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Hiding His Gruesome Scars Once Again, Tiger Woods Raises Concerns 19 Days Before Expected Comeback

By Admin November 16, 2024

The 2021 car accident was the most brutal one that left Tiger Woods with many injuries.

After this one particular incident, the 48-year-old pro’s career was practically on a halt. Since then, Woods has undergone many surgeries to return to golf as he has always been. However, that part has been difficult, to say the least. Following his injuries, Woods always wore a leg sleeve to hide the scar and support his right leg. In July, though, the 82-time PGA Tour winner was spotted without one as he accompanied his son, Charlie Woods, at the US Junior Amateur.

It was expected that at least for now, Woods wouldn’t undergo another procedure. However, in September the 15-time major winner went through microdiscectomy, his sixth back surgery in the past decade. And it seems he has been recovering off the course as he missed the annual TW Invitational and TGR Jr. Invitational in October. Nonetheless, Woods was seen once again with Charlie Woods as the 15-year-old golfer competed at the Florida state championships.

READ: Tiger Woods Made Bryson DeChambeau Want ‘To Throw Up’; Ryder Cup Reality Following Legend’s Cold Shoulder Gets Revealed

This time, Woods had the leg sleeves again and the fans noticed that he was looking thinner and a bit pale. But, has he recovered enough to play the PNC Championship and the Hero World Challenge? The recovery period after microdiscectomy is usually 12 weeks and it has been only 11 weeks since Woods’s surgery. But seeing Woods’s condition, and accounting that his body has gone through way more than just one procedure, it may take more time for the 48-year-old to recover. Thus, it may not be feasible for the 15-time major winner to compete in both events.

Woods played the Hero World Challenge for the first time since his accident in 2023. On the other hand, he has not missed a single edition of the PNC Championship. But as other pairs have confirmed their seats at the event and the PGA Tour star still has not, it is possible that he may not play the event this year. There are at least three weeks for the Hero World Challenge to start and nearly a month for the PNC Championship. Who knows, the 5-time Masters winner may change his plans and tee up at both tournaments.

Last year, Tiger Woods did exactly that, he played the Hero World Challenge and finished 18th in the 20 pro field and after two weeks teed up at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club. He took a break from golf and then participated in the Genesis Invitational in February where his body was following as he would have expected. If Woods takes the risk to play two events, he may injure his back more.

How so? The subtalar joint in Woods’s right ankle has to be fused because of his accident and although it isn’t responsible for up & down movement, that joint allows the side-to-side movement. Since the 48-year-old has lost that ability in his ankle, the brunt of this pressure comes to his hips and subsequently, to his back as Robert Forster, Santa Monica-based physical therapist noted.

He underwent the microdecompression because of the pinched nerves, if he continues to have an active schedule throughout the year, this may become an issue for his back again. As Woods expressed last year, “I’m always sore. There’s nothing new there!” Hopefully, he will recover soon and play more events.

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Tiger Woods Made Bryson DeChambeau Want ‘To Throw Up’; Ryder Cup Reality Following Legend’s Cold Shoulder Gets Revealed

By Admin November 14, 2024

In the 2018 Ryder Cup, Bryson DeChambeau made his debut for Team USA alongside veteran Tiger Woods.

The event, held at Le Golf National in France, saw high expectations for the pairing of the young, analytical DeChambeau with the seasoned Woods. However, the duo struggled in their fourball match against Europe’s Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson, suffering a loss that set the tone for Team USA’s uphill battle. DeChambeau went on to play in the singles matches, where he secured a crucial point for the U.S., but despite his efforts, Europe dominated the event, winning 17.5-10.5.

The 2018 Ryder Cup, though challenging for DeChambeau, was an invaluable experience, one that helped him grow as a player and prepared him for future international competitions. Tiger Woods made his Ryder Cup debut in 1997 when the United States hosted the event at Valderrama Golf Club in Spain. He was already a big name in the world of golf. On the other hand, Bryson DeChambeau was just a professional golfer. As it turns out, even after six years, he clearly remembers every bit of it.

READ: Phil Mickelson’s comment says it all as Rory McIlroy issue emerges after LIV hope

In his recent YouTube video, The Scientist did a series called, “Can I Beat 3 Top Junior Golfers in a 9 Hole Match?” As the video went on, one of the juniors shared how he was feeling nervous with so many cameras. But he soon realized that he had to face it if he were to play the game. To calm him down, Bryson DeChambeau said, “I’ll never forget playing with Tiger Woods in the Ryder Cup first uh time I played in the Ryder Cup which is 2018”. He went on to add how nervous and stressed he was. “I was not doing well, I wanted to throw up”, he said.

Tiger Woods found a partner in his friend. The duo used to be great friends even before his debut. They would often play practice rounds together, and they also probably played video games together. However, all the years of friendship had changed once DeChambeau moved to LIV Golf. Tiger Woods started giving him the cold treatment. However, things changed in July.

In an interview, Bryson DeChambeau revealed that ever since he joined the breakaway league, Tiger Woods maintained his distance from the Scientist. He even stated that to be a good friend, he wished Tiger Woods on his birthday, but the 15X Major Champion ignored his text. However, during the practice round at Royal Troon, DeChambeau was approached by his old friend.

A month ago, Bryson DeChambeau defeated Rory McIlroy to clinch the trophy at the 2024 US Open. Ahead of the Open Championship in July, Tiger Woods came to congratulate him on the win. “It is the first communication, but I’ll say he’s a competitor and I have a lot of respect for him. I’m sure that winning two US Opens helped, I guess, for him coming up and saying congrats. I don’t know what his position is, but it was very thoughtful, and I was appreciative of it,” he said.

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Phil Mickelson’s comment says it all as Rory McIlroy issue emerges after LIV hope

By Admin November 14, 2024

Rory McIlroy has been left unimpressed by the PGA Tour’s packed schedule, and a comment made in the past by LIV rival Phil Mickelson rings relevant

Phil Mickelson’s revelation that LIV Golf rejuvenated him for major tournaments could serve as a wake-up call for Rory McIlroy following his ‘hard slog’ remark.

The world of professional golf was rocked in 2022 when the Saudi Arabian PIF-backed LIV Golf emerged as a rival to the established PGA Tour, luring away some of the sport’s biggest names, including Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau, along with numerous other major champions.

JUST IN: Charlie Woods: How did Tiger Woods’ son perform during the first day of state championship?

Northern Ireland’s McIlroy was among the stalwarts who stood their ground and criticized those deserting the tour. However, as time has passed, a resolution and merger between the two entities appear increasingly likely. Consequently, McIlroy’s position has softened, and he has even begun criticizing his own circuit.

Referring to the PGA Tour’s schedule as a ‘hard slog’, while contemplating withdrawing from the RBC Heritage, breakaway golfer and six-time major winner Mickelson explained his decision to switch sides – giving McIlroy food for thought, reports the Mirror.

After being fined £2.3million in 2023 for missing the Heritage, McIlroy took a swipe at the PGA this month, criticizing their congested and exhausting schedule.

“There’s a few tournaments that I played this year that I don’t usually play and that I might not play next year,” McIlroy told the Daily Telegraph. “Well, at this point in my career, I’m 35 and have been out here for 17, 18 years. I’m just going to go to the places that I enjoy and where I play well. Look I’ve done the hard slog, I’ve done that sort of 25 to 30 events a year. I’m not getting any younger.”

San Diego-born Mickelson used this exact fact to rally troops for LIV, explaining his choice to switch. He took to social media to describe how the rival outfit has left him feeling fresher for major titles.

“Love LIV or hate it, it’s the best way/Tour to be your best in the majors. Enough events to keep you sharp, fresh and ready, yet not be worn down from too many tournaments or obligations. 14 LIV events, 34 weeks left open to prepare for the 4 majors. Fact,” Mickelson wrote on X in 2023.

The similarities between what McIlroy wishes for and what LIV provides could balance out to form the perfect medium if the proposed merger – that saw negotiations begin in 2023 – were to come to fruition. McIlroy also spoke out about his hopes for the merger this month.

Donald Trump, winner of the 2024 US presidential election, appeared on legendary former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick’s Let’s Go podcast while on his campaign trail, stating that it would take him “the better part of 15 minutes” to sort out this “golf civil war.” McIlroy responded hopefully.

“Given what’s happened, I think that [Trump winning] clears the way a little bit,” McIlroy told reporters after Trump’s victory. “He might be able to. He’s got Elon Musk, who I think is the smartest man in the world, beside him.

“We might be able to do something if we can get Musk involved, too. I think from the outside looking in, it’s probably a little less complicated than it actually is. Trump has a great relationship with Saudi Arabia. He’s got a great relationship with golf. He’s a lover of golf. So, maybe. Who knows?”

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Charlie Woods: How did Tiger Woods’ son perform during the first day of state championship?

By Admin November 13, 2024

Charlie Woods, son of legendary golfer Tiger Woods, wrapped up his first round of the Class 1A Florida high school state championship on Tuesday at Howey-in-the-Hills.

Woods shot a 78, six shots over par, finishing with the 55th-best individual mark at states

Defending state champion Benjamin golf, composed of Woods and teammates Pavel Tsar, Andrew Tsar, Brooks Colton, and Jake Valentine, ended the first day in a three-way tie for 9th place with Lake Mary Prep and Lake Highland Prep.

READ: Tiger Woods and Ex-Wife Elin Nordegren Spotted Chatting at Son Charlie’s Golf Tournament

Woods shot a birdie on the 14th hole, a par 5, while bogeying on holes 7, 8, and 15.

He ran into some trouble on the 5th and 17th holes and ended those with double bogeys.

Entering state play, Woods tied four golfers for sixth place with a 71 at the regional championship. He, along with the other Benjamin golfers, are back at states trying to defend their Class 1A state title, though the first day leaves the Buccaneers with some ground to make up on Wednesday.

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Tiger Woods and Ex-Wife Elin Nordegren Spotted Chatting at Son Charlie’s Golf Tournament

By Admin November 11, 2024

Tiger Woods and his ex-wife, Elin Nordegren, are supportive of son Charlie’s dreams of following in his father’s footsteps.

Tiger, 48, and Nordegren, 44, were spotted at the Class 1A Region 4 tournament in Miami on Monday, Nov. 4 as 15-year-old Charlie and the Benjamin School boys golf team advanced to the state championships, according to the Palm Beach Post.

The legendary golfer wore a white ballcap and sunglasses with his polo shirt and navy shorts, per the Post. A black sleeve was reportedly visible on Tiger’s right leg underneath his clothing.

READ: Tiger Woods Expensive Car Collection: The Lavish Lifestyle of Golf Legend Explored

Nordegren sported a white sun hat and a Tampa Bay Buccaneers T-shirt at the tournament, where she reportedly rode in the same golf cart as her ex-husband.

The two were seen chatting throughout — notably on the twelfth hole, according to the Post.

The outlet reported that Tiger didn’t appear to say much while watching Charlie — who finished sixth in the competition — and sat in his golf cart for most of the outing. Nordegren, meanwhile, was reportedly the first to greet Charlie after his final putt.

Tiger and Nordegren were married for nearly six years when the golf legend’s 2009 infidelity scandal blew up. They divorced in 2010 and now the mental health counselor is “living her sweetest dream” with her new partner — retired NFL tight end Jordan Cameron.

Together, Cameron, 36, and Nordegren — who first got together in 2017 — have a blended family of six kids. Cameron was already dad to a son, Tristan, from a previous relationship. In addition to the Swedish model’s two kids with Woods — Charlie and daughter Sam, 16 — Nordegren also shares Zeta, Freya and Arthur with Cameron.

Years after her split from Tiger, a source told PEOPLE that the former couple are co-parents and close pals.

“They’re friends now,” the source said. “Everything that happened in the past is in the past. They both decided to be adults and to do what was best for the kids. So they get along really well. Tiger says really great things about Elin. He never complains about her, ever. … The kids love them both.”

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Tiger Woods Expensive Car Collection: The Lavish Lifestyle of Golf Legend Explored

By Admin October 30, 2024

The legendary golfers are known to be lavish when it comes to their choice of cars.

I mean take John Rahm’s or even Jordan Spieth’s car collection for example, both golfers have extraordinary cars worth millions in their collection. So, what about the GOAT? Does Tiger Woods have a car collection? Well yes, and an amazing one at that.

Tiger Woods is surely known for his golfing skills but his lavish lifestyle is also pretty well-known so I don’t think you’re going to be too surprised with his collection of four-wheelers. Like many things in the golfer’s life, Woods’s car collection is also a real showstopper so let’s take a closer look.

READ: LIV Golf star facing bleak LIV Golf future after previous comments about Tiger Woods

Buick LaCrosse

The first one in line is Tiger Woods’ go-to ride also known as his sleek Buick LaCrosse and it’s easy to see why. With its powerful 3.6L V6 engine and smooth 8-speed automatic transmission, this car is a joy to drive. Plus, with advanced safety features like forward collision alert and cozy amenities like heated seats and touchscreen infotainment, the car becomes extraordinary automatically. These amazing features surely speak for its price which is a decent $45,000 as it provides Woods with comfort so he can cruise around town in style.

Buick Enclave

Next in line is Woods’ Buick Enclave which is priced at an affordable $50,000. Now, the cost may seem too much for the word affordable but the car’s modern build speaks for the price. This family-friendly SUV offers ample space which makes it perfect for road trips with loved ones and we know Woods has got two of them, his son Charlie and daughter Sam.

With its powerful 3.6L V6 engine and smooth 6-speed automatic transmission, the Enclave becomes a powerhouse of style and reliability. Additionally, the heated seats, touchscreen infotainment, and amazing cargo space make long drives a joy for Woods and his family.

2009 Lexus LS 460

Now the game is really beginning, as we step into luxury territory with Woods’ 2009 Lexus LS 460, per Money Magnets on YouTube. This fabulous car is valued at $80,000 and before you get all ‘It’s way too expensive for a sedan’, let us explain why why it is priced that much. The refined sedan features a powerful 4.6L V8 engine which gets paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and leather upholstery to complete the look. To add to that, climate control and a premium Mark Levinson sound system add to the luxury by delivering unparalleled sophistication and elegance. All these features combined together take Woods’s driving experience to new heights. And let’s face it, for a Lexus, it is pretty decently priced!

2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG

Next in Woods’ impressive collection is the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG which is a powerhouse of a sedan that commands attention with its $230,000 price tag. This luxury vehicle promises a driving experience that is nothing like you’ve seen before. With its mighty 6.0L V12 engine, which is handcrafted by AMG engineers, and lightning-fast 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, the S65 AMG unleashes raw power and precision. Add sport-tuned suspension and exclusive amenities, and you’ve got a high-performance sedan that just rules the road.

Lamborghini Murciélago

Woods’ supercar collection starts with the iconic Lamborghini Murciélago, priced at $300,000. This Italian beauty is a masterpiece of design and engineering and you’ll get to know why soon enough. Under the hood, the ‘bat’ packs a potent 6.2L V12 engine, paired with state-of-the-art all-wheel drive technology. This combination unleashes breathtaking performance and exceptional handling and with its striking scissor doors and dramatic adjustable rear wing, the Murciélago turns heads wherever it goes. As the crown jewel of Woods’s collection, this Lamborghini adds to the golfer’s lavish lifestyle.

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

Next in Woods’ supercar collection is the revered Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, a $500,000 powerhouse born from the collaboration of two automotive legends: Mercedez Benz and McLaren. This sleek marvel combines a roaring 5.5L V8 engine with a seamless 5-speed automatic transmission, delivering electrifying performance.

But what truly sets the SLR McLaren apart is its cutting-edge tech: a lightweight carbon fiber chassis, adaptive suspension, and innovative aerodynamics for its time. The result? A driving experience that’s both exhilarating and refined. As a testament to Tiger Woods’ passion for exceptional engineering, the SLR McLaren embodies the perfect blend of style, substance, and rarity.

Porsche Carrera GT

Last but certainly not least, we’ve got the ultimate showstopper: the Porsche Carrera GT! This sleek supercar is the crown jewel of any collection, and its $2 million price tag proves it. So, what makes this rare beauty worth every penny? For starters, its 5.7L V10 engine delivers heart-pounding performance, paired perfectly with a 6-speed manual transmission. And with its lightweight construction, this Porsche is built for speed and agility. It’s also earned itself the moniker of ‘widowmaker’ in the car community. It’s a masterpiece that’s as thrilling to drive as it is stunning to look at!

Unfortunately, his collection hasn’t been immune to setbacks and we have seen the golfer get into a lot of accidents which has resulted in damaging some of his prized possessions which include the Hyundai Genesis GB80 and Cadillac Escalade.

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Phil Mickleson furiously confronted golfer in locker room after remarks about his outfit

By Admin October 25, 2024

Phil Mickelson once exploded at Vijay Singh in the locker room at The Masters during a row over the now-LIV Golf star’s spikes.

Back in 2005, tensions were rising between the sport’s best players, with Mickelson, Singh, Tiger Woods and Ernie Els sharing frosty relationships.

Singh had little issue getting under the skin of his rivals. Then the top-ranked player on the PGA Tour, the Fijian is claimed to have complained about Mickelson’s spikes on the 12th hole at Augusta National.

The story goes that Singh called over an official to protest that the spikes on Mickelson’s soles were leaving significant marks in the ground. The American, who had switched from 6mm to 8mm spikes a few days before, was informed that someone would file them down.

JUST IN: LIV Golf star facing bleak LIV Golf future after previous comments about Tiger Woods

Stuart Appleby, Mickelson’s playing partner, is said to have quipped: “What are they going to send? A blacksmith?”

The chair of Augusta National’s competition committee later revealed that the spikes were never filed and said: “One of our officials talked to Phil to see if there was a burr on the side of one of his spikes. He very generously, as you know he would, said he would change them when he got in if there was a problem. There wasn’t.”

Mickelson felt that Singh could have handled the situation more sensitively, perhaps making officials aware at the end of the round.

He reflected afterwards: “I was extremely distracted and would have appreciated if it would have been handled differently or after the round. After sitting in the locker room for a while, I heard Vijay talking to other players about it, and I confronted him. He expressed his concerns. I expressed my disappointment with the way it was handled.’’

However, Mickelson’s version of events are reported to be extremely watered down. According to Golf WRX, he entered the locker room to hear Singh criticising him to other players. It is claimed that Mickelson yelled at his rival, called him a “motherf*****”, and offered to settle their differences outside.

That version of events was largely backed up by Tiger Woods’ caddie at the time, Steve Williams, on the Chasing Majors podcast.

I think it was just Phil and Vijay,” said Williams, who added that Mickelson’s spikes were “certainly legal”. He continued: “I understand there was a bit of a heated conversation in the locker room. There’s no love lost between those two, that’s for sure.”

Mickelson finished 10th that year with Woods going on to win. There was a third green jacket for the now-54-year-old 12 months later, though.

And when Singh was criticised in 2020 for taking a place in a Korn Ferry Tour event, Mickelson leapt to his defence, saying: “It’s no secret VJ and I aren’t close, but I’d like to say on his behalf that in addition to being a member of the HoF, he’s a big part of the PGA Tour’s success which financially subsidises, and always has, the KFT. He has earned the right to play when and where he wants.”

Sing, though, is yet to repay the compliment to Mickelson following his decision to join the LIV Golf tour in 2022.

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LIV Golf star facing bleak LIV Golf future after previous comments about Tiger Woods

By Admin October 25, 2024

A LIV Golf star, whose wife publicly slammed Tiger Woods after his high-speed car crash in 2021, is facing a tough battle to avoid being demoted from the tour next year.

Pat Perez has had a dismal year on the LIV circuit, narrowly avoiding relegation by the slimmest of margins. The Arizona-born golfer finished the 2024 LIV season in 48th place, just one spot and 1.56 points above the automatic drop zone.

If Kalle Samooja hadn’t shot a final-round 71 in the last LIV event of the year, Perez’s fate might have been sealed. However, assuming a team signs the former PGA Tour star during the free agency period, Perez will retain his LIV contract going into 2025.

READ: Tiger Woods to miss his own event again as major health questions asked about golf icon

But with his back already against the wall, defending his position could prove even more challenging next year if Perez’s form continues on a similar downward trend.

Perez is no stranger to controversy, having been embroiled in a war of words with Woods in the past. Woods, a vocal critic of the LIV project since its inception, has claimed that players who left the PGA Tour for the Saudi-backed league are only motivated by money.

Perez fired back at the golf legend, saying “that’s the stupidest —- I have ever heard of in my life” on an episode of the Son of a Butch podcast.

He remarked: “Now, next year you might; they finally got the perks. But last time I checked, he signed a $40 million deal right out of college, was flying on the Nike jet. He found incentive. He could have shut it down right then.”

Yet, Pat isn’t the sole Perez to take a swipe at Woods, as the LIV sensation’s spouse, Ashley, didn’t hold back either. Her dig came in the wake of Woods’ harrowing car accident in 2021, which many feared spelt the end of his career, with Ashley scathingly posting on Instagram: “Literally why driving under the influence is ILLEGAL. I don’t feel bad for him. Thank god he didn’t kill anyone. See ya.”

At the time, Woods was cleared of any allegations of driving under the influence, leading to a swift removal of the post by Perez’s wife.

Perez won three titles during his time on the PGA Tour: the Bob Hope Classic in 2009, the OHL Classic at Mayakoba in 2016 and the CIMB Classic in 2017. He finished in a tie for third at the Players Championship in 2006 and has one top-10 finish at the majors, which came in 2005 at the PGA Championship (finishing in a tie for sixth).

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Tiger Woods to miss his own event again as major health questions asked about golf icon

By Admin October 23, 2024

The Hero World Challenge has revealed its line-up, with Scottie Scheffler leading the charge. However, the notable absence of Tiger Woods is hard to ignore.

Woods’ absence from the Hero World Challenge is especially conspicuous as he is the host of the event. The tournament is part of the PGA Tour schedule, but being an unofficial event, players do not earn FedEx Cup points or official funds.

The 2024 edition of the event boasts a total prize fund of $4.5 million (£3.5m), with the winner set to bag $1 million (£770k). Despite this, the tournament often attracts the biggest names in golf, although on this occasion, Woods will not be participating.

READ: Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy get wish as personal roadblock to LIV Golf merger removed

At present, the confirmed competitors include Scheffler, Ludvig Aberg, Patrick Cantlay, Wyndham Clark, Hideki Matsuyama, Sam Burns, Brian Harman, Sahith Theegala, Tony Finau, Sungjae Im, Tom Kim, Aaron Rai, Billy Horschel, Keegan Bradley, Russell Henley, Matthieu Pavon and Bob MacIntyre. Three additional exemption spots are yet to be announced.

There is a chance that Woods could be awarded one of these exemption spots to compete in the Hero World Challenge, aligning with his plans for the rest of the year.

The 48 year old golf legend’s schedule has hit an unforeseen snag after he announced another setback with his health, pausing his participation in the Hero World Challenge and the PNC Championship due to recent back surgery.

Woods took to social media in mid-September to inform fans about his latest medical procedure aimed at tackling severe discomfort that hindered his 2024 season, fraught with injury bouts. Conducted by Dr. Sheeraz Quereshi, the operation is reported to be a success.

In his statement, Woods said: “The surgery went smoothly, and I’m hopeful this will help alleviate the back spasms and pain I was experiencing throughout most of the 2024 season,” and continued, “I look forward to tackling this rehab and preparing myself to get back to normal life activities, including golf.”

Undergoing his sixth back surgery, expectations are high for Woods to make a strong return in 2025, particularly with the anticipation surrounding his involvement in The Golf League, his partnership with Rory McIlroy aiming to compete with LIV Golf.

Despite potential risks of recurring pain that previously plagued him, as Woods confided to Golfweek in December 2023 regarding his challenges during competitions, fans remain optimistic about his recovery and presence at the Hero World Challenge come December.

Woods bluntly described the pain endured from last year’s competitions with a single word, “Everywhere,” when pressed about where he felt soreness. He further explained: “My leg, my back, my neck. Just from playing and hitting shots, trying to hold off shots. It’s just different at game speed, too. Game speed is a lot different than at-home speed.”

Despite dealing with discomfort during the Hero World Challenge in 2023, Woods maintained optimism about participating in at least one tournament each month throughout 2024. However, his plans hit a snag in July when he announced he would take the rest of the year off for recovery, admitting his initial schedule was perhaps overambitious.

Reflecting on the challenges, Woods admitted, “I thought I could play a little bit more earlier in the year. I think I was a little bit too optimistic,” He ruefully added, “At the end of last year, it was tough, and I haven’t played a whole lot. I think that, as the year has gone on, I have gotten better. I just wish I could have played a little bit more, but I’ve been saving it for the majors just in case I do something pretty major and then take myself out of it.”

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Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy get wish as personal roadblock to LIV Golf merger removed

By Admin October 16, 2024

Greg Norman will stay at LIV Golf – but is set to be replaced as CEO of the Saudi Arabia-funded series.

LIV Golf’s arrival as a rival to the PGA Tour sent shockwaves throughout the world of sports. LIV Golf immediately made its presence felt, signing some of the game’s biggest names in an attempt to fracture the PGA Tour’s grip on professional golf.

Norman has signed the likes of Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, and Jon Rahm to LIV Golf. But in June 2023, reports emerged suggesting LIV Golf had agreed to merge with the PGA Tour to end golf’s divide.

READ: ‘Uncle’ Tiger Woods’ Hearty Gesture Might Have Pushed Serena Williams’s Daughter Away From Tennis, Reveals Alexis Ohanian

The merger ensured the pending legal dispute between the tours was to be placed on the back burner to attempt to co-exist as a single entity, with a signed agreement seemingly set to combine the PGA Tour and LIV’s commercial operations and rights into a new company, along with the DP World Tour.

Tense negotiations have been ongoing for some time now, with both Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy insisting Noman needed to step down to end “animosity” between the two tours. McIlroy in particular declared he believed Norman “had to go” in order to push through a merger.

He said in November 2022: “There’s a few things that I would like to see on the LIV side that needs to happen. I think Greg needs to go. I think he just needs to exit stage left. He’s made his mark, but I think now is the right time to sort of say, ‘Look, you’ve got this thing off the ground, but no one is going to talk unless there’s an adult in the room that can actually try to mend fences.”

Woods echoed Mcilroy’s statements, with the 15-time major champion suggested the Australian was looking to “destroy” the PGA Tour. “Greg has to go,” Woods said back in 2022. Asked whether LIV and golf’s traditional tours can co-exist, Woods said: “Not right now, not with their leadership, not with Greg there and his animosity towards the tour itself. I don’t see that happening.

As Rory said, I think Greg’s got to leave and then we can eventually, hopefully, have a stay between the two lawsuits and figure something out. But why would you change anything if you’ve got a lawsuit against you? They sued us first. I see that there’s an opportunity out there if both organizations put a stay on their litigation but that’s the problem, they’ve got to put a stay on it.

“I think it has to start with leadership on their side. Understanding that what is happening right now is not the best fit or future for the whole game of golf. Now, what is the best way for our game to grow? It’s not this way. You need to have the two bodies come together. If one side has so much animosity, someone trying to destroy our tour, then how do you work with that?”

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which bankrolls LIV Golf, has been looking for a new CEO for the circuit to take over from Norman. Once the new hire is installed, Norman is expected to maintain a leadership role within LIV Golf.

At the recent Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan played alongside Yasir Al-Rumayyan and McIlroy throughout the week. DP World Tour CEO Guy Kinnings was also playing, leading fans to believe that a breakthrough in negotiations is imminent.

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