© Jim Fletcher, Dunlop Phoenix Tournament 2004, Phoenix C.C., Miyazaki
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TRACKING THE TIGER
Ever wonder what makes the worldfs greatest golfer tick? This month we take a look at a week in the life of Tiger Woods during his recent visit to Japan. Wefll see if we can discover what it takes to be a World Number 1 and win Japanfs biggest Tour Event.
Professional golf in Japan was fortunate to have Tiger Woods grace the fairways of the Phoenix Country Club, Seagaia Resort, Miyazaki late last year at the annual Dunlop Phoenix Tournament.
During his visit I was very privileged to spend the week trailing Tiger. Learning what he does before, and during, a tournament might help us become better golfers, or at least understand what it takes to be one of the best in the world.
Tiger arrived in Japan this year to a relatively low-key reception ? unlike his previous five visits, which attracted considerable media and fan attention. Staying on property at the resort, Tiger traveled with a small party which included his caddie, manager and sponsor representatives.
The daily practice routine for Tiger during the event consisted of 30-45 minutes warming up, doing some technical work and warming down before and after his round. In addition, he spent an equal amount of time practicing his long game, short game and putting. Attention to these three key areas, while focusing on a specific theme during practice, helped ensure the best result while he was out playing.
© Jim Fletcher, Dunlop Phoenix Tournament 2004, Phoenix C.C., Miyazaki
Tuesday: Tigerfs tournament playing routine has remained very much the same since he was an amateur. Tuesday is an 18-hole practice round, during which he and his caddie spend extensive time on yardage options for his driver, utility wood and iron play, while considering the best options for the particular course. From the fairway, he deliberates on the best landing areas, combined with preferred yardages to the greens, to ensure the best possible score. On and around the green we see Tiger pick several points that are generally the most challenging either to chip or putt from, in order to build confidence coming into the tournament.
Wednesday: This is PRO-AM day, set aside for sponsors or other key drawcards to play with Tiger. These days are traditionally longer, and you will often see him with a rather laidback approach.
Thursday to Sunday: Tournament time, when Tiger simply plays his own game. On previous days a strategy has been developed through player/caddie discussions and additional inspection by Tigerfs caddie on elements such as prevailing winds, pin positions and other unique challenges for the particular tournament. During tournament play, the key points I saw Tiger work on Tuesday and Wednesday became evident, whether it was club selection, hitting line or position on the green.
In addition to golf, Tiger had other activities off the course. He played a 9-hole challenge for charity, conducted several interviews, worked out for an hour every day and attended two sponsorfs dinners. Bearing in mind his schedule is much more demanding than the average touring pro, itfs amazing that Tiger once again left Japan with the 2004 Dunlop Phoenix trophy and the largest winnerfs check for the Japanese Professional Golfers Tour.
So there you have it: a week in the life of Tiger Woods. If you think this sounds incredible, consider he has been doing the same thing, 35 weeks a year, for almost a decade, resulting in arguably the most identifiable and best golfer in the history of the game.
© Jim Fletcher, Dunlop Phoenix Tournament 2004, Phoenix C.C., Miyazaki
Paul Jones, 7 January 2005
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Paul Jones is the current Director of Education for Accordia Golf here in Japan. A AAA Australian PGA professional Paul has been involved in all facets of the sport and hospitality industry for the past 15 years.
