In an exclusive interview with KW Golf on Instagram, 88-year-old golf legend Gary Player delivered a candid assessment of Tiger Woods’ illustrious career. With an impressive tally of 159 professional wins worldwide, including nine major championships, Player’s opinions carry significant weight in the golfing world.
Ranked T4 in all-time major wins alongside the late Ben Hogan, Player believes that Tiger Woods had the potential to surpass Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 major titles. Woods, now 48, currently stands at 15 major victories, placing him in solo second place in the record books.
Player argues that Woods’ career trajectory could have taken a different turn had he not experimented with multiple coaches after his successful partnership with Butch Harmon ended in 2004. Harmon played a pivotal role in eight of Woods’ major victories. Subsequent collaborations with Hank Haney resulted in six more major wins.
According to Player, the turning point came when Woods sought guidance from Sean Foley and later Chris Como, which led to a drought in major victories. Despite undergoing numerous back surgeries, Woods managed to clinch his 15th major at the 2019 Masters, but Player contends that he could have achieved much more.
Player’s critique stems from his belief that Woods’ relentless pursuit of improvement led to detrimental coaching changes. He emphasizes Woods’ dominance, citing his remarkable 15-shot victory at the 2000 US Open, which he likens to an extraordinary feat in track and field.
While Player’s analysis is bound to stir debate among golf enthusiasts, his perspective sheds light on the pivotal decisions that shaped Tiger Woods’ career trajectory. With Woods’ legacy still evolving, Player’s insights offer intriguing reflections on one of golf’s greatest icons.