Tiger Woods: Will this wait help or hurt?
By Jay Wilhelm
With the PGA season getting ready to resume, will this wait hurt or help Tiger Woods. We look at the pros and cons of a break in the action.
The PGA announced a little over a week ago that they hope to be back playing golf in June. They have also said that as of right now they plan to play the first four or so tournaments without spectators because of the risks still assoicated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The last PGA Tour tournament that was completed was the Arnold Palmer Invitational on March 5-8, 2020. Tiger last competed on tour at The Genesis Invitational in mid February 2020. If he decides to return to competition at the first opportunity, he will have sat close to four months away from competition again. Will this most recent break from the tour help his game or hurt it?
More from Pro Golf Now
- Golf Rumors: LIV set to sign Masters Champion in stunning deal
- Fantasy Golf: Grant Thornton Invitational DFS Player Selections
- Brutal return leaves Will Zalatoris looking towards 2024
- Stars You Know at World Champions Cup Starts Thursday at Concession
- Fantasy Golf: An Early Look at the 2024 Masters Tournament
I understand that he has mostly likely been practicing at the range and playing rounds of golf on the course, but just like in every sport, nothing can simulate a tournament in real time. Tiger is now 44 years old and as everyone gets older, nothing can adapt or adjust as quickly in your mind and body like it used to be able to.
Tiger Woods has dealt with numerous knee surgeries, neck problems, and lower back issues. When you’re an aging athlete who’s been through stuff like that, rest is a good thing. However, golf is a game that requires ultimate timing and lots of reps to get there.
I believe if Tiger can get through that first 36 holes in a tournament without ailments he will come around faster than breaks he’s had to endure for whatever reason in the past. I think he’s in a good place mentally with his game that those beginning two days of his first tour event back will loosen any rest tightness, and he should be able to compete for wins quickly.
Next. Golf Tips: Understanding your Surroundings When Chipping. dark
On the other side, if he feels any tightness or nagging injuries it may be a few more months for a competing Tiger to make his way all the way back. The one thing we don’t want is another full-season shutdown and having to wait until 2021 for more Tiger Woods greatness.