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Tiger Breaks His Silence Regarding his Return to Golf
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.
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The Ultimate Guide to Buying Used Golf Clubs
Save money and play better golf with our ultimate guide to buying used golf clubs. Learn where to find the best deals and what to look for to build a quality bag on a budget.
Let’s be honest, golf can be an expensive hobby. Between green fees, balls, and the latest and greatest gear, the costs can add up quickly. But what if I told you that you could build a high-performing bag without breaking the bank? The secret lies in the world of used golf clubs. In this guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of buying used clubs, helping you find fantastic deals on quality equipment.
Why Buy Used? The Smart Golfer’s Advantage
Besides the obvious cost savings, buying used golf clubs has several other benefits. For one, you can often get clubs that are only a season or two old for a fraction of their original price. This means you can play with premium technology without the premium price tag. Additionally, buying used is a great way to experiment with different brands and models to find what truly works for your game without a major financial commitment.
Where to Find the Best Deals on Used Golf Clubs
Navigating the second-hand market can be tricky, but there are several reputable places to find great deals on used clubs.
Online Retailers
Websites like Callaway Pre-Owned, GlobalGolf, and 2nd Swing are fantastic resources. They offer a massive selection of clubs from all major brands, and they often provide detailed descriptions and condition ratings. Plus, they usually offer a trial period or return policy, which takes a lot of the risk out of buying online.
Local Golf Shops and Play It Again Sports
Don’t overlook your local golf shops. Many of them have a used club section, and the staff can often provide valuable insights and recommendations. Similarly, stores like Play It Again Sports can be a goldmine for used equipment, especially for beginner and intermediate players.
eBay and Facebook Marketplace
For the truly adventurous bargain hunter, eBay and Facebook Marketplace can offer some of the best deals. However, be prepared to do your homework. Scrutinize the pictures, ask the seller questions, and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Always check the seller’s ratings and reviews before making a purchase.
What to Look For When Buying Used Clubs
When you’re inspecting a potential purchase, here are a few key things to look for:
•Grips: Check for excessive wear, cracking, or slickness. Worn-out grips will need to be replaced, which can add to the overall cost.
•Shafts: Inspect the shafts for any dents, dings, or signs of rust. These can affect the club’s performance and durability.
•Clubfaces: Look for any major dings, deep scratches, or excessive wear on the grooves. Minor cosmetic blemishes are fine, but significant damage can impact how the ball comes off the face.
•Authenticity: Be cautious of counterfeit clubs, especially when buying from individual sellers. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Stick to reputable sellers and be wary of clubs with blurry logos or unusual paint fills.
The Hacker’s Playbook for Buying Used
•Know Your Specs: Before you start shopping, have a general idea of what you’re looking for in terms of shaft flex, loft, and club model.
•Be Patient: Don’t rush into a purchase. The used club market is constantly changing, so be patient and wait for the right deal to come along.
•Don’t Be Afraid to Haggle: Especially when buying from individual sellers, don’t be afraid to negotiate on the price.
Buying used golf clubs is a smart way to save money and build a bag that you love. With a little bit of research and a keen eye for detail, you can find some incredible deals on high-quality equipment. Have you had success buying used clubs? Share your best finds in the comments below!
It’s a scenario every golfer knows intimately: you’ve just striped a perfect drive down the middle of the fairway, only to follow it up with a chunked iron shot that barely advances the ball. Frustration mounts, your focus shatters, and the rest of the hole—and perhaps the round—unravels. While we often blame our swing mechanics for these inconsistencies, the true culprit frequently lies between our ears. Research consistently shows that the mental game accounts for a staggering 70-90% of performance in golf . Yet, despite its monumental importance, studies reveal that only about 14% of golfers regularly practice their mental skills .
This article is designed to change that. We will explore the critical role of psychology in golf, break down the most common mental errors that sabotage your scores, and provide you with professional-grade techniques and practical drills to build an unshakeable mental game. By the end, you will have a clear roadmap to not only lower your handicap but also to find more joy and resilience on the course.
Why the Mental Game is Your Most Important Club
In golf, a quiet mind is a powerful asset. Your mental and emotional state directly influences your physical capabilities. When you are calm, focused, and confident, your body is relaxed, and your swing can flow freely and naturally. Conversely, when you are anxious, angry, or distracted, your muscles tighten, your coordination suffers, and your swing mechanics break down. This isn’t just a feeling; it’s a physiological reality. Negative emotions trigger a fight-or-flight response, which is fundamentally at odds with the fine motor control required for a successful golf shot .
A 2025 systematic review on mental fatigue in golf further highlights this connection. The research found that prolonged mental exertion during a round directly leads to a decline in performance, affecting everything from driving distance and iron accuracy to, most significantly, putting . Every decision, every calculation, and every moment of frustration depletes your cognitive resources, making it harder to execute shots as the round progresses. Mastering the mental game is therefore not just about thinking positively; it’s about efficiently managing your mental energy.
The 5 Mental Mistakes Costing You Strokes (and How to Fix Them)
Based on extensive analysis of amateur golfers, sports psychologists have identified several recurring mental errors. Here are five of the most common, along with strategies to overcome them, adapted from the work of mental game coach David MacKenzie .
Mental Mistake Description The Fix 1. Analyzing Your Swing Constantly dissecting your mechanics on the course, trying to “fix” your swing mid-round. Trust the swing you brought. The course is for playing, the range is for practicing. Focus on your target and let your body execute. If you need a swing thought, use a simple rhythm cue like “one-two-three.” 2. Obsessing Over Score Tying your emotional state to your score on every hole, leading to a rollercoaster of feelings. Focus on the process, not the outcome. Your goal for each shot should be to execute your routine flawlessly. The score will take care of itself. 3. Negative Self-Talk Berating yourself after a bad shot, which lowers confidence and increases tension. Become your own best caddy. After a poor shot, offer yourself the same encouragement you would a friend. Develop a post-shot routine that involves acknowledging the feeling, taking a deep breath, and moving on. 4. Vague Targeting Aiming for a general area like “the fairway” or “the green” instead of a specific point. Pick the smallest possible target. Top professionals aim at incredibly precise spots, like a specific tree branch or a single blade of grass. This sharpens focus and improves accuracy. 5. Neglecting Your Routine Lacking a consistent pre-shot and post-shot routine, leading to inconsistent mental preparation and reaction. Make your routine your primary goal. A well-defined routine is your mental armor against pressure. It ensures you are committed to every shot and can handle any outcome.
Building an Unshakeable Mental Game: Pro-Level Techniques
Top professional golfers are masters of the mental game. They employ specific techniques to stay focused, confident, and resilient under immense pressure. Here are a few you can incorporate into your own game.
The Power of a “Pre-Shot Creation”
Instead of a rigid, robotic pre-shot routine, think of it as a “pre-shot creation.” This concept, inspired by the approach of players like Tiger Woods, reframes the process as an artistic and imaginative one . Rather than just going through the motions, you should feel the shot, engage your senses, and become genuinely interested in the unique puzzle each shot presents. This fosters a state of deep presence and curiosity, quieting the analytical mind.
Tiger Woods worked extensively with navy psychologist Dr. Jay Brunza early in his career, developing what he called “game training.” Woods emphasized the importance of bringing attention to “THIS SHOT in THIS moment” and described feeling the shot in his fingers rather than relying solely on visualization. At his best, Woods found a way to be immensely interested in each shot, playing from a position of curiosity rather than anxiety .
Mastering Your Mind: Awareness Over Control
One of the biggest paradoxes in golf psychology is that trying to control your thoughts often backfires. Telling yourself “don’t hit it in the water” only makes the water a more prominent feature in your mind . The key is not to suppress negative thoughts but to change your relationship with them through mindfulness and awareness. Acknowledge the thought without judgment, and then gently guide your focus back to your target and your breathing. The best players don’t have fewer negative thoughts; they are simply more skilled at not letting them take over.
Research shows that the average person has approximately 70,000 thoughts per day, with more than two-thirds being negative . The difference between elite golfers and amateurs is not the quantity of negative thoughts but how they respond to them. Elite players have developed the skill of awareness—noticing thoughts without becoming entangled in them—allowing the thoughts to pass like clouds in the sky.
Breathe Like a Champion
Breathing is one of the most powerful and simple tools for managing your physiological state. When you feel pressure mounting, your breathing becomes shallow and rapid. By consciously slowing it down, you can signal to your nervous system that it’s time to calm down. A popular and effective technique is Box Breathing:
1.Inhale slowly for a count of four.
2.Hold your breath for a count of four.
3.Exhale slowly for a count of four.
4.Hold your breath for a count of four.
Repeating this cycle just a few times can significantly lower your heart rate and reduce muscle tension, allowing you to approach the shot from a state of calm focus .
The Science Behind Mental Training
Recent research validates what professional golfers have known intuitively for decades. A brain training study conducted with UCLA Golf demonstrated remarkable results: participants increased their greens in regulation by 12% and decreased three-putts per round by 9.7%. Perhaps most impressively, these improvements were sustained eight weeks after the training concluded . This demonstrates that mental skills, like physical skills, can be trained and improved with consistent practice.
A 2024 neuroscience study revealed that expert golfers exhibit distinct brain activity patterns during successful putts compared to unsuccessful ones. The research emphasized that mental preparation—not just physical technique—is the key differentiator between making and missing putts . This finding underscores the importance of developing a consistent mental routine before every shot.
Putting It Into Practice: Drills for a Stronger Mind
Improving your mental game requires consistent practice, just like your swing. Here are a few drills you can incorporate into your routine:
Pressure Putting Drill: Place three balls at 3, 6, and 9 feet from the hole. You must make all three in a row to complete the drill. If you miss, you start over. This simulates pressure and forces you to focus on your routine for each putt. As you improve, increase the difficulty by adding more balls or extending the distances.
Mindfulness on the Range: During your practice sessions, take a few moments between shots to simply be present. Feel the grip in your hands, notice the breeze, and listen to the sounds around you. This trains your ability to stay in the present moment, which is essential for peak performance on the course.
Post-Round Journaling: After each round, take five minutes to write down one thing you did well mentally and one mental challenge you faced. This builds self-awareness and helps you identify patterns in your mental game. Over time, you will notice recurring themes that you can address in your practice.
Target Practice with Consequences: On the range, pick a specific target for every shot—not just a general area. If you miss your target, perform a small penalty like five push-ups or hitting the next shot with your opposite hand. This adds consequences to your practice, making it more similar to on-course conditions where every shot matters.
Key Takeaways for Your Next Round
As you prepare for your next round, keep these fundamental principles in mind:
Trust over control. The more you try to consciously control your swing, the more tension you create. Trust the swing you have practiced and let your body execute naturally.
Process over outcome. Make your pre-shot routine your primary goal for every shot. When you focus on executing your process flawlessly, good scores follow naturally.
Awareness over suppression. You cannot eliminate negative thoughts, but you can change your relationship with them. Notice them, acknowledge them, and gently return your focus to the present moment.
Precision over generality. Always pick the smallest possible target. This sharpens your focus and gives your subconscious mind a clear objective.
Compassion over criticism. Treat yourself with the same kindness and encouragement you would offer a playing partner. Negative self-talk only compounds mistakes and drains your confidence.
Conclusion
The journey to mastering the mental game of golf is ongoing, but it is one of the most rewarding pursuits in the sport. By understanding the profound impact of your mind on your performance, recognizing common mental errors, and consistently practicing proven psychological techniques, you can unlock a new level of consistency, resilience, and enjoyment on the golf course. Remember, the next time you step onto the tee, your most powerful tool isn’t in your bag—it’s in your head. The difference between a good round and a great round often comes down to how well you manage the six inches between your ears.
Start small. Pick one technique from this article—perhaps developing a consistent pre-shot routine or practicing Box Breathing before important shots—and commit to it for your next three rounds. Track your progress, notice the changes, and gradually incorporate additional mental skills into your game. The mental game is not a quick fix, but a lifelong practice that will serve you well both on and off the course.
References
[1] NeuroTrackerX. (2023, December 1). Why Golf Performance is 90% Mental.
[2] McCarthy, P. (2025, November 8). The Mental Game of Golf: Pro Secrets You Haven’t Heard Before.
[3] Colorado Senior Golfers’ Association. The Brain Game – Spring Edition.
[4] McCarthy, P. (2025, November 8). The Mental Game of Golf: Pro Secrets You Haven’t Heard Before.
[5] Pan, X., et al. (2025). Mental fatigue in golf: A systematic review. PLOS ONE.
[7] Mind Caddie. (2025, November 9). Tiger Woods’ Mental Strategies.
[9] MyTPI. Mental Game: Brain Training Study With UCLA Golf.
[10] PsyPost. (2024, August 15). Golf: New neuroscience study reveals the secrets of better putting.
Golf, often perceived as a male-dominated sport, has seen numerous women defy norms, break barriers, and challenge the status quo. These pioneering women have not only made significant strides in the game but have also played a crucial role in reshaping the sport’s landscape. This article delves into the impressive careers of some of these groundbreaking women in golf, highlighting their incredible achievements and the enduring impact they’ve had on the sport.
Babe Didrikson Zaharias: The Woman Who Redefined Golf
Named “Woman Athlete of the Half Century” by the Associated Press in 1950, Babe Didrikson Zaharias is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable athletes in history. Her golfing career was nothing short of extraordinary.
Triumph Against the Odds
Despite facing resistance from the golfing establishment for her flamboyant personality and style of play, Zaharias refused to be sidelined. She won a staggering 10 LPGA major championships and 41 LPGA tour events, setting stage records and leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
Paving the Way for Others
Zaharias also co-founded the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), creating more opportunities for women in professional golf. Her tenacity and resilience inspired countless women to pursue their golfing aspirations, forever changing the face of the sport.
Nancy Lopez: A Beacon of Inspiration
Nancy Lopez is another trailblazing woman in golf. A child prodigy, Lopez first made waves in the golfing world when she won the New Mexico Women’s Amateur at just 12 years old.
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A Stellar Career
Lopez turned professional at the age of 21 and quickly established herself as a dominant force in women’s golf. She won 48 LPGA Tour events, including three major championships, and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1987.
Inspiring Future Generations
Lopez’s impact extends far beyond her impressive record. She is widely respected for her sportsmanship, dedication, and spirit, and her success has inspired many young girls to take up golf.
Annika Sorenstam: Shattering Glass Ceilings
Annika Sorenstam is widely considered one of the greatest female golfers of all time. The Swedish star boasts an astounding 72 LPGA Tour victories, including 10 majors.
Making History
In 2003, Sorenstam made history by becoming the first woman in 58 years to compete in a PGA Tour event. This monumental moment not only put the spotlight on women’s golf but also challenged the gender divide in the sport.
Championing Women’s Golf
Post-retirement, Sorenstam has remained a powerful advocate for women’s golf. Through the Annika Foundation, she works to provide opportunities for young female golfers and promote the sport at the grassroots level.
Conclusion: The Legacy of These Trailblazing Women
The contributions of Zaharias, Lopez, and Sorenstam to golf are immeasurable. They’ve not only shattered records and broken barriers but also opened doors for countless women in the sport. Their legacies serve as a testament to the power of determination, talent, and hard work. They have reshaped the world of golf, proving that the fairway is no longer just a man’s domain.
These women have paved the way for the next generation of female golfers, who continue to push boundaries and redefine the sport. As we celebrate these pioneering women, we look forward to seeing more women rise, conquer, and leave their own mark on the fairways.
Today, women in golf continue to make strides, thanks in part to the trail blazed by these pioneering women. Let their stories inspire you to break barriers in your own field, whatever that may be. Because when it comes to achieving greatness, the most important shot in golf, as in life, is the next one.
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