Tiger Changes his Stripes

by Anand Datla

At the peak of his career, Tiger Woods brought an unfathomable range of weapons to the course, dominating golf and reviving an entire industry around his performances. Everything needed, except communication. Woods was in an impenetrable bubble, cocooned by an army of professionals, intent on protecting one of the truly great treasures in the game. Communication was scripted and sketchy, turning the man into an isolated enigma even to some of his closest colleagues. Eventually the seclusion cost Woods the person heavily, surrounded by fawns who pretended to be friends.


But after enduring personal trauma and career threatening injuries, Woods finally found his voice in a second coming that has left the golf world spellbound and excited. The crowds that thronged East Lake Golf Club, in Georgia (USA), last year when he won the Tour Championship helped fans reconnect with the game in ways that seemed long forgotten. The uncharacteristic euphoria that dissolved Augusta National in a sea of unbridled celebration at the Masters this year reignited many bonds and brought Woods front and centre of golf again. Only this time, this is a different man and a golfer.


Gone are the icy cold days of templated responses and curt replies. This is a Woods that reflects, drawing insights from his experience and translating it for the fans in a patient, nearly paternal manner. Say hello to Woods, who is slowly, yet surely, transforming into a leader. Woods, once cocooned in thick layers of protection, is now a happy father, a legend keenly aware of his legacy and a golfer who is willing to listen and interact actively with his fellow professionals and fans. It could set the tone for a new era in which the great American wears his nuanced brilliance on his sleeve for the sake of enriching the sport. Less than a decade ago, hardly a soul considered Woods capable or interested in anything other than a selfish pursuit.


The transition of Tiger from being a steely golfer to a vulnerable champion was a painful journey for many that followed the sport.


But in the years to come, there could be redemption, not just for Woods but also his legions of fans and naysayers. There is an incredible eagerness on the part of Woods to embrace new responsibility. As he marches into a phase of his career that promises to be just as impactful as those days when he was a mind-numbing winning machine.


Next week Woods dons the hat of a playing captain in the Presidents Cup. “I am going to lean on my guys, I already have,” Woods told ET Sport, on the sidelines of the Hero World Challenge at Albany, Bahamas. “We are open, communicating with all of the players. It has been long hours for me. Just trying to be sharp, working with the vice-captains to figure out what is best for the team. I ask for the players to be honest, freely speak their mind, and say what needs to be said. And then, open up the things that we need to discuss as a team”


The Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup in 2022, where he is also expected to be the captain, could have a defining influence on the legacy of Woods, beyond his own insane success as a golfer.


Golf is going to need a face as familiar as Jack Nicklaus in the not too distant future. The Golden Bear is affable to a fault, reaching out across generations, playing a deeply influential role in shaping the narrative for the sport.


In the second innings, Woods has plenty of time to embellish his heavily pregnant trophy cabinet. He also has many years left before having an opportunity to step into the shoes of great men such as Arnold Palmer and Nicklaus, who have influenced the sport way beyond their playing years. As he nudges his way into this space, Woods needs to be cautious about the manner in which he navigates these auditions, leading American teams into the Presidents Cup and the Ryder Cup in two years’ time.


The Olympics is also a stage that should add to the allure of this freshly-minted version of Woods. But even though he is ranked seventh in the world, Woods isn’t assured a spot in Tokyo. The wealth of talent in the USA means that there are four men ahead of him, the most any single country could enter into the Olympic golf competition. But he has a good seven months ahead of him to try and force his way up the order and a good run in Tokyo can only add to his aura.


The evolution of Woods as a leader is a fascinating lens to view this phase of his career. “Leadership in sport is hard, just as it is in any form of life. It is about being responsible, communicative and open-minded,” explained Woods. “It is ultimately about taking all of that information and use it to make decisions, and move forward with them. It is something I have done all my business career and on the course. It is a responsibility, one that cannot be taken lightly.”


It is a credo that could shape not just the immediate future for this greatest of champions, but also play a massive role in defining the lasting legacy of Woods in golf-lore. His leadership could prove invaluable to golf and to the man himself as he carves out a legend that promises to stretch well beyond the stats underlying his 15 majors, 18 WGC titles and a record-tying 82 PGA TOUR titles.