Can tiger woods win a 15th major? Could he do it at Augusta National? Kent Gray asks those who know best.
WHEN TIGER WOODS hobbled out of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic in early February 2017, the end appeared nigh. Hosting his annual charity tournament in the neighboring emirate of Abu Dhabi at the time, Gary Player conceded the former world No.1 faced a “monumental challenge” to be competitive again. It was debatable whether the Black Knight, a nine-time major winner, and champion of physical well-being, was more concerned about the back spasms Woods cited following his withdrawal or the sloppy approaches, yippy chipping and tentative putting that had marked his opening 77 on the Majlis layout at Emirates Golf Club.
Super-coach cum Sky Sports analyst Butch Harmon was even more pessimistic after commentating on Woods’ five over-par Thursday, his worst score in 29 competitive rounds at the European Tour event.
“I’d like to say yes, but it doesn’t seem likely at the moment,” Harmon said of his former charges’ chances of regaining his heyday form after Woods’ scratching was confirmed just minutes before his scheduled second-round tee-time.
“Tiger is 41-years-old, he’s had three back surgeries and four knee surgeries, and the young kids on Tour right now are playing better and better.”
Few who had witnessed Woods’ walk with such a cautious gait and curtail swing after swing with a stiff, ungainly looking finish in Dubai would have been brave enough to offer a counter-argument to Harmon’s assessment.
Denne historien er fra April 2019-utgaven av Golf Digest Middle East.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra April 2019-utgaven av Golf Digest Middle East.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Tempting Entrée
INDUSTRY IDENTITIES AND A FORMER SIX NATIONS STAR AMONG THE BIG NAMES ROLLED OUT FOR THE EAGL’S SUMMER DRESS-REHEARSAL
Year of the Comeback
Tour pros of all ages are rediscovering their mojo
THE GOLF STAYCATION PERFECTED
Golf Digest Middle East’s inaugural Play & Stay is coming to Radisson Dubai DAMAC Hills and Trump Dubai
THE GENIUS OF JORDAN
HE WANTED A CONFIDENT, RELIABLE SWING. HE FOUND IT IN A CLEVER WAY
The Starter
The Nairn Golf Club
Undercover Caddie
Think you could carry a 40-pound bag for a living?
DRIVE BLAST PUTT
THREE WAYS TO RAISE YOUR GAME
Get Set - Ball-striking success starts at address
AMATEURS OFTEN STAND OVER THE BALL with their feet too wide apart. I understand the appeal—they want to feel more stable throughout the swing, and a wider stance seems a logical way to achieve that.
Take 5
It’s hot but that’s no excuse not to warm-up before every round and range session
Classic Closer
Our monthly guide to taming the region’s stroke index 1 holes has gone off-piste. Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club professional Matthew Brookes heads to arguably the toughest finishing hole in Middle East golf
