| The eye of the Tiger is back! |
We're really going out on a limb here!
On Sunday April 14th we predict that Tiger Woods will don his fifth green jacket.
Like most other seasons, Tiger is once again the favorite to win the 2013 Masters, the first major tournament of 2013. Yet we find it somewhat surprising (and disappointing) that it's been seven years and counting since Tiger last triumphed on a course (Augusta National) that seems tailor-made for his game.
So why do we believe that Tiger's Masters drought will come to an end this weekend?
For the first time in many years (perhaps going back as far as his 2005 victory here) Tiger Woods looks completely healthy both physically and mentally.
Just look at the many things that have taken place since Tiger won his last green jacket: the death of his father and mentor Earl Woods, injuries, infidelity scandals, and a divorce.
| Tiger Woods looks to be finally healthy in 2013 a big factor why he's been playing well thus far |
Of all these things we mentioned, none has had a greater impact on Tiger's game than the injuries.
Any great athlete will tell you that what makes them great is not just their natural God-given talent, but the amount of work they put in to maximise those talents. Not only are they usually more talented than their contemporaries, but they work harder than them.
Because of the injuries any time that would normally be spent on the golf course working on his game is instead being spent on rehabilitation. Since 2007 in particular, Tiger Woods has had several injuries which includes the anterior cruciate ligament damage of his left knee, the medial collateral ligaments from his left knee, and the Achilles' tendon on both legs. And yet despite all these setbacks here are Tiger Woods' finished since then:
Again, these are Tiger's finished DESPITE battling various injuries over the years:
Year
|
Finish
|
2007
|
Tied-2nd (2 shots back of winner)
|
2008
|
2nd (3 shots back of winner)
|
2009
|
Tied-6th (4 shots back of winner)
|
2010
|
Tied 4th (5 shots back of winner)
|
2011
|
Tied 4th (4 shots back of winner)
|
2012
|
Tied 40th
|
Now Tiger is healthy again and thus is able to practice and work on his game and the results have shown so far in 2013. Tiger has won 3 tournments this year (in 5 tournaments played no less) which leads the PGA Tour. In the process, he has reclaimed his world number one ranking.
His game seems to be back and it shows not only when you watch him on television but it also reflects on the stat sheets (see below):
Category
|
Stat
|
Ranking
|
Scoring Avg.
|
68.334
|
1st
|
Birdie Avg.
|
4.75
|
3rd
|
Eagles (Holes per)
|
48.0
|
1st
|
Strokes Gained – Putting
|
1.476
|
1st
|
Par Breakers
|
28.47%
|
2nd
|
Money Leaders
|
$3.7876 million
|
1st
|
FedEx Cup
|
1605
|
1st
|
Pay close attention to the putting category. Tiger Woods (again, thanks to being healthy and able to practice) is back as the best putter in the sport. Which bodes well for Augusta where the ability to putt as well as hit high and long off the tee is crucial for anyone looking to slip on that green jacket.
The putter is back. The number one ranking is back. The confidence is back as well.
Come Sunday evening it will become official...
Tiger Woods is back! For real!
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