Hey Nineteen

This feature was originally published by me in September 2015, in the previous version of this website (which had a different URL). Ken Holloway, Golf Coach Buddy.

Is Tiger Woods The Greatest Golfer In History? 

I have to admit I don’t get too excited about sports records, but watching Tiger light up the golf course and charge up the leader board is exciting. 

I know Jack Nicklaus has set many records which may never be broken (to say nothing of Gary Player). Jack is still the hands down winner when it comes to his record at the majors (with a total of 18). It appears Jack is retired from competitive golf, but Tiger should still have many more years of golf in his future. 

According to everyone who has an opinion, the only record that counts is the number of wins at the majors. Tiger will have to beat the best players in the world at five more majors to eclipse Jack and go down in history as the greatest golfer of all time. 

Can Tiger win five more majors? 

Is it possible? Yes. Is it probable? Who can say. As I learned from my fastidious statistics professor there is a big difference between possible and probable. If it were anyone but Tiger, I would have to agree that winning five more majors is not probable. 

But it is Tiger. If anyone can do it, he can. He’s in a class all by himself. 

I’m sure there are many naysayers who feel Tiger is all washed up, too old, too injured, too scattered or what have you.  But most of us golf fans would have no problem believing that Tiger could make a big comeback within the next few years. As of this writing Tiger is only 39 and many great golfers won majors well into their mid 40s. Including Jack himself, who won the 1986 Masters at the age of 46. I doubt any of them could match Tiger in terms of strength and fitness. 

Many great golfers also made the cuts at majors even into their 60s; including Jack, who made the cut at the 2000 Masters at the age of 60. If Tiger can make cuts at the majors for another 20 years, then he’s not even half way done yet. 

Yes, that’s a big if. On the one hand, Tiger has played with an intensity and ferocity unmatched in golf—which has taken a massive toll on his body. On the other hand, advances in technology can help Tiger focus on the problems and work out the solutions (eliminating guess work). 

Barring a devastating injury or unforeseen event, I think Tiger will pass Jack’s record at the majors. It’s not just wishful thinking either. I think Tiger will do it because he’s got the chops, he’s got the experience, he’s got the drive and most of all he’s got the heart. 

He has obstacles and it’s not all clear sailing; but it’s Tiger’s nature to overcome adversity. In fact, I’d say he thrives on it. I know from my own experience that the most gratifying successes in life come when you have to reach down deep and dig it out.  Guts and glory. As I discuss in Play Like the Pros, it’s the difference between getting psyched up or getting psyched out. 

Tiger can’t be psyched out. And he must be psyched up in order to play to a level that’s good enough to beat all the other great players on the world stage. 

I believe Tiger will climb back into the winner’s circle. I say this because I nearly gave up on golf in my 40s, but now at 53 I’m playing my best golf ever. I stay fit, walk the golf course, crush my drives 300 yards and I’m a lot older than Tiger (14 years, two weeks, four days, six hours and 12 minutes) not that I’m keeping track. 

If I’m 53 and I can beat players half my age, it’s very easy for me to believe that Tiger can do it too. It’s true that I’m not competing against the best players in the world, but Tiger has beaten the best players in the world so many times, I’m sure he doesn’t even think about it. 

I don’t see any reason why Tiger wouldn’t believe that he can still play his best golf ever.  He was born and raised to be great—to be the best in the world and perhaps for all time. That’s to say nothing of the fact that Tiger has set his mind to break Jack’s records every since he was a little boy. 

Tiger did not achieve all the success he has so far in life without a massively focused mind and a big heart. He has mastered the art of visualization and manifesting (creating his own reality), and that includes the goals he has set for his career. He’s backed it up with a staggering list of wins, tough beats and untold thousands of hours of grueling practice. 

I believe not only can he do it, but he will do it. I’ve got faith and I don’t care what the critics say. Tiger is destined for greatness, and unless he gives up, I’m not either. If he does go on to beat Jack’s record, it will be one of the greatest stories of our time (and we will all be privileged to have witnessed history in the making). 

Wear your red shirt Tiger!