This was Tiger’s shot-shaping key from his most dominant year on tour
In the annals of golf history, few seasons shine as brightly as Tiger Woods’ incredible run in 2000. Widely regarded as one of the sport’s greatest players, Woods reached the zenith of his prowess during this remarkable year, etching his name into the record books with an unparalleled display of skill and dominance. At the…
In the annals of golf history, few seasons shine as brightly as Tiger Woods’ incredible run in 2000. Widely regarded as one of the sport’s greatest players, Woods reached the zenith of his prowess during this remarkable year, etching his name into the record books with an unparalleled display of skill and dominance.
At the heart of Woods’ unparalleled success lay his unparalleled iron play—a facet of his game that left spectators in awe and opponents in dismay. Throughout the 2000 PGA Tour season, Woods showcased a level of precision and finesse rarely witnessed before or since, culminating in an extraordinary trifecta of major championship victories: the U.S. Open, the Open Championship, and the PGA Championship.
What set Woods apart was not just his ability to win, but the manner in which he did so. His victories were not merely triumphs but demonstrations of sheer mastery, often characterized by commanding leads and record-breaking performances. Indeed, Woods’ combined margin of victory in those three majors stood at a staggering 24 shots—an achievement that still resonates within the realm of professional golf.
Central to Woods’ dominance was his impeccable iron play—a facet of his game that garnered widespread acclaim and admiration. Renowned for his ability to strike the ball with surgical precision, Woods possessed a knack for finding the green with astonishing consistency. In the 2000 season, he led the tour in greens hit in regulation, boasting a remarkable success rate of 75.15 percent—a feat that remains unmatched in the ensuing years.
Yet, amidst his myriad accomplishments, one aspect of Woods’ iron play stood out above all: his mastery of the high fade. While Woods’ natural ball flight was a draw, he often turned to the fade when precision and control were paramount. In an interview from the February 2000 issue of Golf Digest, Woods revealed the secrets behind his signature shot—a shot that would become synonymous with his dominance on the course.
To execute his trademark fade, Woods employed a combination of technique and strategy, relying on subtle adjustments to his setup and swing. Playing the ball slightly forward in his stance, Woods would align his feet and body to the left of the target (for right-handed golfers), effectively setting the stage for the desired ball flight. As he swung the club back and through on the line of his feet, Woods emphasized the importance of restraint, urging players not to let their arms release as much as normal through impact and to limit the rotation of their wrists.
For Woods, the key to success lay in the controlled extension of the right arm down the target line through impact—a departure from the customary release associated with a draw. By adhering to this technique and maintaining a balanced finish, Woods was able to consistently produce the high, soft-landing fades that became his trademark.
As golf enthusiasts reflect on Woods’ illustrious career, his mastery of the high fade stands as a testament to his unparalleled skill and ingenuity. For those seeking to emulate his success, the lessons gleaned from his legendary 2000 season serve as a timeless source of inspiration and guidance. So, the next time you step onto the fairway, channel your inner Tiger and unleash the power of the high fade—your journey to golfing greatness awaits.
