Tiger Woods is widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers in history, but even the biggest names in sport aren’t immune from criticism now and then.
With 15 major titles to his name, Woods is second only to Jack Nicklaus on the all-time list, and his impact on golf stretches far beyond just the trophies he’s collected.
Over time, though, there have been voices who’ve pointed out flaws in his game or discussed the challenges he’s faced off the course. One of those voices belongs to Gary Player, a man with nine majors of his own.
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Back in 2006, Player spoke about what he saw in Woods’ game at that time and explained why he felt something wasn’t quite right with how he was swinging.
Gary Player’s issue with Tiger Woods’ golf swing
Tiger Woods has one of the most powerful and aggressive swings in modern golf. When he first broke through, nobody could match him for distance, and his short game was just as impressive. But like many big hitters, wayward drives were always a part of his game.
In 2006, Gary Player gave his thoughts on what needed to change in Woods’ swing. Player told The Gainesville Sun: “There is so much about him to admire. At 30, Tiger is unquestionably golf’s best athlete. Nobody is as mentally tough. He dresses beautifully. What a smile. Incredible all-around talent.”
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“I admire Tiger Woods so much, but his errant whacks off the tee are a significant drawback, even if they go 320 yards.
And even if Tiger didn’t have the longest career because of it all, he certainly made use of what he had while playing at such an elite level.
The injuries have mounted up and now, at almost 50 years old, Woods isn’t really considered an active player any more.
Tiger Woods criticised by Gary Player for ruining his own game
Gary Player has always shown respect for Tiger Woods, but he’s never been one to shy away from sharing a strong opinion when he felt it was needed.
Like many golfers from his generation, Player tends to speak his mind without much hesitation.
He once went as far as to criticise Tiger for turning to instructors he didn’t believe were qualified to help him.
“Look at Tiger Woods. Tiger Woods had his career ruined, completely ruined. Tiger Woods won 14 majors, then he wins the 14th major at Pebble Beach, the US Open, he won by 15 shots. It’s like running the 100m in seven seconds,” Player has said previously.
The next week he’s having a lesson from a man who if he played in The Masters, I don’t know if he could break 80. Then he goes to another guy who couldn’t break 85 in any major. And he’s having lessons from them.
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“Why did Tiger do that? He was so good. I know he wanted to get better. But if he’d just gone along, he’d have won 22, maybe even more and gone down as the greatest athlete we’ve ever seen, man or woman.”
It’s hard not to wonder what might have been if injuries and off-course issues hadn’t played such a big role in shaping how things turned out for him later on.
