Tiger Woods: Is This the End for Tiger?

Tiger Woods held a somber press conference at the Hero World Challenge, discussing his return from back injury. Is this the end for Woods?

The Hero World Challenge is taking place this week at the Albany Golf Course in the Bahamas and will be hosted by none other than the G.O.A.T. himself, Tiger Woods.

Tiger has been on the declining years and the sun is setting on an illustrious career of major championships and over 100 professional wins worldwide. The saddening thing is that Woods himself is finally starting to realize an end is near.

Big Cat spoke to the media at the Hero World Challenge on Tuesday in what was one of the most somber press conferences I’ve ever seen from him.

He touched on a lot of topics such as being named Ryder Cup vice-captain, what he does in his free time, reflect on his career, and discuss his return. For the first time in his recent downfall, Woods was real with the media. He didn’t lead anyone on with false hopes of when he’ll come back, which is a depressing thought in itself.

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Woods tried to fight off the depression with flashes of his signature smile, but it was obvious that this was a different animal we were dealing with.

In past press conferences when Tiger withdrew or discussed his injuries, Woods led us on with a sense of hope, a sense that everything would be O.K. He would use his world class work ethic to get back on the course. After all, this is Tiger Woods we’re talking about.

After Tuesday’s press conference, we’re starting to see a much different side to Eldrick. It’s as if we’ve finally scratched the surface after 20 years of trying to figure him out.

There was no more false hope from Tiger as he responded to questions that he simply had no answers for. When asked about when he will play competitive golf again, Woods had nothing:

"“There is no timetable for this and that’s been the hardest mindset adjustment is that I don’t know. Where is the light at the end of the tunnel? I don’t know, so that’s been hard. There is nothing I can look forward to, nothing I can build towards.”"

At 39 years old, golf fans may never see Tiger Woods play competitive golf again and he too is aware of this possibility. Obviously, I hope this isn’t the case, but Tuesday’s press conference quickly turned into a wake for Tiger’s career.

One reporter asked the former world No. 1 golfer if he’d be happy with his career never winning again.

"“I think pretty much everything beyond this will be gravy,” he said. “I’ve passed Jack on the all-time win list (79 to 73), just shy of Sam (Snead, 82). I passed Sam basically a decade ago (and everyone else) in major championships but I’m still shy of Jack’s. So I’ve had a pretty good career for my 20s and 30s. For my 20 years out here, I think I’ve achieved a lot, and if that’s all it entails, then I’ve had a pretty good run.”"

He continued about life after golf:

"But I’m hoping that’s not it. I’m hoping that I can get back out here and compete against these guys. I really do miss it. But if that’s not the case anymore, then I’ll find other avenues, that being growing my foundation, golf course design and other projects I have going on right now that will certainly take up more of my time.”"

Woods went on to discuss getting back to playing soccer with his kids and playing catch with them. He said he can’t even bend over to pick up a ball. This was the third surgery on the same spot in Tiger’s back and he’s finally starting to take it seriously, but not for the sake of golf.

Is This the End for Tiger Woods?

By Matt Cochran | Dec 2, 2015

Tiger Woods held a somber press conference at the Hero World Challenge, discussing his return from back injury. Is this the end for Woods?

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