Withdrawn from the Hero World Challenge (December 1-4) but despite everything present in the Bahamas, Tiger Woods delivered his feelings at a press conference on some specific points of golf news, in particular on the current Director of LIV Golf, Greg Norman , but also on the much-maligned new world ranking system, or even on his personal calendar in 2023…
Despite his package announced this Monday at the Hero World Challenge of which he is the ambassador via his Foundation, Tiger Woods was particularly prolific at a press conference today in Albany (Bahamas). In particular on the “war” that the PGA Tour and the LIFE Golf for several months now.
The American, who will celebrate his 47th birthday on December 30, has thus underlined that a lifting of the legal proceedings against the PGA Tour initiated by certain players who have passed through the dissident League supported by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia could be the beginning of a “warming” between the two entities. While demanding at the same time the departure of its Director, the Australian Greg Norman.
The two parties can meet and find a solution, although I believe that to achieve this, Greg must first leave.
« If the proceedings are suspended, there may be a favorable outcomerecognizes the Tiger. The two parties can meet and find a solution, although I believe that to achieve this, Greg must first (Norman) to go away. We can talk more freely afterwards. »
The winner of fifteen Grand Slam tournaments between 1997 and 2019 also returned to his 2023 calendar, the last official release of which dates back to The Open in July and a missed cut on Friday evening at St Andrews. Woods has thus argued that his main objective will be to play all four Majors of the season plus one or two additional events.
Give yourself a chance to come back…
« Physically that’s all I can dohe laments. I don’t have much left in this leg (the one bruised during her terrible car accident in February 2021). I can do all the shots you want but I still have so much trouble walking. But I also want to give myself a chance to come back… This year, I didn’t expect to take part in three Majors. I was only thinking of playing the British Open but I managed to play two more. That was a big positive! »
On his physical concerns – he admitted to having had two more leg surgeries in 2022 – Woods confirmed he would never use a cart on a PGA Tour tournament. On the other hand, he added that he would do so on events where this type of vehicle is authorized, clearly alluding here to the PNC Championship bringing together the last weekend before Christmas golf champions of all ages and their offspring…
At the instance of Rory McIlroy but also of Jon Rahm upstream of DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, Tiger Woods also returned to the new world ranking system which has come under heavy criticism since its recent introduction. Recall that the RSM Classic (PGA Tour), won on November 20 by the Canadian Adam Svenssoninvolved more world points than the final of the Race on the DP World Tour nevertheless bringing together the 50 best players of the season, including seven residents of the world’s top 25.
« Somehow we need to discuss this and find a better systemhe says. We had already changed it in the past and I am sure it will change soon. Let’s hope so ! »
What Rory said and did is what leaders do. Rory is, as such, a real leader here on the Tour. Everyone respects him, because of his sporting results but also because of the person he represents to the public.
Finally, and as a handover, Woods did not fail during this rich press conference to pay tribute to the current world No. 1, Rory McIlroy, describing him as a “great leader” especially in his involvement in the big changes coming in 2023 on the US Circuit. But also on his aura with fans and the profession.
« What Rory said and did is what leaders do. Rory is, as such, a real leader here on the Tour. Everyone respects him, because of his sporting results but also because of the person he represents to the public. People have no idea how difficult it is, to be able to separate things and still be the best… »
Photo : BRIAN ROTHMULLER / Icon Sportswire / DPPI via AFP
