Tiger Woods is famous for his swing, his swagger and his giant trophy case. But with Woods still trying to recover from his blown cover of sex scandals and current injuries, will he ever be the same?
Deemed as one of the best golfers to ever play the game, Woods creates conversation. It has been over two years now that Woods has not lifted up a trophy. The Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill in March of 2009 was the last time Woods won a professional golf tournament. Is it due to the lack of confidence that was stripped of him when his sex scandal went public later in 2009? Or is it because of the time spent away from the sport of golf that has his swing missing its swag?
“His swagger is gone. I mean if I had a huge secret like he did and overnight it became the only thing people would talk about, I wouldn’t want to show my face ever again,” SLCC student Zane Rigby said.
In an informal poll, 20 students were asked why Tiger was not winning anymore. Is it because Woods has simply lost his confidence? Or is it because he took time off to fix his personal life and needs a little golf coaching again? 13 students said it is due to lack of confidence and seven said it is because he needs help with golf again. Then, when asked if their view of Woods in general has changed over the past two years; 16 students said their view of Woods has changed – while only four said it has not changed.
This year, Woods has only played in six total golf tournaments, but only five were fully completed. In his most recent tournament, Woods had to withdraw from playing on the first day due to a reoccurring knee and leg injury.
“Tiger Woods was one of the main reasons I watched golf when I was younger and even now,” Rigby said. “But since he hasn’t been playing much, I really don’t look forward to golf on television anymore.”
Woods is currently ranked 17th in the world, which is the lowest ranking he has had since the late 90s. As told to ESPN, Woods is not saying when he will return to play in his next round of golf due to a healing knee injury. However, he has said he’ll definitely be back playing golf sometime this year.