Haney: Tiger can make a real comeback now
TIGER WOODS’ coach when he won six of his 14 Majors has tipped him to return to winning ways.
The golf icon has suffered a miserable time, from the break-up of his marriage to injury problems and, most recently, harrowing images after he had been arrested by police at the wheel.
Woods is back in the swing, having been given the green light by doctors to begin pitching practice following his latest back operation.
And Hank Haney – Woods’ coach from 20042010 – believes this latest comeback is a lot different from those that have fizzled out in recent years.
“He’s a long way from playing 18 holes of golf,” Haney admitted.
“But one thing is for sure. Tiger Woods is a lot closer than he was yesterday.
“And if he can play and he can walk, and he can complete 72 holes, he can still win again.
“I know people will say that is saying a lot, considering he has only played in one PGA Tour event in the last two years. And he will be 42 in December.
“But he took the first step on Thursday, and that’s a start.
“Yes, he has a lot of work to do, but never say never.
“The big part of it is his dedication – and his motivation – does he really want to do it?”
Haney has no doubt citing Woods’ recent problem with prescription drugs as a wake-up call that has transformed Woods mentally, as well as physically.
“I think the programme he has just undertaken on his use of these drugs plays a big factor in this comeback too,” he continued.
“Maybe these drugs were a big factor in why he wasn’t very motivated in the past?
“But now his motivation has changed, and his outlook has changed. Just looking at him, you know about that.
“The photo last week of him out to dinner with Justin Thomas told you that. He looked incredible.
“His eyes were clear, his face looked good, he looked much more like the Tiger of old, and obviously he must be feeling a lot better.”
Certainly millions of golf fans will be echoing these sentiments, and particularly Haney’s belief that while the road might be long, Tiger can get back to something like he used to be.
“There is nothing to say he can’t do it,” he added.
“I was just thinking the other day back to 2008, when Tiger won the US Open on a broken leg, and I saw him up close and personal. He is amazing.”