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In Full Swing: A Comeback May Be Closer Than We Think

First, some backstory.
In 2015, Tiger Woods arrived at the Hero World Challenge an injured man. It was the first time his event would be held at Albany in the Bahamas, but the tournament host — just a few weeks from turning 40 — was coming off surgeries and nowhere close to competition-ready. Instead he spent the week monitoring the action from a golf cart and delivered an honest and decidedly bleak state of affairs in his press conference.
“The hardest part for me is there’s really nothing I can look forward to, nothing I can build toward,” Woods said. “There is no timetable,” he added.
I mentioned that year’s presser to Rory McIlroy on Tuesday of this year’s Hero World Challenge, and he recited Woods’ takeaway quote word for word.
“I think everything beyond this will be gravy,” he recalled Woods saying six years earlier.
The Washington Post headline said it all: Tiger Woods’s latest press conference is a masterclass in sadness
Yikes.
The Hero World Challenge has served as the site of both promise and misery for Woods. A year after that doomsday presser he made his competitive return for four rounds at Albany. Tiger fans found comfort in the fact that Woods walked 72 holes. He even led the field in birdies! But he mixed in a slew of double bogeys, too, and finished in 15th out of 18. The comeback stalled just months later. He wouldn’t play 72 holes again for 12 months.
But when he did reappear in 2017, Woods did so at the Hero again. He worked his way into contention at the halfway mark, played his way out of contention with a Saturday 75 and finished the week T9 — with plenty to build on.
You know what happened next: The Comeback. Woods’ competitive year in 2018, including a Tour Championship win. His Masters (and Zozo) in 2019. Woods climbed as high as No. 6 in the world. He somehow reentered the conversation for world’s best active golfer.
So it’s only fitting that now, in 2021, this is where Woods is staging the latest chapter in his comeback. First he made his return to the public eye at Tuesday’s presser — a savvy place to do so because Woods is in a controlled environment with a small press corps, there are limited fans, he can draw extra attention to his tournament and foundation and it doesn’t hurt that he’s generally in charge of everything.
Still, in Tuesday’s remarks Woods downplayed any immediate return to competitive golf.
“I’ll put it to you this way: As far as playing at the Tour level, I don’t know when that’s going to happen,” he said. He was self-deprecating about his swing speed, said he’d been playing from the forward tees and seemed intent on lowering expectations.
But Albany has two ends to its range. The side nearer the clubhouse is where most of the action happens; that’s where this week’s players and pro-am competitors get loose. And on Wednesday a figure in white and grey appeared on the back of the range, warming up a familiar swing.
Take this next bit with a grain of salt, because it’s not like Woods was hitting in his home simulator and someone snuck a photo. I’m sure he knew there was a good chance he’d be spotted.
Still, unlike Woods’ swing video from last Sunday, this version wasn’t staged. A Tour staffer noticed Woods and pressed record because why not. Later, Team Tiger gave the okay to release the tapes. And so there we were at 8:26 p.m. EST, watching Woods rip 3-woods down the range. Word spread fast.
Full swing Woods. pic.twitter.com/oTAoL7eeCa— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) December 2, 2021
The 23-second video tells us plenty. The simple fact that he is insisting on practicing this week suggests he lacks neither a plan nor determination. The camera angle is a reminder that Woods didn’t know he was being filmed. The wedges and driver leaning on the cart suggest a through-the-bag session. And the speed with which he’s swinging is evidence that he’s moving quite well — and that he still hasn’t kicked the habit of telling the public half-truths (at best) when it comes to his health.
For Woods fans, it’s all good news. But with Woods, good news can never be enough on its own. In this case it’s accompanied by a side of, “When is he going to play?” Speculation was already running wild before the video that Woods (and his son Charlie) would tee it up at the PNC Championship. Tiger Insider Notah Begay implied on Golf Channel that the PNC was a possibility, especially given Charlie could take care of most tee shots in the format. Golf Channel’s Todd Lewis suggested more of the same. Despite Woods’ low-expectations presser, he had left the door ajar for a “hit-and-giggle” appearance in the nearer future. And there was Eamon Lynch’s Golfweek report stating the tournament was holding a spot for the team of Woods/Woods.
Woods is hardly Tour-ready. Nobody is suggesting that. He still took frequent breaks in his golf cart between swing sessions on Wednesday, sitting and resting in the Bahamian sunshine. But what’s striking is that we’ve seen him in worse health at this very tournament. And while his playing the PNC is certainly no lock, it’s clear he has future competitive golf on the mind.
Woods’ young peers were effusive.
“Look, whether he plays out on Tour full time or not, he’s still Tiger and he brings so much energy and life,” said Collin Morikawa, Woods’ most recently-crowned heir apparent.
“I think he said yesterday [a limited schedule] that he feels like he can get himself ready for. I mean, it’s smart, it’s smart to do that,” said McIlroy, providing some realistic optimism.
But Xander Schauffele put it best.
“I just saw him yesterday and I told him he’s the most stubborn person that I know,” Schauffele said. “And that he’s trying to — you know, basically he’s using this situation as motivation to try and come back and win and be that guy because he’s always been that guy.”
Now we wait and see.
This article originally appeared on Golf.com.
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Breaking 90: Real Golf Improvement Tips That Actually Work
Tired of hovering in the low 90s? You’re not alone. Here are real, proven golf improvement tips that will finally help you break 90—and do it consistently.

Why Breaking 90 Feels Like the Mount Everest of Golf
If you’ve ever wrapped up a round with an 89 on the card, you know the rush. For amateur golfers, breaking 90 isn’t just a number—it’s a rite of passage. It means your hard work is paying off, your decisions are sharper, and you’re starting to play golf instead of just swinging a club.
But here’s the thing: most golfers try to improve the wrong way. They tinker with their swing for months, chase YouTube tips at midnight, and buy the latest tech gear hoping it’ll shave strokes. Sound familiar?
As someone who spent years flirting with that 90 barrier, I’m here to tell you: you don’t need a perfect swing—you need a better strategy. Let’s get into the golf improvement tips that actually work.
Think Like a Golfer, Not a Swing Coach
Manage Expectations—Golf Isn’t About Perfect
You won’t stripe every drive or stick every wedge. So stop expecting to. Golf is a game of misses. The trick is making your bad shots better.
Start by dropping the obsession with perfection. Accept the occasional duff or slice. Focus instead on smart decisions and simple, repeatable swings.
“Golf is not a game of perfect. It’s a game of recovery.” — Dr. Bob Rotella, sports psychologist
Know Your “Go-To” Shot
If you’re trying to shape every shot like you’re on Tour, stop. Pick one reliable shot shape—fade, draw, straight—and stick to it. If your natural shot is a fade, play for it.
The moment I embraced my push-fade as a feature, not a flaw, my scores improved. I stopped fighting my swing and started playing smarter.
Play the Right Tee Box—Seriously
Too many amateurs play from tees that are way too long. You don’t need to prove anything to anyone. Move up. Hit more greens. Have more fun. And yes—lower your score.
If you’re not getting to par 4s in two, or regularly hitting 3-woods into par 3s, it’s time to drop back to reality. You’ll thank yourself later.
Course Management—The Secret Weapon
Avoid the Hero Shot
Stuck in the trees? Don’t go for the 4-iron stinger through a two-foot gap. Punch out, get back in play, and take your medicine.
Par is great. Bogey is acceptable. Doubles are killers.
Know When to Lay Up
Got 210 yards into a narrow green with water short and right? Don’t be a hero. Hit it 150 and wedge it close. Most amateurs lose shots by trying to make up for a mistake with an even riskier shot. That never works.
Your scorecard rewards consistency, not courage.
The 3 Must-Have Skills to Break 90
1. A Reliable Tee Shot
You don’t need to hit bombs, but you need to keep it in play. Ditch the driver if it’s wild. I played a 5-wood for three months and dropped 7 strokes off my average.
2. A Dependable Wedge Game
From 100 yards and in, you need a club (or two) that you trust. Learn one shot—half swing, three-quarter, whatever—and own it.
3. No 3-Putts
Three-putting kills rounds. Focus on lag putting from long range and knocking in those nervy 4-footers. Spend twice as much time on putting as you do on full swings.
Practice With Purpose, Not Hope
Don’t just hit balls at the range. Practice like you play:
- Hit different clubs in random order
- Play imaginary holes
- Make putting drills competitive
- Keep score
“Deliberate practice leads to deliberate improvement.” — Mark Blackburn, PGA Tour Coach
Track Your Stats and Find the Leaks
Use an app or simple scorecard notes to track:
- Fairways hit
- Greens in regulation
- Putts per hole
- Penalty strokes
You’ll quickly spot where you’re leaking strokes. That’s where the real work starts.
Mindset Shift—Focus on Process, Not Score
I used to obsess over my score on every hole. Now, I focus on one swing at a time. Breaking 90 isn’t about shooting a 39 on the front and holding on. It’s about stacking smart decisions, one shot at a time.
Breaking 90 isn’t about hitting perfect shots. It’s about making better decisions, avoiding big numbers, and playing within your game. These golf improvement tips aren’t magic—they’re practical, proven strategies that work for real golfers.
Try them on your next round, and don’t forget to celebrate the small wins—like finally keeping your tee shot in play on Hole 1.
Want more golf improvement tips like these?
Bookmark ClickItGolf.com and check back weekly for advice, gear guides, laughs, and insights to help you play better golf—without losing your mind.
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The Spirit of the Links
From Scotland’s Shores to North America’s Coasts explore golf’s historic roots.

Golf, a sport steeped in tradition and history, finds its roots deeply embedded in the sandy soils of Scotland’s links courses. These courses, characterized by their coastal settings, rolling dunes, and deep bunkers, offer a golfing experience that is both challenging and steeped in the game’s ancient traditions. This article explores the quintessential links courses of Scotland, including the renowned Kingsbarns, and compares them to their counterparts in North America, highlighting the differences that define and distinguish these iconic golf landscapes.
The Essence of Scottish Links
Scottish links courses are the original venues for the game of golf, with their history tracing back over several centuries. Kingsbarns, located near St. Andrews—the acknowledged ‘Home of Golf’—is a prime example. Though it was only opened in 2000, Kingsbarns has quickly become a jewel in the crown of Scottish golf. Designed by Kyle Phillips, the course captures the true spirit of links golf with its rugged coastline, natural bunkers, and undulating fairways that challenge even the most skilled golfers.
Links courses, by definition, are built on sandy land along coastlines. In Scotland, these courses are battered by the elements, with wind playing a significant role in the game, requiring golfers to exhibit not just skill but also creativity and adaptability. The courses are typically devoid of trees, using the natural landscape such as dunes and native grasses to define their boundaries.
North American Links
While true links courses are a product of their environment, several courses in North America seek to replicate the Scottish experience. Courses like Bandon Dunes in Oregon and Cabot Links in Nova Scotia are designed to mirror the natural, rugged elegance of Scottish links. Bandon Dunes, for example, sits atop a windswept bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Its natural vegetation, dune topography, and wind conditions are reminiscent of Scotland’s storied courses.
Cabot Links, on the other hand, is Canada’s first true links course, featuring panoramic views and a layout that adheres to the natural landscape. Like its Scottish inspirations, Cabot Links utilizes fescue grasses and minimizes artificial water hazards, relying on wind and natural land forms to challenge players.
Links vs. Regular Courses
The main difference between a links course and a regular golf course lies in their interaction with the natural environment. Traditional golf courses, often referred to as “parkland courses,” are usually more manicured and contain lush, tree-lined fairways, with defined rough and strategic water hazards. They are designed to be more sheltered from the wind, offering a different type of challenge compared to the open, exposed links courses.
Links courses embrace the raw, natural state of their coastal landscapes. The ground tends to be harder and the grass shorter, which affects ball behavior, encouraging a ground game where golfers must play more along the earth, using the contours of the land to their advantage.
The allure of links golf lies in its simplicity and its challenge—the game as it was originally played, against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty. Whether in Scotland or North America, these courses provide a profound connection to the elements, offering a pure golf experience that is as mentally challenging as it is physically.
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TGL, Skins, and the World Series of Golf—Oh My!
Explore golf’s thrilling new formats—from TGL’s digital arenas to high-stakes Skins and poker-inspired World Series of Golf, as Ty Webb humorously guides you through the game’s exciting evolution.

Hey there, fellow golfers, duffers, and sand-trap enthusiasts! Ty Webb here—ready to chat about a topic almost as intriguing as the mysterious forces that cause your golf balls to magnetically find water hazards. The game we love is changing faster than Judge Smails’ mood after a missed putt, and these new formats are shaking things up faster than my backswing (which, I’ll remind you, is flawless).
First up, we’ve got TGL—Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s brainchild. Imagine golf, but in a high-tech simulator arena, with live crowds and digital drama. It’s like playing a round inside a video game—minus the reset button. It’s fast, it’s futuristic, and it might just make traditionalists clutch their cardigan sweaters a little tighter. But hey, change can be good—like switching from a putter that doesn’t work to another putter that doesn’t work.
Then we’ve got the Skins Game, golf’s original “put your money where your mouth is” contest. It’s straightforward—win a hole, win some cash. Lose a hole, watch your buddy strut around like he’s just sunk a 90-footer at Augusta. The Skins format keeps the stakes high, the tension higher, and friendships on the line. It’s golf with bravado, swagger, and a bit of friendly financial risk—exactly how I like my weekends.
And finally, we have the World Series of Golf—imagine poker and golf decided to collaborate, and neither was sober at the time. Players bet on each hole, raising, folding, and bluffing their way through a round. It’s as much about strategy and psychological warfare as it is about hitting a decent tee shot. One moment you’re all-in, the next you’re questioning every life decision you’ve ever made. Classic golf, am I right?
So there you have it, friends. Golf isn’t just changing—it’s evolving, innovating, and occasionally terrifying the purists. But rest easy, because whether you’re in a virtual arena, sweating over Skins cash, or bluffing your way through the World Series of Golf, the spirit of the game remains: hit the ball, find the ball, repeat as necessary. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with destiny—and a very forgiving 9-iron.
Fore!
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