEMENT

Why You 3-Putt (It’s Not What You Think)

Most amateurs 3-putt for two simple reasons, and neither has to do with a “bad stroke”:

  1. Poor Lag Putting: You leave your first putt so far from the hole that the second putt is still a challenge.
  2. Missed “Knee-Knockers”: You can’t consistently sink putts inside 3-5 feet.

These five drills are designed to fix both of those problems, starting today.

5 Drills to Become a 2-Putt Machine

Find a practice green and spend 20 minutes on these. You’ll see results in your very next round.

1. The Ladder Drill (For Lag Control)

This is the ultimate drill for dialing in your speed control.

  • How to do it: Place three balls at 20, 30, and 40 feet from a hole (or use tees if you’re just practicing speed).
  • The Goal: Hit the 20-foot putt, then the 30-foot, then the 40-foot. Your only goal is to get all three putts to stop within a 3-foot radius of the hole (imagine a hula-hoop around the cup).
  • Why it works: It trains your brain to instinctively understand how hard to hit a putt based on distance. You’ll stop blazing putts 10 feet by or leaving them 10 feet short.

2. The Clock Drill (For Short Putt Pressure)

You must be automatic from three feet. This drill adds the pressure you feel on the course.

  • How to do it: Place 12 balls in a 3-foot circle around the hole (like the numbers on a clock).
  • The Goal: Go around the clock and make all 12 putts in a row. If you miss one, you must start over from the beginning.
  • Why it works: It’s not just about mechanics; it’s about focus. When you get to ball #10, you will feel the pressure. This simulates the feeling of having to make a putt for par.

3. The Gate Drill (For a Pure Roll)

Missed short putts are often caused by a poor starting line. This drill gives you instant feedback.

  • How to do it: Find a straight, 5-foot putt. Place two tees on the ground just wide enough for your putter head to pass through. About a foot in front of your ball, place two more tees just slightly wider than the ball itself.
  • The Goal: Stroke the putter through the first “gate” and roll the ball through the second “gate.”
  • Why it works: If you hit the ball off-center or have a wobbly stroke, the ball will hit the second gate. It forces you to hit the sweet spot and start the ball exactly where you’re aiming.

4. The 100-Footer (The “No 3-Putt” Zone)

This drill is simple: go to one end of the practice green and putt to a hole on the opposite end. Your goal is not to make it, but to get it inside that imaginary 3-foot circle. Do this 10 times. This makes 30 and 40-footers on the course feel like tap-ins by comparison.

5. The “Read, Roll, and React” Drill

Stop agonizing over every putt. This drill teaches you to trust your first instinct.

  • How to do it: Take three balls to a 25-foot breaking putt.
  • The Goal: You have 20 seconds total. In that time, you must read the green, take one practice stroke, and hit all three putts.
  • Why it works: It stops “paralysis by analysis.” It trains you to pick a line, trust your speed, and accept the result. You’ll be amazed at how much better your instincts are than your over-analytical brain.

It’s About Process, Not Perfection

You’re still going to 3-putt occasionally. Even the pros do. But by practicing these drills, you’ll be building confidence and skill. You’ll stop fearing long putts and start knowing you can get them close. That confidence is the real secret to finally killing the 3-putt for good.

Continue Reading

Blog

Stop Trying So Hard: A Zen Guide to Golf That’ll Have You Saying ‘Gunga Galunga’

Tired of your scorecard looking like a phone number? Maybe the problem isn’t your swing, it’s that little voice in your head. It’s time to empty the bucket, stop overthinking, and learn how to ‘be the ball.’ It’s a lot simpler than you think, and the results are… well, they’re nice.

Avatar photo

Published

on

By

I see a lot of you out there. Knuckles white, teeth grinding, a vein popping in your forehead because you left a ten-foot putt an inch short. You look like you’re trying to solve a complex math problem, not hit a little white ball into a slightly larger hole. You’re trying so hard, you can’t even see what you’re doing.

A long time ago, the Dalai Lama himself, a big hitter, told me something that’s stuck with me. “Total consciousness.” So I got that goin’ for me, which is nice. But what does that mean for you, standing over a 4-iron with water on the right and nothing but trouble on the left?

It means you have to stop thinking.

That little voice in your head? The one reminding you about your slice, or that you duffed the last chip, or that Judge Smails is watching from the clubhouse patio? You need to tell that voice to take a little vacation. Send it to the 19th hole for a Fresca. Your brain is a powerful tool, but on the golf course, it’s usually on the other team’s payroll.

ADVERTISEMENT

The secret is simple. You have to be the ball.

Now, don’t take it literally. You don’t need to become a dimpled sphere of Surlyn. That’s a whole other level of Zen, and honestly, the lawnmowers are a real hazard. To “be the ball” is to see the shot before it happens. It’s a feeling. You look at the target, you see the flight of the ball in your mind-a nice, gentle draw landing softly on the green-and then you just… let it happen.

Think of it like this: you are the ball, the club is just an extension of your arm, and your arm is just a noodle doing what the universe tells it to do. See it, feel it, and then let your body take over. Nanananana…

The more you force it, the worse it gets. It’s like trying to hold water in your fist. You squeeze with all your might, and it just slips through your fingers. But if you relax, cup your hands gently, you can hold it. Your golf swing is the same. Loosen that death grip, relax your shoulders, and just let the club flow.

Golf isn’t a game of perfect. It’s a game of managing the imperfect. It’s about finding that one pure shot in a round that makes you feel connected to everything. That’s the feeling that brings you back. So next time you’re out there, take a deep breath. Look at the trees, listen to the birds, and remember that you’re just a blip in the cosmos hitting a ball with a stick.

Empty the bucket. Stop trying. And just be the ball. You’ll be surprised at what happens when you get out of your own way.

If this little nugget of wisdom helps you find your flow, do me a favor and share it with a friend who’s stuck in their head. The world needs less thinking and more ‘nanananana’. And for more insights from the links, follow us on social media. It’s the Zen thing to do.

Continue Reading

Blog

Legendary Golf Coaches and Their Signature Teaching Techniques

A Deep Dive into the Art of Golf Coaching. There are few sports as mentally challenging and technically nuanced as golf.

Avatar photo

Published

on

There are few sports as mentally challenging and technically nuanced as golf. The game demands a unique blend of physical precision, mental resilience, and strategic insight. As such, the role of a golf coach extends far beyond mere swing mechanics and course management. They also play a crucial part in shaping the mindset and overall approach of the player. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the profound impact that legendary golf coaches have had on the sport, highlighting their signature teaching styles that have produced world-class golfers and changed the face of golf across generations.

Butch Harmon: The Guru of Simplification

Butch Harmon is a name that resonates with any serious golf enthusiast. Known for his work with Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Greg Norman, Harmon’s coaching style is characterized by its simplicity. He focuses on making the swing as effortless as possible, keeping technical jargon to a minimum and emphasizing feel and natural movement. His approach has proven successful, with his students winning numerous major championships.

David Leadbetter: The Technician

ADVERTISEMENT

David Leadbetter, renowned for his work with Nick Faldo, is often considered a technician in golf coaching. He pays great attention to minute details of the swing, believing that consistency and efficiency come from mastering the fundamentals. Leadbetter introduced the “A Swing,” a technique designed to simplify the golf swing while increasing efficiency and reducing strain on the body.

Hank Haney: The Strategist

Best known for his six-year coaching tenure with Tiger Woods, Hank Haney is a strategist at heart. Haney emphasizes the importance of course management and strategic decision-making, helping players choose the best shot for any given situation. His teaching style aims to help players understand their strengths and weaknesses, thereby maximizing scoring opportunities on the course.

Sean Foley: The Modernist

Sean Foley represents a new wave of golf coaching, blending traditional golf instruction with modern technology. Notably, he uses advanced tools like 3D motion analysis and Trackman to provide detailed feedback on swing mechanics. Foley, who has worked with players like Justin Rose and Tiger Woods, believes in a holistic approach, incorporating physical fitness and mental preparation into his coaching regimen.

Pete Cowen: The Philosopher

Pete Cowen, known for his work with major winners like Brooks Koepka and Graeme McDowell, approaches golf coaching from a philosophical perspective. Cowen’s teaching style emphasizes the importance of mental strength, discipline, and a strong work ethic. He believes in building a solid foundation, focusing on short game and wedge play, and then working up to full swings.

Legendary golf coaches like Butch Harmon, David Leadbetter, Hank Haney, Sean Foley, and Pete Cowen have left an indelible mark on the sport. Their unique teaching styles, whether it be simplification, technical precision, strategic insight, technological innovation, or philosophical approach, have helped shape the careers of many world-class golfers. Aspiring golfers and coaches can learn a great deal from their methodologies, applying these lessons to improve their own game or coaching style. After all, golf is not just about the swing; it’s about the approach, both on and off the course.

Want to improve your own game?

Continue Reading

Trending

Click here to get all the latest golf news

Close