Can Tiger Woods Recover His Old Form?

The professional golf world ended 2017 on a happy note with the return of its enigmatic prodigal son Tiger Woods. Woods played his first PGA Tour at the Hero World Challenge, over four years since his last win. It was also his first competitive action since undergoing spinal fusion surgery. 

Image source: golfchannel.com

For the many watching fans and golf aficionados, just seeing Woods back in competition is enough. The sport has missed his intense putting, solid swings, and fist-pumps. But, as expected, these trademark Tiger gestures were few and far between. Back surgeries are often deal breakers in the sport, and Woods has had his share. Given, too, the many dramas surrounding his personal life, it’s surprising and laudable that he is still keen on getting back into winning form. 

But can Tiger Woods indeed return to the PGA Tour leaderboards? Many critics are doubtful and advise that we temper our expectations. While Tiger himself has come back from a back surgery before, the chances that these returns last long is slim. 


Some people suggest that Tiger has been too aggressive in rehabbing his body, which is a big no-no in the sport. The modern golf swing puts resistance on the right side on the backswing, followed by an abrupt change of direction at the top. This puts an enormous amount of pressure on the lower back. 

Still, Woods is golf’s biggest story. And if anybody can come back from injury and dominate the sport anew, it would most likely be its fierce Tiger. 

Image source: golf.com

Hi there. My name’s Dr. Wayne Imber, a retired professor specializing in developmental and social psychology. I’m based in Cincinnati, Ohio, and I enjoy golfing and cooking in my free time. For more on my work and interests, follow me on Twitter.

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