Tiger Woods is taking a break from competitive golf after undergoing his 14th major surgery on his Achilles tendon back in March. Despite his absence from tournaments, the legendary golfer continues to make appearances on the golf course, primarily supporting his son, Charlie, during his tournaments.
Recently, Woods was seen at the Nicklaus Junior Championship held in Tequesta, Florida, where he cheered for Charlie, who secured sixth place among 122 competitors. Fans noticed Woods appeared a little frail, sporting a grey beard and wearing sunglasses. Throughout Charlie’s budding golfing career, Woods has been an enthusiastic supporter, including celebrating Charlie’s first American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) win in Bowling Green just a couple of months ago.
This week, some surprising insights emerged about Woods’s golfing style, shared by his former caddie, Steve Williams, during an episode of “GOLF’s Subpar” podcast. Williams revealed a fascinating tactic he employed to help Woods harness his adrenaline on the course. It turns out he often provided Woods with incorrect yardages during their time together.
Williams explained that he noticed when Woods got excited or “running a little warm,” his adrenaline levels would increase, affecting his pace and focus. To channel that energy, Williams would intentionally alter the distance information he gave Woods. For instance, if a shot was 160 yards, he might tell Woods it was 170 yards instead, adjusting the numbers to keep him in check.
“There was a period where I had to be very mindful of that,” Williams remarked, adding that he adjusted yardages constantly to harness Woods’s adrenaline-fueled game. This strategy was crucial during tricky shots, particularly on par-threes, where he would intentionally misstate distances—switching a six-iron for a seven-iron.
Williams recalled a specific round at Bay Hill where, during the entirety of that day’s play, he did not provide Woods with the correct yardage for any shot. This method was a common practice when Woods showed signs of excitement, to help control his performance. Although it took Woods a bit to catch on, he ultimately accepted the approach, trusting Williams’s judgment.
The dialogue between the two indicates a deep understanding of Woods’s competitive mindset and how to best navigate it. At times, Williams could feel the pressure building as Woods ramped up his intensity during play. The former caddie gave insights into how challenging and courageous it was to implement this strategy, requiring immense awareness of Woods’s feelings and reactions on the course.
This revelation adds a new layer to Woods’s remarkable career, showcasing not only his immense talent but also the unique strategies that might have played a part in his victories. Even as he now steps back from competitive play, stories like these remind fans of Woods’s deep connection to the game and the lengths he has gone to excel.
Fans continue to hope for Woods’s return to the greens in a more competitive nature. Meanwhile, his supportive role in Charlie’s golfing journey serves as a heartwarming aspect of his current life. With a legacy built on tremendous achievements and personal challenges, Tiger Woods’s story is far from over, and many are eager to see what the future holds for him and his family in the world of golf.
