Nicklaus: It will be very hard for Tiger to return
Jack Nicklaus has finally admitted that it will be very hard for Tiger Woods to return to competitive golf.
Nicklaus has long backed Woods to recover from his injury troubles and challenge for his all-time Major wins record.
But the golfing legend now acknowledges that Woods’ physical ailments and personal issues will make it very tough for him to return to the top level.
“He’ll have a very hard time,” Nicklaus told USA Today. “I don’t know whether Tiger will play much golf anymore.
“He might come back and play – I think it would be pretty tough for him, after getting (his spine) fused and as many problems as he has had recently.
“His are more life problems than they are golf problems right now.”
Woods recently confirmed he was entering a treatment facility to manage his usage of prescription medications for back pain.
It follows a May 29 arrest for suspicion of driving under the influence, after a police officer found him asleep at the wheel of his car with the engine running.
Woods has played just three professional rounds of golf since September 2015, while the last of his 14 major titles came nine years ago.
He will miss this week’s Quicken Loans National while continuing his current treatment, tournament officials confirmed. The American’s charity foundation stages the event, and he usually plays host.
“Tiger is a good kid. He cares about people. And we’ll just see what happens,” Nicklaus added.
“I hope he gets his life straightened out with the problems he has had and be able to lead a normal life, but also use what he has done and his legacy to help a lot of kids and a lot of other people.”
Latest
-
Equipment
Miura targets wider market with hollow-bodied IC-602 irons
Miura are out to build on their existing market with new clubs that cast a slightly wider net in terms of player quality.
-
Videos
WATCH: Young woman steps up confidently to drive – and loses club behind her
Golf’s influencer girls can make it look easy.
-
Equipment
Pros give their verdict on Callaway Chrome Tour and Chrome Tour X balls
Callaway staffers have now had a good period of time to get used to their new ball offerings, the Chrome Tour and Chrome Tour X.
-
Videos
WATCH: 7 times the pros horribly fluffed their shots like the rest of us
Just when you think you have it all figured out.
-
Equipment
Collin Morikawa switches his putter again – and marvels at ‘incredible’ results
Collin Morikawa isn’t a professional who changes clubs lightly but he also isn’t averse to moving with the times.
-
Videos
WATCH: Kid pulls off unbelievable flop shot over his dad’s head
The flop shot is all about getting up and down with precision and this kid has it all.
-
Equipment
The clubs that helped Peter Malnati end his title drought at the Valspar Championship
Titleist staffer Peter Malnati ended his long wait for another championship at Innisbrookâs Copperhead Course.
-
Videos
WATCH: Amateur golfer takes hacking to a new level – leaving crowd in fits of laughter
Hackers are going to hack.