Golfing journalist Alan Shipnuck believes that Tiger Woods is unlikely to ever hit the golfing heights again, due to a combination of physical and mental shortcomings.
Speaking to Nathan and Kev on Off the Ball, Alan believes that Tiger’s earlier obsession with bulking up and his decision to persevere as a power player mean that he may continue to await glory for some time hence.
“It’s the same reason why Tiger looks like an NFL safety – a big, burly football player. Tiger’s wrists and ankles are like a ballerina’s – his natural weight is 165lbs. He wanted to look like a jock, he wanted to look like an athlete, so he’s packed on all this muscle through the years, and it’s not a coincidence that his body has broken under the strain.
“It gives you some insight into how Tiger views himself and it’s the same reason he won’t hit a three wood off the tee. He redefined golf in the late ‘90s with his power, and he cannot see himself as a finesse player even though it would do him well.”
Alan had some interesting insights as to where Tiger is currently drawing professional inspiration, and where this leaves Tiger’s essential identity in the later stages of his career.
“He’s listening to the voices in his head. It’s the ghosts of Tiger past. I think that through all the swing changes that Tiger lost some essential DNA of himself as a golfer. I don’t think he knows what his swing is. He’s won the Masters with four different swings. I think Tiger has been searching for who he wants to be as a golfer.
“That’s crazy because he’s one of the greatest golfers ever, but I don’t think he knows what his go-to swing is, or his shot shape.”
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