My Game: Tiger Woods | Episode 3: My Iron Play | Golf Digest

Summary

In this unique golf lesson, Tiger Woods shares insights from his extensive experience as a skilled iron player. He discusses the importance of shaping shots, controlling spin, and making adjustments based on conditions like wind and terrain. Woods emphasizes the creativity involved in short game strategies and the need for proper club fitting. His ability to adapt his technique and envision different shots has made him one of the greatest players. This lesson highlights the connection between hands and the golf club, showcasing the artistry behind mastering the game.

Takeaways

• 😀 Tiger Woods emphasizes the importance of shaping the golf ball in his playing style.
• 🏌️‍♂️ He discusses the evolution of golf technology and how it affects shot-making.
• 🌬️ Wind conditions significantly influence the strategy and execution of shots.
• 🎯 Adjusting speed and trajectory is crucial for achieving different shot shapes.
• 💨 Tiger highlights the necessity of feeling and adjusting to changes in the wind while playing.
• 🏗️ Proper club fitting is essential to hit shots accurately and consistently.
• 🤔 Creativity is vital in the short game; Woods spends hours practicing various shots.
• 👐 Hand speed plays a critical role in controlling shot trajectory and spin.
• 🔍 Visualizing shots and making adjustments right before impact are key to his success.
• 🏆 Tiger believes that his ability to control spin and launch angles makes him one of the greatest iron players ever.

Q & A

What key skill does Tiger Woods emphasize in his iron play?

Tiger Woods emphasizes the ability to shape the golf ball both ways and control its trajectory, which he attributes to his experience in an era when ball spin was significant.

How does Tiger Woods approach the challenges posed by wind conditions?

He assesses the wind's direction and strength before making adjustments to his swing speed and shot selection, allowing him to maintain control over the ball's flight.

What is the importance of spin when shaping shots?

Spin is crucial for shaping shots; it allows golfers to manipulate the ball's curvature and trajectory, which is especially useful in windy conditions.

What does Tiger Woods suggest about club fitting?

He suggests that getting properly fitted for clubs is essential, as the wrong fit can lead to consistent mis-hits, affecting a player's performance.

How does Tiger Woods describe his process of making adjustments before impact?

He describes it as feeling the position of the club and making subtle changes based on his observations of the ball's lie and the surrounding conditions.

What is Tiger Woods's philosophy on short game practice?

He views the short game as a realm of creativity and enjoys experimenting with various shots to develop his skills and adaptability.

What does Tiger Woods mean by saying he controls a lot of his speed with his hands?

He means that his hand movements and speed play a significant role in controlling shot trajectory and spin, rather than solely relying on his body's mechanics.

How does Tiger Woods handle different lies and shot types?

He considers factors like the slope of the lie and the wind direction, adjusting his stance and club selection accordingly to execute the desired shot.

What does Tiger Woods imply about the current state of golf technology?

He notes that advancements in technology have made it harder to shape the golf ball as players are now often accustomed to hitting with more distance and less spin.

Why does Tiger Woods consider himself a good iron player?

He attributes his success in iron play to his ability to make fluid adjustments based on various factors like wind, lie, and his own comfort with shaping shots.