It’s great to see that Tiger Woods has set a date for returning to playing–Oct. 13 in the Safeway Open–although it’s possible he could delay his return if he doesn’t feel healthy enough. Regardless, he’s coming back.
That’s good for golf, and great for golf fans. Yes, he’s made some whopping mistakes, but I’ll let the perfect people cast the first stones.
I believe many of us have forgotten he is quite possibly the best golfer ever with 79 PGA Tour wins and 14 majors. It’s an incredible history to comprehend.
Despite his surgeries and age (40), I believe that with his talent, resiliency and maturity–in all ways–Tiger will win again. Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods are the mentally strongest players to ever play, and that also gives Tiger a massive edge. When the pressure has been overwhelming, Tiger has been scintillating.
My greatest wish, however, is that Tiger relies more on his own creativity and athleticism rather than trying to make technically perfect swings. Let it rip!
If he can stay healthy, I believe Tiger will eclipse Sam Snead and get to 83 wins. (Hell, V.J. Singh won 22 times after turning 40.)
Whether his scars, both psychic and physical, can get him another major against young guns like Day, Spieth and McIlroy, will be a far greater challenge. But I wouldn’t rule it out.
He’s Tiger Woods for Pete’s sake.
About Tim O'Connor