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Tiger Breaks His Silence Regarding his Return to Golf

Published

3 years ago

November 30, 2021

In his first in-depth interview since his February car accident, an upbeat Tiger Woods shed light on his traumatic injuries, recovery and what the future might hold.

“I think something that is realistic is playing the tour one day—never full time, ever again—but pick and choose, just like Mr. [Ben] Hogan did. Pick and choose a few events a year and you play around that,” Woods said during a Zoom interview with Golf Digest’s Henni Koyack from his South Florida home. “You practice around that, and you gear yourself up for that. I think that’s how I’m going to have to play it from now on. It’s an unfortunate reality, but it’s my reality. And I understand it, and I accept it.”

Watch the complete video interview below:

“I don’t have to compete and play against the best players in the world to have a great life. After my back fusion, I had to climb Mt. Everest one more time. I had to do it, and I did. This time around, I don’t think I’ll have the body to climb Mt. Everest, and that’s OK. I can still participate in the game of golf. I can still, if my leg gets OK, I can still click off a tournament here or there. But as far as climbing the mountain again and getting all the way to the top, I don’t think that’s a realistic expectation of me.”

Woods suffered comminuted open fractures to both the tibia and the fibula in his right leg after losing control of his vehicle outside of Los Angeles on Feb. 23. He was rushed to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and subsequently transferred to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he spent three weeks and faced the possibility of amputation.

“There was a point in time when, I wouldn’t say it was 50/50, but it was damn near there if I was going to walk out of that hospital with one leg. Once I [kept it], I wanted to test and see if I still had my hands. So even in the hospital, I would have [girlfriend] Erica [Herman] and [friend] Rob [McNamara] throw me something. Throw me anything.”

One of the first memories Woods has after the accident is asking for a golf club to toy around with while in his hospital bed. Such began a rehabilitation process that included three months in a hospital-type bed in his home. Next, a wheelchair. He then progressed to crutches, which allowed him to regain independence and move around at his own will.

“Adding that part into my day-to-day life was so rewarding because I’d been stuck in a house. Granted, it’s a pretty nice house I’ve built for myself, but I hadn’t been able to do the one thing I love to do: I love to go outside and just be outside. Sometimes I just crutch and lay on the grass for an hour because I want to be outside. Missing the contact of a golf ball hit properly is one of the better feelings.”

Woods’ rehabilitation has been a frustrating up-and-down ride—he says he actually expected to progress faster than he did—and, in the dark days shortly after the accident, he says he reverted to a mentality he learned from his father.

“This is where dad’s teaching came into play being in the military and being SF [special forces]. Any SF operator can attest to this—you don’t know how long a firefight is gonna take. It could last five seconds or five hours and some could go on for days at a time. With that in mind, you don’t know when the end is so that’s the hard part. How do you get through that? One of my dad’s ways of getting through that was live meal-to-meal. … I just shortened up the windows of, Oh, this is gonna be nine months of hell, to It’s just two or three hours. If I can repeat these two to three hours at a time. Next thing you know it adds up, it accumulates into weeks months and to a point where here I am talking to you and walking into a room.”

Once he was cleared to practice putting, Woods lengthened the famous Scotty Cameron Newport 2 putter that he used to win 14 of his 15 majors, for he couldn’t bend over the same way he used to. Next came chipping competitions with his son, Charlie, and eventually clearance to begin very limited full-swing practice. Woods posted a video of him flushing a short iron to social media last week, which fueled significant hype and speculation on a return. But Woods suggested he is nowhere near ready to compete on the PGA Tour.

“I have so far to go … I’m not even at the halfway point,” he said. “I have so much more muscle development and nerve development that I have to do in my leg. At the same time, as you know, I’ve had five back operations. So I’m having to deal with that. So as the leg gets stronger, sometimes the back may act up. … It’s a tough road. But I’m just happy to be able to go out there and watch Charlie play, or go in the backyard and have an hour or two by myself with no one talking, no music, no nothing. I just hear the birds chirping. That part I’ve sorely missed.”

Woods said the prospect of playing with his 12-year-old son has motivated him greatly throughout the process. Some of the first post-accident images that surfaced were of Woods watching Charlie at tournaments around Florida.

“I went to golf tournaments to watch him play, and I’m looking at some of these scores he’s shooting and I said, How the hell are you shooting such high scores? I gotta go check this out,” he told Koyack. “So I’d watch him play and he’s going along great, he has one bad hole, he loses his temper, his temper carries him over to another shot and another shot and it compounds itself. I said, ‘Son, I don’t care how mad you get. Your head could blow off for all I care just as long as you’re 100 percent committed to the next shot. That’s all that matters. That next shot should be the most important shot in your life. It should be more important than breathing. Once you understand that concept, then I think you’ll get better.’ And as the rounds went on throughout the summer, he’s gotten so much better.”

Messages of support and encouragement have poured into Woods’ phone and inbox since the accident—including a call from the president, which Woods cannot recall without laughing about hearing “the White House on line 1.” He also expressed deep gratitude for the way the golf community has embraced him. A number of PGA Tour players have visited Woods at different stages of his recovery, perhaps no one more frequently than Justin Thomas.

“The Thomases and the Woodses are like family,” he said. “JT is like the brother I never had, and Charlie is like the little brother that JT never had.”

Woods will make his first public appearance since the accident at this week’s Hero World Challenge, a 20-man tournament in the Bahamas that benefits his foundation. That he is upright and present this week is hugely encouraging, but Woods knows there is still a long road ahead.

“There’s a lot to look forward to, a lot of hard work to be done—being patient and progressing at a pace that is aggressive but not over the top. Obviously, when I get in the gym and I get flowing and the endorphins get going, I want to go, go, go,” he said. “That’s how I’ve been able to win so many tournaments. But then again, everyone reminds me at what cost? Look at you now. Pre-accident I was what? Ten surgeries. That’s just the wear and tear of doing my sport, of just trying to push it to win everything I possibly can. To win every single tournament I played in, I would do everything I possibly could. Like any sport, there’s a cost to it. There’s a cost of doing business and unfortunately, for sportsmen and sportswomen, injuries are a part of it.”

This article originally appeared on Golf Digest.

Related Topics:news PGA Tour Tiger Woods

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The Pioneers Who Shaped the Game

Published

1 day ago

November 20, 2024

Robert Greenfield

In our journey through the rich history of golf in the series “Tales from the Greens: Chronicles of Golf Through the Ages,” today’s installment celebrates the pioneers who have shaped this noble sport. These trailblazers have not only mastered the game but also influenced its development, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire generations. Let’s honor some of these influential figures and their indelible impact on golf.

Old Tom Morris: The Grandfather of the Green

Old Tom Morris, born in 1821 in St. Andrews, Scotland, is a figure synonymous with the early days of professional golf. Morris was a four-time winner of The Open Championship during its nascent stage. More than just a player, he was instrumental in designing courses, crafting equipment, and nurturing young talent, including his son, Young Tom Morris, who was also a golfing champion. His contributions to course design, especially at St. Andrews, helped mold the very arenas in which the game evolved.

Bobby Jones: The Gentleman Golfer

An amateur who competed against the world’s best professional golfers, Bobby Jones left an indelible mark on the world of golf. He co-founded Augusta National and The Masters Tournament, creating a stage for golfing greatness. His sportsmanship and commitment to the amateur spirit of golf earned him a revered place in golf history.

Arnold Palmer: The King of the Fairways

Arnold Palmer, known affectionately as “The King,” brought golf to the masses. His charismatic personality and aggressive style of play won him a legion of fans known as “Arnie’s Army.” Palmer’s approachable persona and business acumen helped turn golf into a sport accessible to all, and he played a key role in the commercial growth of golf during the television age.

Annika Sörenstam: Redefining Women’s Golf

Annika Sörenstam, a dominant force in women’s golf, pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible in the women’s game. With 10 major championships and 72 LPGA Tour wins, her precision and consistency set new standards. Sörenstam also played a pivotal role in raising the profile of women’s golf globally.

Tiger Woods: A Modern-Day Legend

Tiger Woods’ impact on golf is profound, transcending the sport itself. His unparalleled career includes 15 major championships and numerous records. Woods brought athleticism to the forefront of golf, influenced countless with his competitive nature, and broadened the sport’s appeal across diverse audiences.

These pioneers have not only shaped the way the game is played but have also influenced how it is perceived around the world. Their stories are not just of personal achievement but also of advancing the sport to new heights.

As we celebrate the legends who have shaped golf, it’s essential to also recognize emerging talents who are poised to leave their mark on the sport. Among the promising new stars, Collin Morikawa stands out as a future legend in the making.

Join me next time as we explore how golf’s major tournaments have evolved into the global events they are today.

Thank you for tuning in to our exploration of golf’s greatest pioneers.

Warm regards, Robert Greenfield

Blog

From Knickers to Performance Wear, The Evolution of Golf Fashion

From argyle socks and knickers to performance fabrics and UV-blocking shirts, golf fashion has transformed alongside the game, blending style, comfort, and innovation.

Published

2 days ago

November 19, 2024

Ty Webb

Ah, golf fashion—proof that what we wear on the course evolves as much as our handicaps (or lack thereof). Once upon a time, golfers roamed the links in knickers and argyle socks, looking like extras from a 1920s costume party. Fast-forward to today, and we’ve got performance fabrics that wick sweat, block UV rays, and might even lower your score (okay, maybe not, but let me dream). Let’s take a lighthearted stroll down memory lane and explore how golf fashion has gone from “Oh, how quaint” to “Wow, is that breathable moisture-control technology?”

The Golden Age of Knickers and Argyle

Back in the day, golfers dressed like they were starring in a black-and-white film. Knickers—those baggy pants that stopped just below the knee—were all the rage, paired with argyle socks and flat caps. These outfits weren’t just about making a statement; they were about showing the world that golf was a gentleman’s game. Sure, they might’ve been heavy and hot, but at least you looked like a gentleman while sweating through a round.

Plaid, Polyester, and the Rise of Loudness

Enter the mid-20th century, where golfers decided subtlety was overrated. Plaid pants in every color of the rainbow dominated the fairways, paired with brightly colored polo shirts and polyester blends that barely breathed. Golfers of this era dressed like peacocks, and honestly? It was magnificent. Fashion was fun, bold, and a little bit absurd—just like some of our swings.

The Caddyshack Era: Fun Meets Freedom

Ah, the 1980s—an era when golf fashion got a little looser, a little more fun, and a lot more relatable. Movies like Caddyshack brought golf to a new audience, and suddenly, you didn’t need to look like you’d stepped out of a haberdashery to play a round. Shorts made their debut (thank you, sunshine), and colorful visors became as essential as putters. The best part? You could actually move in these clothes.

Modern Day: The Age of Performance

Today, golf fashion is all about performance. Fabrics that stretch, breathe, and repel rain have revolutionized what we wear on the course. Hats with cooling tech, shirts that block UV rays, and pants that move with your swing are now the standard. Plus, brands like Nike and Adidas have made sure we look good while wearing it all. Let’s just say if the golfers of the 1920s saw us now, they’d probably faint—though, to be fair, it might be from the lack of argyle.

The Future of Golf Fashion

What’s next for golf fashion? Smart clothes that analyze your swing? Shoes that adjust automatically to terrain? Whatever the future holds, one thing is certain: golf fashion will keep evolving, just like the game itself. Until then, wear what makes you feel good—whether it’s high-tech performance gear or a retro plaid throwback.

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The Benefits of Custom Club Fitting: Is It Worth the Investment?

Discover how custom club fitting can transform your golf game by enhancing accuracy, distance, and confidence with equipment tailored to your unique swing.

Published

3 days ago

November 18, 2024

The BLOG MAN

In the ever-evolving world of golf, players are constantly searching for ways to improve their game. While swing mechanics and practice are critical, many golfers overlook one key factor: the importance of using clubs that fit their unique swing. Enter custom club fitting—a service that tailors golf equipment to match your individual needs. But is it truly worth the investment? Let’s break it down.

What Is Custom Club Fitting?

Custom club fitting is a process where golf clubs are modified or built to suit your swing characteristics, physical attributes, and playing style. Unlike off-the-shelf clubs, custom-fitted clubs ensure the perfect match for your swing speed, ball flight tendencies, and body measurements. This results in better consistency, improved accuracy, and more enjoyable rounds.

Key Benefits of Custom Club Fitting

Enhanced Consistency
Custom clubs ensure your swing mechanics and equipment work in harmony. Properly fitted clubs help reduce mishits and make your shots more predictable. For example, adjusting the lie angle can prevent pulls or pushes, making it easier to hit straight shots.
Increased Distance
Optimizing shaft flex, loft, and weight distribution can unlock extra yardage on your drives. A correctly fitted driver, according to Callaway, can boost distance by improving launch angle and spin rate—ideal for maximizing power.
Improved Accuracy
Titleist research shows that custom-fitted irons tailored to the player’s height and swing path can significantly enhance accuracy. With the right specifications, you’re more likely to hit greens in regulation and lower your scores.
Comfort and Confidence
Golf is as much a mental game as it is physical. Clubs that feel comfortable in your hands and suit your swing give you confidence on the course. TaylorMade emphasizes that properly sized grips alone can make a difference in how secure and natural the club feels.
A Better Long-Term Investment
While custom clubs may come with a higher price tag upfront, they save money in the long run by preventing the need to constantly replace ill-fitting equipment.

The Fitting Process

Custom fitting is more than just trying out a few clubs at the range. It’s a comprehensive process involving advanced tools and professional expertise:

Assessment of Your Swing
Using technology like TrackMan or GCQuad, a fitter will analyze your swing speed, launch angle, spin rate, and other metrics.
Adjusting Club Specifications
Based on the data, the fitter will adjust or recommend specific shaft lengths, flex types, lofts, lie angles, and grip sizes to optimize your performance.
Trial and Feedback
You’ll test various configurations, providing feedback on how each club feels and performs. This step ensures you leave with clubs that truly suit you.

Where to Get Fitted

If you’re ready to experience the benefits of custom club fitting, here are some excellent options to explore:

Manufacturer Studios
Brands like Ping, Callaway, Titleist, and TaylorMade offer fitting services at their specialized centers, ensuring precision and access to the latest technology.
Golf Retailers
PGA Tour Superstore, Golf Galaxy, and Dick’s Sporting Goods provide professional fitting services, often with certified experts.
Local Fitters
Independent club fitters, such as Club Champion and True Spec Golf, specialize in custom fittings with a wide variety of brands and configurations.
Golf Courses
Many courses partner with manufacturers or employ their own club fitters to offer on-site services.

Is It Worth the Investment?

For golfers committed to improving their game, custom club fitting is undoubtedly worth it. By investing in equipment tailored to your specific needs, you’ll not only play better but also enjoy the game more. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a beginner, custom-fitted clubs provide a competitive edge that off-the-shelf clubs simply can’t match.

Take the Next Step
If you’re ready to unlock your full potential on the course, book a custom club fitting today. With the right clubs in your bag, there’s no limit to how far your game can go!