Charlie Woods’ recent victory in a high school golf match seemed likely to precipitate a changing of the guard. The 14-year-old has made quiet but steady progress in the sport where his father Tiger enjoys iconic status. If the prospect of his son taking over is realistic, it will be easier for the golf world to accept Woods Sr.’s departure from mainstream competition.
Typically Tiger has other ideas. His return to the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas was his most encouraging moment since the car crash at the beginning of 2021 that threatened much more than his career. When Woods cut short his visit to Augusta National in April, it felt as if professional closure was finally approaching. There seemed little point in Woods subjecting his body to the most severe strains before completing 72 holes. It was not seen between April and November.
Relating to: Tiger Woods admits LIV’s financial strength could attract bigger names
What Woods said at his resort in Albany was as striking as the way he hit the ball. The best-case scenario goal is to play once a month in 2024. This plan comes not only from the realization that Woods can’t expect to be competitive if he stays on the ropes too often, but also from the realization that his body can withstand that kind of schedule. It would be pointless to lay out this vision for next year without real belief that it can be realized. This comeback feels like it means something.
“You can simulate anything you want at home, and I did the best I could,” Woods said. “We’ve played high-money matches at home and tried to simulate that, but it’s just different. The mind works harder, the anxiety and emotions are very different here than at home. You can always drop a ball at home, it doesn’t matter. That’s what it’s going to cost you. Putting pen and paper together a little different.”
Woods will be looking to take part in the Genesis Invitational in Los Angeles in February. His closeness to Hero, which is now also a sponsor of the Dubai Desert Classic, means he will certainly have the option of starting the year in the Middle East in January if he so chooses. Whether the 47-year-old man wants to travel from Florida is another matter.
Relating to: Min Woo Lee closes in on rare golf double at Australian Open
The Players Championship and Masters take place in March and April respectively. Three more majors follow in May, June and July. An Olympic berth is one of the few things missing from Woods’ resume; Games organizers would have been stunned by the idea of the 15-time major champion donning U.S. colors in early August. If Woods qualifies for the FedEx Cup playoffs, he could theoretically continue playing through the end of that month, but that’s a tough ask on a limited schedule. A series of games between February and July will mean success.
Woods’ last surgery, an ankle fusion, resolved bone-on-bone ankle pain. His gait is still distinct but his movement looks good overall. Woods’ swing is perfectly balanced and controlled. Striking issues are visibly visible in the Bahamas, with few making progress on the green as they approach their fifth decade, but such issues can always affect those who play.
“My ankle doesn’t really have mobility anymore,” he said. “I can’t move my knee like I used to and I can’t bend it like I used to because my back is fused. There are many things I cannot do. But I haven’t made any major swing changes or tried to make any changes. I let my body tell me what to do.
-
Download the Guardian app from the iOS App Store on iPhone or the Google Play store on Android by searching for ‘The Guardian’.
-
If you already have the Guardian app, make sure you’re on the latest version.
-
In the Guardian app, tap the Menu button at the bottom right, then go to Settings (gear icon) and then Notifications.
-
Turn on sports notifications.
PGA Tour players have praised Woods’ heavy involvement in discussions about the future of the organization. An agreement will need to be made with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, a different entity, or both in the coming months.
“He could easily sail off into the sunset, never touch a club again, never do anything again, just go live his life and have fun, hang out with his kids,” world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler said. “But he keeps coming back and wants to compete. He keeps doing what’s best for the players and the PGA Tour. So what he’s doing right now is pretty inspiring for all of us involved in the game.”
If 2024 goes as Woods claims, minds will continue to change. Charlie’s time in the spotlight can wait.