Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE
The last time we saw the old Tiger Woods was on June 16, 2008. That was the day Tiger limped around Torrey Pines and finally beat a very persistent Rocco Mediate in the 2008 US Open Championship. The final round was played on Monday because the two had ended regulation play on Sunday afternoon tied after Tiger rolled in the famous 35-foot downhill putt to match Rocco at -1 under par.
After surgery on his knee, Tiger came back during the 2009 season, where he played himself into contention at the PGA Championship and lost to Y.E. Yang by three strokes after having the third round lead. It was the first time he had ever lost a major championship with the 54 hole lead. I knew at that time, the best of Tiger Woods’ career was in the rear view mirror. Of course, we all know what happened on Thanksgiving Day that year.
I am very anxious to see Tiger tee it up on Thursday at Abu Dhabi and get a chance to see if his game has improved. Can he win that 15th major in 2013?
He appeared to have his long game under control by the end of the 2012 season. He was the most successful when he played his high fade off the tee with the driver and avoided trying to draw the ball. For the holes that required putting his drive on the left side, he used the three wood and hit the low stinger, which kept him from double crossing the driver on those occasions.
Tiger Woods has struggled some with his short game, but the guy is a magician when the chips are down and without a doubt one of the best pressure putters I have ever seen. Those assets were able to deliver three wins in 2012, which is not great by his standards, but is a career for some golfers.
Tiger’s biggest problem since returning to full time golf is his distance control with the wedge in his hand. When interviewed last year after many rounds, he would say he was putting pretty well when he got a good look. The good look comes from how close can he get the ball to the flag on his approach shot. Not even Tiger Woods can score consistently when he has a steady diet of 30-35 foot putts. He has to get it close every once in while.
This one fact will determine Tiger’s success in 2013. If he can get the distance control back he had for the lion’s share of his career, we could very well see the old Tiger Woods. If he can control this aspect of his game, look for Tiger to re-take his position as the World’s Number One Golfer. As good as Rory McIlroy and Luke Donald are, they can’t consistently beat a focused Tiger Woods who has his A-Game working. I look for him to start hitting those laser irons again this year and short circuit the big Nike come out year that is being expected for McIlroy.
It’s my prediction that Tiger Woods will get his game on track in 2013 and with the new and improved attitude we have seen as of late, he will once again strike fear in the hearts of his challengers.
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