Woods still in it for the long game
FIVE-TIME US Masters champion Tiger Woods says he no longer has to keep up with golf’s next generation of power-hitters to remain a force in his sport.
Once the longest driver in the game, Woods, 43, says his hands and touch are still good enough to contend for years.
“The body’s not the same as it was a long time ago, but I’ve still got good hands,” the 15time major winner said.
“I don’t have to hit the ball 340 yards. I can still plod my way around the golf course.”
Ranked 1199 in the world just 16 months ago, Woods’ historic win yesterday has returned him to No.6.
Golf’s next major is the US PGA Championship at Bethpage in New York in May, where Woods saluted in 2002.
Asked if his thoughts would now turn to Jack Nicklaus’ 18 majors record, Woods said: “You know, I really haven’t thought about that yet.
“I’m sure that I’ll probably think of it going down the road. Maybe, maybe not. But right now, it’s a little soon, and I’m just enjoying 15.”
Nicklaus was among the first to congratulate Woods on his first major victory in 11 years.
“I’m so happy for him and so happy for golf,” Nicklaus said.
Asked how he and New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady kept performing into their 40s, Woods said: “I think it’s training and nutrition. Guys are able to take care of their bodies for a longer period of time.
“We know how important it is to eat perfectly and to train and also the recovery tactics that you have to employ, especially as you get older.
December 1994:
“And then you also have to be lucky. You can’t have those big major injuries in some sports, especially contact sports.
“My sport’s different. I can play a much longer period of time.”
Woods, who has moved within one of Sam Snead’s record of 82 PGA Tour wins, said he would also be smarter about the number of tournaments he plays in.
“I’m not going to play as much as I did last year I played a little bit too much … because I kept trying to qualify for World Golf Championships and events in the Playoffs (but) the tournaments I do play in, I’ll be fully invested and committed to playing and trying to win.
“I can promise you one thing: I’m not going to hit a golf ball tomorrow.
“I just can’t wait to see how it all unfolded from the TV perspective because I know I was grinding hard trying to chase Francesco (Molinari) today, and then all of a sudden the leaderboard flipped and there were a bunch of guys up there who had a chance to win.
“I hit some of the best shots on that back nine today.
“You know, I felt like I just flushed it coming home, which was a nice feeling.
“This has meant so much to me and my family … it’s something I’ll never, ever forget.”