The soap opera that has become Tiger Woods’ life took another shadowy turn on Wednesday when Woods announced he was taking an indefinite leave of absence from competitive golf to work on his floundering game. The announcement, made on Woods’ Web site, was not unexpected. Woods has been playing the worst golf of his career, and he withdrew from last week’s tournament with a back injury.
However, the lack of details about how long he will be sidelined — and his comment that the leave is not related to last year’s back surgery — created yet another tempest for Woods, this time surrounding what is at the root of his temporary exit.
This winter, Woods has been altering his swing yet again with another new coach, but his greatest failings lately have seemed to be mental. He has repeatedly flubbed routine shots near the green that were once the strength of his game.
The question raised throughout the golf community on Wednesday was whether Woods — once the steeliest competitor in golf — was seeking help from a sports psychologist, a swing tutor, a back specialist or all three.
There is a chance that Woods’ respite will be short, and there is also a remote possibility that it could be lengthy. Woods has been unpredictable and secretive about his schedule, training methods and psychological preparedness. He could resume competing in two weeks at the PGA Tour’s Honda Classic, near his home in Florida.
However, in the past, Woods has also taken more extended breaks because it is hard to reinvent or relearn a masterly golf game quickly. Still, anything longer than seven weeks would mean that Woods would miss the Masters, which is scheduled to start on April 9.
The overarching goal of Woods’ golf career has been to exceed Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 major championships. Woods has claimed 14, but he has not had a major victory in seven years. He has won the Masters four times.
“Right now, I need a lot of work on my game, and to still spend time with the people that are important to me,” Woods wrote on his Web site. “My play, and scores, are not acceptable for tournament golf. Like I’ve said, I enter a tournament to compete at the highest level, and when I think I’m ready, I’ll be back.”
“I am committed to getting back to the pinnacle of my game. I’d like to play the Honda Classic — it’s a tournament in my hometown and it’s important to me — but I won’t be there unless my game is tournament-ready,” he added.
“That’s not fair to anyone. I do, however, expect to be playing again very soon,” he said.
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