Why Tiger Woods’ legendary coach wanted him to miss Masters cut
Legendary golf coach Butch Harmon, renowned for his tenure as Tiger Woods’ coach during the golfer’s prime, has disclosed his reservations regarding Woods’ participation in The Masters tournament in 2023. Harmon expressed his concern about Woods’ ability to endure the demanding physical toll of the event, citing his previous injuries and limited tournament play leading…
Legendary golf coach Butch Harmon, renowned for his tenure as Tiger Woods’ coach during the golfer’s prime, has disclosed his reservations regarding Woods’ participation in The Masters tournament in 2023. Harmon expressed his concern about Woods’ ability to endure the demanding physical toll of the event, citing his previous injuries and limited tournament play leading up to the competition. In a candid interview with GolfMagic, Harmon revealed his wish for Woods to miss the cut in 2023, fearing that Woods might not be able to sustain another 36 holes due to his injury history.
Harmon’s apprehensions materialized when Woods withdrew from the tournament after completing only seven holes of the third round, aggravating a pre-existing ankle injury. Since then, Woods has struggled with injuries and setbacks, undergoing further surgery on his ankle and facing additional health issues such as the flu, forcing him to withdraw from tournaments.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding Woods’ physical condition and limited playing time, Harmon refrained from dismissing Woods’ chances entirely. He acknowledged Woods’ unparalleled determination and resilience, recalling instances where Woods defied expectations and silenced doubters. Harmon emphasized that while Woods’ game might be sharp, the real challenge lies in his ability to navigate the rigorous terrain of Augusta National, particularly considering his physical limitations.
Reflecting on Woods’ illustrious career and their 11-year coaching relationship, during which Woods achieved remarkable success, Harmon highlighted the importance of Woods’ short game and physical endurance in the context of Augusta’s challenging greens and demanding course layout. Harmon underscored the uncertainty surrounding Woods’ performance, given his prolonged absence from competitive play and the unpredictable nature of professional golf.
Despite his cautious outlook, Harmon reiterated that Woods possesses an unparalleled competitive spirit, cautioning against underestimating his ability to contend for victory. Notably, bookmakers have maintained relatively favorable odds for Woods to secure his sixth green jacket, despite his recent struggles and lack of tournament preparation. As Woods prepares to tee off at Augusta National, the golfing world awaits with bated breath, uncertain yet hopeful for another chapter in the remarkable career of Tiger Woods.