My Game: Tiger Woods | Episode 1: My Practice | Golf Digest

Summary

In an insightful golf lesson, Tiger Woods shares how his practice routine has adapted over the years due to family commitments and life changes. He emphasizes the importance of focus and balance in his shots, utilizing a mental framework of a 'nine box grid' to visualize shot variations. Woods highlights that true performance comes from aligning 'feel' with 'reality' and building confidence through diligent preparation. He advocates for maximizing effort while maintaining control, explaining that success stems from hard work rather than quick fixes, ultimately reinforcing his commitment to evolving both as a golfer and a father.

Takeaways

• 😀 Tiger Woods has adapted his practice routine to fit his family life, focusing on targeted sessions instead of extensive daily practice.
• 🏌️‍♂️ Visualization plays a crucial role in Woods's preparation, using a nine-box grid to plan and execute shots effectively.
• 🤔 The intersection of 'feel' and 'real' in practice is essential for achieving peak performance and consistency in golf.
• 📅 Woods often sacrifices certain tournaments to focus on preparation for major championships, ensuring he's fully ready for significant events.
• ⚡ Managing energy levels during tournaments is key for Woods, allowing him to maintain focus and performance over multiple days.
• 🧠 Woods emphasizes the importance of detailed preparation and practice tailored to each specific course and event.
• 🕒 He prefers to do most of his practice away from the tournament site, ensuring he arrives prepared and confident.
• 💪 The evolution of golf has shifted towards power players, making it vital to maintain balance and precision while swinging hard.
• 🗣️ Woods believes that hard work and commitment to practice lead to greater confidence and success in competitive play.
• 🌟 Enjoying the process of training and practice makes the journey to readiness feel easier and more fulfilling.

Q & A

How has Tiger Woods' practice routine changed over the years?

Woods' practice routine has evolved from practicing for hours every day to focusing on specific parts of his game due to his responsibilities as a father. He now schedules his practice around his children's school and activities.

What does Tiger Woods mean by 'nine box grid' in his approach to golf?

The 'nine box grid' is a mental framework Woods uses to visualize his shots. It helps him maintain balance and adapt to different types of shots during a round of golf.

Why does Woods believe it is important to balance feel and reality in golf?

Woods emphasizes that while feelings during practice may not always align with actual performance, achieving a connection between the two can lead to successful execution on the course.

What strategy does Woods employ when preparing for major championships?

Woods sometimes sacrifices participation in smaller tournaments to focus on his preparation for major championships, aiming to align his mind, body, and soul for optimal performance during critical events.

How does Woods manage his energy levels during tournaments?

Instead of practicing extensively on the course, Woods conserves his energy to ensure he has enough stamina for the challenges of a four-day tournament, believing that having a full energy tank is essential.

What role does confidence play in Woods' practice sessions?

Woods derives confidence from his practice sessions, recalling past successes to reinforce his belief in his abilities and emphasizing the importance of dedication to the practice process.

How does Woods' father influence his approach to swinging?

Woods' father taught him to swing hard as long as he could maintain balance and ensure he hits the ball in the center of the clubface. This philosophy highlights the importance of discipline in achieving high performance.

What does Woods mean by the phrase 'do the leg work' in golf?

By saying 'do the leg work,' Woods emphasizes the importance of putting in the necessary time and effort in practice rather than seeking quick fixes or shortcuts.

How does Woods' preparation differ from other players during events?

Woods tends to spend less time practicing on the course compared to other players, focusing instead on conserving energy and adjusting his practice based on the specific demands of each event.

What is the significance of balancing mind, body, and soul in Woods' preparation?

Woods believes that achieving harmony between mind, body, and soul is crucial for peak performance in major events, allowing him to execute shots effectively under pressure.