Tiger Woods and the Long Path Back to Number One

Tiger Woods hasn’t been ranked number one since March of 2014. A lot has happened since then. What is it going to take for Tiger to get back there? Does he have enough left in the tank?

We are approaching five years since Tiger Woods was last ranked number one in the world. A lot has happened since then, and none of it makes the path for Tiger any easier.

Woods is a still a physical marvel. At 43, however, he doesn’t have the same intimidating figure and aura about him as he once did. Think of it as closer to Michael Jordan on the Wizards. Still able to dominate, still one of the top players in the game, but people just aren’t afraid of him in the same manner.

More from Pro Golf Now

The surgeries he has had, going all the way back to 2007, have helped turn the difficulty up as well. The list is extensive, but there are some highlights that stick out. A Torn ACL, two fractures in his leg, and a torn Achilles all happened in a 18 month period. If you ever need to reach the word count in an article, write in detail about everything that happened to Tiger from 2011 to 2014.

Another obstacle that is in Tiger’s way, are a bunch of young Tigers. Take a look at the top of the standings, and you will see a handful of guys who respect Tiger, but are not afraid of him. It’s a different group of guys, and a different Tiger Woods. The days are gone of people being afraid when they step into the box with Tiger.

Justin Rose, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, and Bryson DeChambeau are among the many guys that Tiger is chasing, and they all welcome the opportunity to play with him, instead of dreading it. they are young, healthy, and don’t look to be giving way to Tiger at any point in the near future.

For Eldrick to get back to the top of the standings, he is going to need to accomplish quite a few things. The first, and most important, is to be able to play a full season of golf, and do it while healthy. Old enough to be a father to some of the guys that he is playing with, there are legitimate questions surrounding his ability to play a full schedule. Tiger’s body doesn’t hold up well on cold mornings or long trips.

This is going to cut down on some of the opportunities he has to score well on those early Thursday and Friday tee times, as well as any events where the temperature is below 50. Almost everyone past the age of 25 knows how differently your body reacts when it is cold out, and how it takes a little longer to warm up. Sometimes, your body never warms up completely, and you have to play a little different. Tiger has started doing that since his return to golf on a full schedule, opting more for finesse instead of old school Tiger power.

Back to the guys that Tiger is chasing. They all want the top of the leaderboard as well. DJ has been there in the past. Justin Rose has it currently, and is relishing the opportunity. Don’t forget about Koepka (even if ESPN did), as he has a strong case with a couple recent majors under his belt. Looking at the rest of the top 15, there are no slouches or lucky players there. All of them have been in Major contention, if they haven’t already won one.

Tiger is going to need to start finishing at the top of leaderboards often, and win a couple or even a few tournaments. One big way he can do that is by putting together a hot stretch during an opportune time of the season. The rankings are based off the previous two years, and provide extra weight to the most recent 13 weeks.

For Tiger to take advantage, he is going to need to start finishing at the top, and then win a couple during the big point weeks. There are more points to be won during WGC events and during Majors, and Tiger is going to need to put forth a strong showing during these stretches. The effect here will be twofold. It will push Tiger up the standings, and if he does it during one of those four magic tournaments, he can get one step closer to the Golden Bear.

Next. Tiger Woods: Torrey Pines and his Quest for a Ninth Win. dark

The path isn’t going to be easy. Tiger has shown the ability to play through pain, to battle multiple off the course issues, and play with different styles. As the season progresses and we watch the majors get closer, you don’t need me to tell you to keep an eye on Tiger Woods. You’re likely going to see his name plenty: at the top of leaderboards and climbing the rankings.

Home/Golf News