Tiger Woods has been the target of a golf media thashing for two years and frankly I would prefer to concentrate this golf blog on his debut "form" and career objectives rather than on his latest “unprofessional” slamming by Hank Haney.
Was Haney justified in releasing a Tiger Woods “tell-all” book, “The Big Miss”, just prior to Woods’ first appearance? Sixty-six percent of fans who were asked said “No”.
That being said, the 2012 golf season is taking on momentum and Woods will be making his debut this week in Abu Dhabi at the HSBC Golf Championship. The stage for a Woods return was unofficially set in December when Tiger walked away with his first win in two years at the Chevron World Challenge.
Tiger Woods believes, however, that it was in Australia where he gained his greatest confidence, "Australia was big. I hit so many good shots, especially when the wind was howling at thirty mph, with gusts at more than that," and confidence is key to forging ahead.
Woods also claims that he is the fittest he has been at the start of a golf season in a "long, long time" and is excited to be competing alongside of up-and-coming players (and first round playing partners) Rory McIlroy and Luke Donald. Does Tiger Woods feels it necessary to test himself against the "new generation" to see if/that he can "rise again, like a phoenix from the ashes of his former self?
Ultimately, Woods is focused primarily on winning the majors and using the remainder of the events he will play in as “tune-ups’. Tiger confirmed, “Ultimately, I want to have my game peak four times a year."
At least he's dancing... one of his New Year resolutions?
Get to know Tiger Woods a little better on Friday; he’ll be answering questions on his Twitter feed @TigerWoods... should cause Twitter to burst at the seams.
Was Haney justified in releasing a Tiger Woods “tell-all” book, “The Big Miss”, just prior to Woods’ first appearance? Sixty-six percent of fans who were asked said “No”.
That being said, the 2012 golf season is taking on momentum and Woods will be making his debut this week in Abu Dhabi at the HSBC Golf Championship. The stage for a Woods return was unofficially set in December when Tiger walked away with his first win in two years at the Chevron World Challenge.
Tiger Woods believes, however, that it was in Australia where he gained his greatest confidence, "Australia was big. I hit so many good shots, especially when the wind was howling at thirty mph, with gusts at more than that," and confidence is key to forging ahead.
Woods also claims that he is the fittest he has been at the start of a golf season in a "long, long time" and is excited to be competing alongside of up-and-coming players (and first round playing partners) Rory McIlroy and Luke Donald. Does Tiger Woods feels it necessary to test himself against the "new generation" to see if/that he can "rise again, like a phoenix from the ashes of his former self?
Ultimately, Woods is focused primarily on winning the majors and using the remainder of the events he will play in as “tune-ups’. Tiger confirmed, “Ultimately, I want to have my game peak four times a year."
At least he's dancing... one of his New Year resolutions?
Get to know Tiger Woods a little better on Friday; he’ll be answering questions on his Twitter feed @TigerWoods... should cause Twitter to burst at the seams.
Voice your opinions on Tiger Woods on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and friend on Facebook
********
I would like to share with you the press release I received along with the above Getty Image:
TIGER MOVES TO HSBC’S ABU DHABI BEAT
Golfing Giants Get Traditional With Emirati Ayala Dance
Abu Dhabi, UAE. Tuesday 24th January, 2012: He’s been in Abu Dhabi for less than 24 hours, but Tiger Woods - one of the headline attractions at this week’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, which starts tomorrow (Thursday 26 January) – wowed onlookers at Abu Dhabi Golf Club today as he shook off the trans-Atlantic cobwebs and ‘moved’ to the UAE capital’s distinctive traditional beat.
Abu Dhabi debutant, Woods, an eye-catching contender in what is the strongest field ever assembled at a Middle East tournament, was joined by world numbers two and three, Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy, for an impromptu celebration of traditional Emirati ayala (celebration) dancing on his first National Course appearance.
“That was pretty special,” said Woods, a 14-time Major winner. “It’s my first time in Abu Dhabi and although as golfers we are used to travelling all over the world, we don’t usually get welcomes like that. It’s always fantastic to experience new cultures and traditions and I really got into the ayala beat; I’m not sure the canes would be too good on the putting greens this week though.”
The ayala dance celebration officially ushered in the seventh annual Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, which will see triple and defending champion, Martin Kaymer, lock horns with Woods, Westwood and McIlroy, as well as world number one, Luke Donald, in the hunt for the Falcon trophy. Reigning Major champions, Charl Schwartzel (US Masters) and Darren Clarke (The Open), Australian hot-shot, Jason Day, Korea’s top ranked player, KJ Choi, Spain’s Sergio Garcia and Ireland’s Padraig Harrington are also in the star studded line-up.
********
Tiger is finding out who his true friends are, isn't he? It's easy to ride the crest of the wave and it looks like many did that when he was at the top of his game.
ReplyDeleteHe takes a hit, goes through a little bump in the road and a lot of people that were in his corner at one time are quick to throw him under the bus.
The competition has gotten tougher. The young studs coming along can play the game. But if Tiger can get his putting stroke together he'll be back at the top. His competitive drive and will to win is one of the most beautiful things I have witnessed in sports during my adult years. The field will feel his presence once again on Sunday afternoon in 2012.
You are right on point James. There are very few people who can count "true" friends on more than the fingers of one hand.
ReplyDeleteAs for Woods, his confidence will carry him through and the people who doubt him now will probably be in his corner once he's back on top.
The young guns will all be looking at Tiger's back on one Sunday or another!
Tiger Woods will answer questions on Twitter? That may indeed cause the site to explode. His popularity extends far beyond golf thanks to scandals and endorsements ...and of course his abilities in his chosen sport. Great article.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the compliment Gerry. I hope TW's presence on Twitter doesn't stifle us too much!
ReplyDeleteToday, 1/30/2012, it's already well known that Robert Rock won in Abu Dhabi.
ReplyDeleteAn unforeseen contingency , not even more than that ! Tiger Woods is coming back, and 2012 is going to be his season.
With my best sympathy to Tiger,
Michael from Cheap Ladies Golf Clubs.
Golf equipment encompasses the various items that are used to play the sport of golf. Types of equipment include the golf ball itself, implements designed for striking the golf ball, devices that aid in the process of playing a stroke, and items that in some way enrich the playing experience.Wholesale Golf Bags
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeletePlease tell me that youre going to keep this up! Its so good and so important. I cant wait to read more from you. I just feel like you know so much and know how to make people listen to what you have to say. This blog is just too cool to be missed. Great stuff, really. Please, PLEASE keep it up!
Junior girl golf apparel
Girl golf outfits