Tiger blog: Presidents Cup update, '09 season review
By Tiger Woods, Special to PGATOUR.com from TigerWoods.com
I took a few days off last week, including visiting my golf course design project at The Cliffs at High Carolina, to get ready for the Presidents Cup in San Francisco. It was a long stretch starting from the Buick Open through the Tour Championship. That was a lot of golf for me. The only reason I didn't play a lot earlier in the year was because I knew the FedExCup playoff series would be demanding and I didn't want to put too much stress on my knee.
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Overall, I'm absolutely thrilled about my PGA TOUR season, culminated by winning the FedExCup for the second time. This has been one of my most consistent years on the PGA TOUR. I won six times; finished second three times; placed in the Top 10 in 14 of 17 starts; contended in three-of-four majors; and had my third-lowest scoring average at 68.05. I don't think anyone could have foreseen that. Unfortunately, I just didn't get it done in the majors.
Starting out the year, I really didn't know what to expect. It was a slow process after my knee surgery, but the only anxiety I felt was how long it would take for me to feel explosive in my left leg. It was a heavy leg for a while. I was also uncertain about how I would recover, round-to-round.
The difference between how I started the year and now with my knee is night and day. Not even close. It's stable; explosive. It feels normal. I can do pretty much anything I want and there is no pain. I'd have to say my best round of the year so far was the 62 I shot in the third round of the BMW Championship. I still have a lot golf left to play. I'm going to China, Australia, and then host the Chevron World Challenge in Southern California in December.
We finalized our field for the Chevron World Challenge last week and it's our best ever. Two factors account for that: 1) We changed our date to Dec. 2-6; and we are now awarding Official World Golf Ranking points. Both were instrumental in getting the players we wanted.
I'm very excited about returning to Northern California this week for the Presidents Cup at Harding Park, which is just up the road from where I went to college at Stanford. The Bay Area has always supported golf, whether it was the U.S. Open at Olympic Club, the USGA Junior Championship at Lake Merced, or the World Golf Championships-American Express Championship at Harding Park, which I was fortunate enough to win in 2005. San Francisco is a great sports town.
As a junior golfer, I remember playing Harding when it was a clover field. When I came back and played it after the 2002 redesign, I couldn't believe it was the same course! I know they are re-routing it this week for the Presidents Cup and I'm kind of curious to see what it looks like.
Most of all, I'm really looking forward to hanging out with the U.S. team. I was unable to play in the Ryder Cup last year because of my knee surgery and missed being with the guys.
The Presidents Cup is definitely more congenial, but we'll get after it starting Thursday. I think the reason it's friendlier is that 23 of the 24 players competing this week are full-time members of the PGA TOUR. We see each other week-after-week. The only guy who isn't a regular member is Ryo Ishikawa.
I'm not sure who our captain, Fred Couples, will pair me with, but I know it will fun because I have so many good friends on the team.
At THE TOUR Championship presented by Coca-Cola, I gave Sean a putting lesson on Wednesday before the first round. Usually, I don't offer advice unless someone asks for it, but he's a good friend and that's what friends do. I just noticed something in his stroke and thought I could help. Mark O'Meara and I have done that for each other for years. Same with John Cook and Notah Begay III. Of course, I didn't know Sean would shoot 66 in the first round and I had to go chew him out.
That's all for now. Looking forward to a great week in San Francisco and will check back with you next month.
Tiger
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Tiger took time out to answer emails after the PGA Championship in August:
August 28, 2009
Q. Do you think you will dress the kids up for Halloween this year? Do they know what they are going to be? - Kellie from Masenville, Okla.
A. It's hard to believe Halloween is almost here. Last year, we dressed Sam as Tigger from Winnie the Pooh, but I don't think she knew what the holiday meant. This year, I think she may understand it a little better. I remember that there were a lot of witches and monsters that stopped by for candy, so I hope she's not scared. We haven't decided what she and Charlie will wear, but I know we'll have fun.
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Q. TW: At what age did you start to play golf? -- Thomas from Austin, Texas
A. I started when I was really young, Thomas, but that's because I liked watching my dad practice and wanted to be with him. That's one of the great things about our sport: you can enjoy it your entire life. I've known many people who started playing when they were older, and became excellent golfers. I enjoy interacting with juniors that are hitting balls at my Foundation, regardless of their skills, and I'm also amazed when I watch the Champions Tour on TV. It's a game that's meant to be played with family and friends for a lifetime.
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Q. Tiger, How is your wife, mom, and kids doing? Is Sam going to school yet? Our kids just started! -- Judd from Buckeye, Ariz.
A. Thanks Judd, the family is great. Elin and the kids accompanied me to several tournaments this summer and it's always a treat having them there. Sam is talking up a storm, both in English and Swedish. There are times I'll have to ask Elin for a translation, but I'm learning a few more words too. Charlie is growing up fast and is really inquisitive. He loves when you hold him erect so he can look everywhere. Mom is busy with her charity work in Thailand, and I talk to her all the time. Elin and I know how blessed we are, and we're enjoying our family more every day.
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Q. When you practice do you ride or carry your bag? -- John from Tampa, Fla.
A. I'll do both, John. If I want to play nine or 18 holes fast, I'll ride, but if I have time, and want to get some exercise, I'll walk. As you know, the summers in Florida are hot and humid, so walking can get you in good shape. I'll always have several bottles of Gatorade with me, and it's very important to hydrate properly. It's amazing how lack of fluids can negatively affect your concentration. If you are going to walk during the heat of the day, be sure to take proper precautions.
August 26, 2009
I've had a busy stretch that saw me play in three consecutive tournaments, something I've actually done quite a bit as a professional. Although I haven't done it since 2007, I've played in three straight events 16 times in my career and four in a row five times.
For the most part, I was very successful during my recent starts, winning the Buick Open and World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational, and finishing second at the PGA Championship.
I must admit, there was some wear and tear on my body. I lost nine pounds in three weeks. If you watch me play, I eat a lot, usually bananas, nuts or a sandwich, and drink a lot of Gatorade Tiger, but burn it off quickly. I just couldn't seem to get enough calories in me a couple of those weeks and it was pretty hot. I need meals in order to maintain my weight.
Winning at Buick was very special to me because it was the last tournament they sponsored at Warwick Hills Golf & Country Club. Buick has been fabulous to me and the entire PGA TOUR the last 50 years. I wanted to go back and support their event and enjoy the town and all the people I've gotten to know.
I got off to a bad start in the tournament -- played terrible. After that, I got it going and hit it better the next two days. On Sunday, I did enough to get the job done.
At Bridgestone, I've always felt great playing at Firestone Country Club, and I think my record reflects that. I think I'm the only player in PGA TOUR history to win on the same course seven times.
I felt like I was hitting the ball well enough to win. It came down to a man-to-man battle between Padraig Harrington and me. Even though he's had a disappointing year, he still understands how to get it done. It was important to cut into his lead as fast as I could, and making the early eagle helped a lot. I made a couple mistakes on Nos. 13 and 14 and he capitalized. Padraig also made a couple mistakes, especially at No. 16. I was able to make birdie, hitting one of the better 8-irons of my career there to regain the lead and held on for the victory.
At the PGA Championship, I was hitting the ball well and putting well in streaks. I got off to a great start and was pretty much in control of the tournament until the 13th hole on Sunday. I missed a good birdie chance and Y.E. Yang got up-and-down from a bunker. Then at No. 14, he chips in for eagle and I have to make birdie to only lose one shot.
On Y.E.'s second shot at No. 16, you could see his ball stand up in the wind and he was fortunate to avoid the ha zard. Then at No. 17, I flushed a 7-iron right at the flag, caught a downwind gust and the ball carried too far.
The wind was just blustery. We had a lot of gusts out there, especially with the trees blowing. On some holes, greens were more exposed it was just tough to pull the right club.
Some accused me of playing too conservatively. But, with a two-shot lead going into Sunday, if I putt well, it's a moot point. There were a lot of times you couldn't be aggressive, plus the greens were pretty bumpy on Sunday.
I was sort of disappointed I didn't putt well at the right time. I felt pretty good over my putts. Most of my misses were left, and that's from poor alignment. It was tough to sleep that night. Well done to Y.E., who played phenomenal golf on Sunday and did what he had to do.
When I woke up Monday, it was on to the next day. I had a good run of three weeks. Unfortunately, I didn't putt well one day and it cost me a tournament.
I was glad to hear golf and rugby were recommended for the 2016 Olympic Games. Hopefully, they will both be approved. It's a great way of exposing golf to other countries and will give them an opportunity to participate. It kind of reminds me of the Jamaican bobsled team. Maybe a team you never expect can win a medal. I've got seven years to put on some weight and bulk up for the U.S. Rugby team. Fortunately, I have a special advisor in Steve Williams.
On Monday, I played in the Notah Begay III Foundation Challenge in New Jersey, where we helped raise money for improved health and wellness of Native American youth around the country. Notah has always been like a brother to me, even before our days at Stanford University, and he put on an incredible event. Notah should be very proud of himself for getting involved in such an important cause to help kids.
Later this week, I will compete in The Barclays, the first of four FedExCup events. We're all excited for the Playoffs to start and we'll see what happens. Time to lose a little more weight!
That's all for now. I'll catch up with you next month.
Tiger
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July 20, 2009
Each week, Tiger responds to five Club Tiger member emails. Here are this week's e-mails from Tiger.
Q. What do you like the most about playing on the PGA TOUR? -- Andrew from Somersworth
A. I love the competition, but I also like the camaraderie on TOUR. Each week, we try so hard to win, but we're also friends. I look forward to talking to the guys on the range and in the locker room and finding out what's up. When someone has a baby, the players and their wives are really excited, and after a big win, everyone comes up to say congratulations.
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Q. Do you feel as though you have recovered fully from your knee injury? And how hard was it for you to recover? -- Jason from South Beach, Fla.
A. How's everything in Miami, Jason? I think I'm mostly recovered from my knee injury and surgery, but I do need to get more reps. The neat thing lately is that after a round, I can practice. Before surgery, I wasn't able to do that. If there's something I want to work on when I'm done playing, I'm able to do that now.
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Q. Growing up did you play any other kind of organized sports. And have you ever played Michael Jordan one on one? -- Kenny from Goldsboro
A. Growing up, my mom and pop encouraged me to try every sport. People think it was my dad that steered me to golf, but that's not true. I was the one that kept coming back and asking him to play. I also ran track and cross country, but I just knew I wanted to play golf. I've seen MJ practice for hours, and he's relentless, but we haven't played one-on-one, which is probably a good thing.
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Q. As much as I love to watch you play golf, I am most impressed and appreciative of all the good you do for youngsters. I just wanted to say, "Well done, Sir." -- Mary from Mequon
A. Thank you very much for your kind words. We've been blessed with great support for my Foundation and Learning Center. My pop always said "Care and Share," and we still preach that today. We tell the kids that anything is possible, and it clearly is when we see what they can do. So far we've touched about 10 million kids and we're not done yet. When you can, Mary, check us out on tigerwoodsfoundation.org.
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Q. You have talked a lot about your "ball count" during your recovery. I'm curious how many balls do you hit in a typical practice session? Is there a point where you see diminishing returns? -- Ben from Singapore
A. Ben, I think the most important thing is not how many balls you hit, but hitting with a purpose. When you get to the range or chipping area, work on something that's causing you trouble. Once you get it, and where you can repeat it, move on to something else that needs work. Just don't hit balls without a goal and specific result in mind.
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July 14, 2009
I am at Turnberry in Scotland preparing for the British Open Championship. Before I left, I checked the weather forecast and it wasn't very good. It was supposed to rain almost every day, but hopefully it won't affect the tournament too much.
I hadn't played the course prior to this week, but did watch video of the 1994 British Open. They've changed the course since then, adding bunkers and length, so I'm not sure what we're going to get.
I've been fortunate to win three Claret Jugs and there are two things that have to happen for me to be successful again: 1) I have to play well; 2) Hopefully, I play well on the correct side of the draw.
You just never know what the conditions are going to be and you have to deal with it. That's part of the charm of the tournament and why we all love it over there. It could be bone-dry like Hoylake, or rainy like Muirfield in 2002. I didn't play last year, but it could be windy as well.
The key is to formulate a game plan and go play. I'll do that during my practice rounds, figure out what the course allows, then decide whether to carry a 5-wood or a 2-iron.
Hank and I worked really hard in Florida last week. He won't be joining me in Scotland, but I feel like I have a better understanding of my golf swing and don't need him here this time.
I feel good about my game right now. I played well at the AT&T National and was lucky enough to win my third PGA TOUR event of the year. Hunter Mahan played a great round on Sunday and really put the pressure on Anthony Kim and myself. One thing about Congressional Country Club: You have to hit the ball well to score, and if you miss the ball in the wrong spots, you have some serious lag putting. Lag putting was one of my strengths that week and I hope it carries over to Turnberry.
As host, I had a lot going on that week at Congressional. Thanks to my staff, the members, volunteers, military, fans and players for making it such a special week. We generated a lot of awareness and raised funds for the Tiger Woods Foundation, and I'm very grateful to all for helping make it such a big success. In addition to everything we do at the AT&T National for the troops, we also hosted several Earl Woods Scholars all week. They volunteered in the USO Care Package Tent. I was very proud to have them there representing the Foundation and the scholarship program we created in honor of my Dad. He and I always talked about honoring the military and helping kids. I thought about him a lot after the tournament, and I think he would be pretty happy with how things turned out. I had a little fun at the awards ceremony, where I interviewed myself. I've always wanted to do that, but it never came to fruition. I certainly didn't realize it would get so much play in the media. All in all, it was a fantastic week, and I am looking forward to bringing the tournament to Philadelphia and Aronimink in 2010.
I must admit it's pretty cool to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Memorial (Jack Nicklaus) and my tournament in the same year, especially while they're still around. It makes it that much more special.
Congratulations to my friend Roger Federer for winning Wimbledon and his record 15th major title. He's now one ahead of me, so hopefully I can catch him. We've never played golf or tennis together, which is something I would like to do. We're not in the same city very often, and when we are, we're usually competing in tournaments, so there's not a lot of free time.
Before my knee surgery last year, I played a lot of tennis and really enjoyed it. I'm not sure if I am a better tennis player than Roger is a golfer. I know he just started playing, so I'm not sure how good he is. As for my tennis, I'm a weekend hack.
Prior to the U.S. Open, I spent some time in New York promoting my new EA Sports video game: Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10. Jimmy Fallon beat me straight up the first time we played, but I got him the second time. He's a great guy and we had a lot of fun.
Hope we don't get too wet this week and I'll talk to you after the British Open.
Tiger
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June 5, 2009
Each week, Tiger responds to five Club Tiger member emails. Here are this week's e-mails from Tiger.
Q. What are your thoughts on the LPGA? Do you follow any of the women golfers? -- Jarrod from Springfield, N.J.
A. As you may know, I'm friends with Annika Sorenstam and it still amazes me what she was able to accomplish during her career. I understand why she wanted to retire, and I'm happy for her and her husband that they will be starting a family. The talent today on the LPGA is outstanding, and it seems that more young girls are interested in golf.
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Q Tiger, I know that you and Phil have had your differences, but your heartfelt comments about his wife were very nice and thoughtful. I just wanted you to know that those moments in life do not go unnoticed. -- Susan from Memphis, Tenn.
A: Elin and I are very concerned and saddened about the announcement of Amy's cancer. I called Phil to let him know we were here if he needed anything. The entire Mickelson family is in our thoughts and prayers, and we're hoping for a quick and complete recovery. Cancer has touched so many of our lives.
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Q. Tiger, do you happen to like the Yankees? What are your thoughts on a salary cap for baseball? -- James from New York, N.Y.
A. I'm not a salary cap expert, but I do like the Yankees and cheer hard for my buddy Derek Jeter. I grew up a Dodgers fan and have been impressed with what they've accomplished this year. It will be fun to see whether they can maintain this pace throughout the season.
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Q. Do you have your own plane or do you fly first class all the time? -- Kippie from S.D.
A. Kippie, it depends. Typically I will fly private, but there are times when I go overseas, and a commercial flight works best. Unlike other sports, golf doesn't have an off-season, and it seems like we're on the road all the time. One positive result of my knee surgery was staying home and spending more time with Elin and Sam.
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Q. Did you watch any of the Indy 500? As a resident of the area, it's always a lot of fun around this time of the year. The city is hopping, and there are Indy fans everywhere! -- Jim from Indianapolis, Ind.
A. I watched some of it Jim, and it was really good. I enjoy big sporting events, and the Indy 500 certainly fits in that category. It's really neat when an entire city can support and rally around one activity. It was a great story with Helio Castroneves winning for a third time.
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June 2, 2009
I'm looking forward to competing again at the Memorial Tournament. I've been working hard on my game since THE PLAYERS Championship, although we've had a lot of rain recently in the Orlando area. It rained six inches one day at Isleworth Country Club.
In six starts this year, I've won once and had five top-10 finishes, which isn't too bad considering how long I was away from the game after my knee surgery. It's just frustrating when you're in position to win and don't get it done. I just need more repetitions.
I recently hosted Tiger Jam XII presented by AT&T in Las Vegas. No Doubt kicked off their first tour in five years -- it was an incredible concert, and we were able to raise more than $1 million for my Foundation. I'm very grateful to the donors, sponsors and fans who helped us. Special thanks to Ben Roethlisberger for lending his support as well. I made a purchase during the silent auction: a one-of-a-kind guitar autographed by Bruce Springsteen. I'm a huge fan and saw him play in Australia. I also got to spend some time with three students from our programs -- Alma, David and Ramses. They were phenomenal, and their stories really helped the crowd get into the spirit of the night.
On a more somber note, Elin and I were saddened to hear that Amy Mickelson has breast cancer. She's such a great person and it's a shame she and her family have to deal with this. Hopefully, the prognosis is good and she can make a fast and full recovery. I called Phil to offer our support. This is a tough time for the Mickelson family and we're all thinking about them.
I was also sorry to hear about the death of former ABC fairway reporter Bob Rosburg. Like me, he attended Stanford University and won a PGA Championship. I just remember him always saying you had no shot. Rossie was very good at his job and in tune with all the players.
On a happier note, it was awesome to hear that Jose Maria Olazabal has been elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame. I always enjoy playing with Ollie, because I learn so much from how he chips and manages his game. He has a phenomenal understanding of how clubs work around the greens with different lies.
In July, I'll be hosting the AT&T National at Congressional Country Club. We have a great field, headed by defending champ Anthony Kim. Jim Furyk, Ernie Els, Danny Lee, Sean O'Hair and Nick Watney have also committed, making this year's field pretty strong. The course is in fantastic shape as well, so I'm really looking forward to playing against those guys and hopefully posting a W.
I recently had a chance to meet with President Obama in the White House. I would love to be able to play golf with him and just talk. Maybe one day we can do that. He's got a lot on his plate, but is a very down-to-earth person, especially for someone who is the leader of the free world.
I got a tour of the White House. What I especially enjoyed was learning about its history and details about all the different rooms. It was pretty neat stepping back in time. I also enjoyed talking with the Secret Service agents.
The U.S. Open will be here soon. I'm definitely going to try to go to Bethpage to play and take a look at the course. They've made a few changes since I won there in 2002 and I want to check them out.
I'm really torn about the NBA Finals. I grew up a die-hard Los Angeles Lakers fan, but have season tickets to Orlando Magic games. Hopefully, it will be a great series.
Thanks for reading and I'll talk to you soon.
Tiger
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April 7, 2009
Hello from Augusta, Ga., where I'm preparing for the Masters Tournament. I arrived Sunday and played 18 holes, and the course is in perfect condition. I practiced Monday and will likely play Tuesday, depending on the weather. I'll practice but likely won't play on Wednesday, then go home early to rest for the first round. I started this routine at majors in 2006 at Royal Liverpool, and it's worked out pretty well.
Obviously, there is a lot of excitement for the first major tournament of the year. I feel good about my game and had good practice sessions with Hank Haney. I didn't work on anything specific; just did a lot of fine-tuning.
The main reason for that is we never know how the course is playing until we get there. As we all know, it usually changes from Thursday through Sunday -- it's just part of the experience. From year-to-year, we don't know what's going to happen. The last two years, the weather has been challenging. Hopefully, it will be better this week.
I'm bringing a 2-iron and a 5-wood, and won't decide which one to carry until after I play my practice rounds. A lot will depend on how the fourth hole is set up.
I don't really have a favorite hole at Augusta National. I like all 18. They're so different from each other.
I will likely skip the par-3 Tournament on Wednesday. I played in it about every year until 2005. You play a practice round in the morning, then sit around for your tee time. It just becomes a long day and takes away from your main preparation. I'm sure there will be a day when I come back and play, especially when Sam and Charlie get a little older and can caddie for me.
Charlie has touched a club, but he can't hold one yet. Sam didn't grab a club until she was able to crawl. She's still not swinging a club; she'd rather throw the ball.
It's nice to have a little momentum going into the Masters. The win at Bay Hill validated all the hard work Hank and I put in after my knee surgery. Honestly, it felt just the same as all my other wins. The only difference was I didn't have any pain in my left knee.
A year ago at this time, I was just hoping to get through the Masters. There's really no comparison; it's stable. Last year, I had no ACL and my cartilage was damaged. I had surgery the following week. This year, the knee feels strong and I can drive into my left leg.
I've been asked how I feel about being ranked No. 1 in the world. Obviously, you take pride in your performance. If you play well, the ranking will take care of itself. It shows you've been consistent and haven't had a lot of bad weeks.
That's all for now. Have a happy Easter and I'll check back after the Masters.
Tiger
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