News from Tiger Woods

NEWSLETTER

September 16, 2008

By Tiger Woods

My rehabilitation is going well. Although I won't be able to swing a club until early next year, my left knee is getting stronger and the doctors are pleased with my progress. I just can't rotate on my leg and I still don't know what my first event will be in 2009.

As for being away from the game, there are definitely certain things I miss. I miss the competition, and I miss the preparation. If I tried to play now, you would see some of the worst shots you've ever seen.

I plan to watch the Ryder Cup this week, but I will not attend. U.S. captain Paul Azinger has my cell phone number and he or any US player can call me any time. If I can offer any assistance, I'm happy to help. I doubt I can do much, since I can't play practice rounds and am not privy to their team chemistry. I also don't know who is playing well, who is injured, and have no feel for how the course is playing. But I'll be happy to offer my opinion. I wish the American team well and hope they can bring back the Cup.

The next big event on my schedule is the fourth annual Block Party on Oct. 11 in Orange County. This year, we're looking forward to a gourmet dinner prepared by Chef Mario Batali and a musical performance from Seal, who was fantastic at Tiger Jam III back in 2000. The Block Party has been a huge success for us and is our way of thanking the local community for supporting the Learning Center. So far, the event has raised about $3 million for the Center's career exploration programs.

I recently spent time at my golf course design projects, Al Ruwaya Golf Course in Dubai and at The Cliffs at High Carolina in North Carolina, reviewing the progress of both. The two are going very well.

I also spent a couple days in New York, where we launched my new EA Sports video game: Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09. I attended a reception and U.S. Olympians Michael Phelps, Bryan Clay, Kerri Walsh and Misty May-Treanor stopped by to say hello. I enjoyed hanging out with them, and Phelps was naturally exhausted. It was nice of him to stop by and wish me luck with my new video game launch. I watched most of the Olympics on television and have to say his performance was definitely one of the all-time feats of any individual athlete in one Olympics.

I also went to a New York Yankees-Boston Red Sox game with a few friends. Afterward, I caught up with my buddy Derek Jeter.

I was hoping to go see Roger Federer play in the U.S. Open, but it never worked out. He had reached three Grand Slam finals in a row and I was glad to see him win. We always give each other a hard time. He now has 13 Grand Slam titles and is one way from the record held by Pete Sampras. He's closer than I am to the record; I have 14 titles and Jack Nicklaus has 18. But I might be playing competitively a little longer than him.

As you have probably heard, Elin and I will become parents again, and we're as thrilled as you can possibly be. Elin is doing great and is perfectly healthy. The only difference this time is we're getting less sleep because of Sam. We didn't want to know if it was a boy or a girl the first time, and we're not going to find out this time.

That's all for now. Thanks for reading and talk to you soon.

Tiger



TIGER'S TIP

By Tiger Woods, Golf Digest Playing Editor, Edited By Pete McDaniel and Mark Soltau

Belt Buckle To The Target

For distance control from the sand, turn your lower body through the shot

I'm always amazed at the confusion over the lower body's role in green-side bunker play. Here's a rule of thumb: quiet lower body on the backswing, active lower body on the through-swing.

A lot of amateurs fail to consistently execute greenside bunker shots because they lock the lower body in place and get real handsy or armsy with the swing. As a result, they often decelerate through the shot, sometimes leaving the ball in the bunker.

Rotating your lower body toward the target helps propel the ball from the sand and assists in maintaining acceleration. Try this for a swing thought: Turn your belt buckle to the target.

For me, keeping my lower body and upper body connected throughout the swing is the key to controlling distance from greenside sand. If one or the other is out of sync, you can bet my percentage of sand saves will decrease.

Keep your lower body moving through impact, and you'll become a better bunker player.

Does your golf score matter

Tiger feeling better

August 12, 2008

By Tiger Woods

Things are lot better since I last wrote to you. I'm a lot more mobile, which is really nice. I can't catch Sam yet, but I'm getting close. The big thing is I've started my rehab and can ride the bike. I can't ride it hard - just motion - but am getting in two or three sessions a day.

As far as swinging a club, that's not going to happen until next year. I just don't have a choice. We simply don't know what type of swelling there would be or if there would be any residual effects the next day once you start wheeling and dealing on the knee. Everyone's body reacts differently. I could putt right now, but I'm not going to do it.

I don't know what the doctors are going to tell me about playing golf down the road. I'm taking it day-to-day, week-to-week. All I'm doing every day is looking forward to my next day.

A lot of guys have checked in with me to see how I'm doing. It's been an unbelievable response and I really appreciate it.

Initially, I probably lost about 10 pounds because I wasn't working out. All of that was muscle. I've put about two pounds back on, but I'm still pretty light. I'm eating mostly raw and organic foods that provide the most nutrients.

I didn't watch much of the British Open and saw a little bit of the British Senior Open, because my friend John Cook was in contention. I watched some of the PGA Championship and want to congratulate Padraig Harrington on his wins at the British and PGA. As a two-time defending PGA champion, it was a lot more frustrating not to be competing and that hurts the most. I stayed plenty busy with my rehab and watched some of the Olympics on television. I did arrange the menu for the Champions dinner, and it was a combo of American and Swedish food. I want to thank the PGA for organizing that very special evening.

The thing I miss the most about not competing is the fight. I've gone through this experience before, so I knew what I was in for. I know I'm in no condition to beat anybody right now, so I don't have a problem with not being able to compete.

I recently went to Congressional Country Club to meet with the members about hosting the AT&T National from 2012 through 2017. It's a fantastic facility and the Blue Course is one of the best around. Our partnership with Congressional has helped us do some really neat things locally with the military and various charities. It's been a great partnership, and I hope to continue it.

Later this month, we're going to launch our new video game: Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09. We've made some exciting changes, like the new "true one-to-one golf swing," that I really think you're going to like. In fact, the game just recently won the Best Sports Game of E3 2008 for the Wii.

I've also been working with Gatorade on a new fitness drink. They have been so helpful during my rehab, trying to think of ways to expedite my recovery process. It's been a pleasure to join forces with them.

I'm also overseeing my golf course design projects in Dubai and North Carolina, and I'm really enjoying the work. Both projects are coming along nicely. I have eight holes rough shaped in Dubai, and we are hoping to start construction later this year in North Carolina.

I will definitely watch some of the Ryder Cup Matches and will be pulling hard for the American Team. I wish I could do more than root!

That's all for now. Enjoy the rest of your summer and I'll talk to you soon.

Tiger

One hole behind

A man playing on a new golf course got confused as to what hole he was on.

He saw a lady playing ahead of him. He walked up to her and asked if she knew what hole he was playing. She replied, "I'm on the 7th. hole, and you're a hole behind me, so you must be on the 6th. hole."

He thanked her and went back to his golf.

Some time later, the same thing happened, and he approached the lady again with the same request. She said, "I'm on the 14th., you are a hole behind me, so you must be on the 13th." Once again he thanked
her.

He finished his round and went into the club house and saw the lady sitting at the end of the bar. He went up to her and said, "Let me buy you a drink to show my appreciation for your help.." He started a conversation and asked her what kind of work she did. She said she was in sales, and he said he was in sales also. He asked what she sold. She replied, "If I told you, you would only laugh."
"No, I wouldn't," he said. She said, "I sell tampons."

With that he fell on the floor laughing really hard.

She said, "See, I knew you would laugh."

"That's not what I'm laughing at, he replied. "I'm a toilet paper salesman, so I'm STILL one hole behind you!"

Tiger Woods on the recent AT&T and his knee

July 8, 2008

By Tiger Woods

First, I want to congratulate Anthony Kim for winning the AT&T National. He played a nearly flawless final round Sunday at Congressional Country Club, shooting a bogey-free 65 on a difficult golf course. Any time you can do that on such a great venue, it's no fluke. I called Anthony to congratulate him. I told him to keep working hard and that the sky is the limit. No reason to stop now.

I thought the event went very well. We had a diverse field, the course was in wonderful condition, and everyone had a good time. I think there were 14 players within five strokes of the lead starting play Sunday, so it was an exciting championship.

My thanks to AT&T, all the staff and members at Congressional Country Club, the military, the volunteers, the fans and the players for their hard work and support. Special thanks to Fred Couples for standing in for me during the opening ceremonies.

One thing I'm really proud of is that the money we raise at the AT&T National goes back into the local community. I'm excited about expanding my Foundation to the East Coast and making a real difference for the kids there. We're taking our time researching how to best help the local kids and hope to have something to announce soon.

As for me, it was tough watching the AT&T National on television. It's my tournament and I felt disappointed I couldn't be there. I'm sure I drove our staff crazy with all my calls and text messages, but I wanted to stay as involved as possible. They all did a great job!

Winning the U.S. Open for my 14th major title was an amazing accomplishment. I'd have to say it was the biggest win of my pro career. Some people have mentioned the 1997 Masters, but for me as a player, the U.S. Open was more difficult. I still don't know how I did it. Why did I do it? Am I that stubborn?

The three reasons I played were: 1) It was Torrey Pines, a place where I grew up playing and have had a lot of success; 2) I was comfortable on the course and knew the greens; 3) I knew it was going to be my last event of the year.

When I had arthroscopic surgery on my left knee after the Masters, I knew my ACL was basically shot. I was just trying to get through the season, then planned to have reconstructive surgery. Unfortunately for me, I developed two stress fractures during my rehabilitation and that set me back.

I wanted to play in the Memorial Tournament, but couldn't walk. I just figured if I took it easy for a couple weeks, I would be able to play in the U.S. Open.

I was hitting the ball well enough. I wasn't hitting a lot of balls, but worked hard on my putting. It's amazing what happens when you practice your putting.

Once the pain subsided, I could hit four or five balls at a time and then I would have to sit down in the cart because the stress fractures hurt so much. Then I would hit a few more balls and go home for the day. That's how I got ready for the U.S. Open.

When I walked, my knee throbbed, but it wasn't a shooting pain. Most of the pain came when I swung the club. Certain shots I couldn't lean forward - that was the frustrating part.

I didn't really have a go-to shot because I wasn't sure where the pain was coming from. I hit a 40-yard pitch shot and felt I was going to fall over. Saturday was pretty bad, but Sunday was worse.

Honestly, I never thought about quitting. I was going to make it. I might have been slow, but I wasn't going to stop playing.

Would I do it again? Probably. I knew I could win; it was just a matter of dealing with the pain and executing. The day after the tournament, my knee was done. I couldn't stop limping. It's amazing what adrenaline does to a system.

As everyone knows, I'm a pretty active person and don't like sitting around. Unfortunately, I don't have much choice right now. Initially, it wasn't much fun. But I'm on the good side now and starting to get more sleep.

I have spent most of my mornings watching Wimbledon, the afternoon watching AT&T and the evenings watching the U.S. Olympic Trials. I also read and play video games. Anything to get me through the day.

Looking ahead to 2009, I have no idea when I'll return to competition. I haven't set a date, because I just don't know when I'll be ready. That's the frustrating part; I don't know what to look forward to.

The good news is that my stress fractures are healing. If I hadn't played in the U.S. Open, they would be almost fully healed by now. So, the surgery was a blessing in disguise. By the time I come back, they should be fine.

The thing I'll miss most about sitting out the rest of the season is not being in the fight. Everybody knows how much I love to compete. I was really looking forward to playing in the British Open at Royal Birkdale, where I finished third in 1998, and trying to defend my title in the PGA Championship at Oakland Hills.

I have been asked if I would consider being an assistant coach for the U.S. Ryder Cup Team in September. I wouldn't do it for a couple reasons: 1) I'm not on the team. 2) The event should be about the competitors and the competition. The guys will have plenty on their minds and I wish them the best. I'll be cheering loudly.

I'll be checking in when I can...

Tiger

Tiger's tips

By Tiger Woods, Golf Digest Playing Editor, Edited By Pete McDaniel and Mark Soltau

My Chipping Basics

Stable wrists and a compact swing make greenside shots easy

Two of the main chipping problems I see with my amateur partners are trying to scoop the ball into the air and making too long a backswing. It's a good bet that neither will lead to a decent shot.

Several factors are involved in scooping, but it often can be traced to excessive wrist action. To eliminate active wrists, just firm them up. Without putting a death grip on the club, lock your wrists in their address angles so they don't break down through impact.

Playing the ball too far forward and setting too much weight on the back foot also contributes to scooping. I like to play the ball back in my stance on standard chips, with most of my weight on my left side. That helps promote a descending blow. Then all I have to do is trust the club's loft to get the ball in the air and carry it the right distance.

As for the backswing, keep it short, unless you're blessed with the touch of Freddie Couples or John Daly. When your swing is too long, the tendency is to decelerate the club and lose your spine angle. So keep the swing compact back and through. You'll hit crisp chips with great distance control.

Newsletter by Tiger Woods

July 3, 2008

By Tiger Woods

I had hoped to be at Congressional Country Club on Wednesday to participate in the opening ceremony at the AT&T National. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend because of my recent knee surgery, but the week got off to a great start when the 101st Airborne Screaming Eagles landed on the first tee to deliver golf balls from around the world. They'd already been hit by soldiers in Germany, Japan, The United Kingdom, Iraq and Afghanistan.

The balls were delivered by the Screaming Eagles to Fred Couples and 25 kids whose parents are actively serving in the military. Two of the children, Maggie Rollins and Jeff Dahl hit the first shot with Freddie. Jeff's father is a member of the Army Special Forces, and Maggie's father just returned from a tour of duty in Iraq. Fred didn't hesitate to step in and help out in my place and hit the first shot with the kids. Thanks to Freddie for his support.

My thanks to Nike Golf for donating the balls and drivers used by the soldiers.

All professionals received challenge coins featuring one of the five branches of the U.S. Military and the AT&T National. Each day of the tournament, another will be handed out, meaning if you make the cut, you receive all five. We think they are pretty cool keepsakes.

Obviously, it's very disappointing that I'm not there. I missed playing the Buick Open in Flint, Michigan, and I am unable to fulfill my role as tournament host this week. Being laid up at home and watching on TV is no fun, but those are the cards right now, and I just have to deal with it.

I do want to offer my sincere thanks to AT&T, all the members at Congressional Country Club, the volunteers, the military, the fans, Freddie and the other 120 professionals who are competing this week for the $1,080,000 first prize. Not a bad way to spend your 4th of July and I wish I was there fighting with the guys.

I have been told the board of directors at Congressional have recommended to the membership that the tournament be extended through 2017. I couldn't be more excited. I have already said I would like our tournament to be there in perpetuity, and I hope the membership feels the same. We really have all the elements in place for a great event: a fantastic course, in our nation's capitol, on our nation's birthday. The stars couldn't get aligned any better.

As you probably know, I had reconstructive surgery on my left knee after winning the U.S. Open. I'm not sure how I got through the week, but it was definitely the biggest win of my pro career. Special thanks to my wife Elin, daughter Sam, trainer Keith Kleven, swing coach Hank Haney, and surgeons Dr. Thomas D. Rosenberg and Vernon J. Cooley for all their support and help.

I'm wearing a full leg brace and will be on crutches for a few weeks. To be honest, I'm not sure when my rehabilitation will start. I can't put weight on my leg yet. These are the longest days - it feels like a 38-hour day.

That's it for now. Time to ice my knee.

Thanks to all my fans for your well-wishes and support. Have a happy and safe July 4th and I'll recap the AT&T National with you next week.

Tiger

Interesting observation by Jack

PGA Tour Being Overtaken?

There’s no doubt that Geoff Ogilvy is playing well lately. He won the US Open recently and came damn close this year as well.

And you know what? I believe he’s as solid as they come.

But there are others out there that are saying he’s just a lucky guy playing well in all those majors and he’s a “right place,
right-time” kind of guy…kind of undermining his accomplishments.

But let’s broach a larger topic of a trend I see on Tour lately that I’m sure you’ve noticed as well…

Are the Aussies taking charge of the PGA Tour?

Must be something in the water down under but whatever it is, it makes for good golf and has caused quite a clamor in the industry. It seems every weekend we see Stuart Appleby, Adam Scott, Robert Allenby and many other Aussies dominating the tournaments. And I know many of you enjoy watching these guys light it up as well.

Why are they so successful lately?

They’ve been known to focus hard on the fundamentals of the game and have a history of dedication to their craft. They take their jobs seriously and not only want to perform well but to excel at what they do.

And it’s fun to watch. But…there may be a common thread to their success…

To the Touring pros, it’s no secret amongst that a lot of the Aussies use a simple training aid to hone their swings both on tour and when at home. The company that manufactures it is based there and have spent a lot of development and training time with the Aussie pros.

I won’t get into it too much because you can read about it yourself here.

I told a small group of you last year about my experiment with this training aid because I had been struggling with proper lower body movement, sequence (hips before arms, etc.), timing and balance.

This ridiculously easy mechanism helped me with all those difficult things and ingrains them as more natural for my swing.

But a word of caution…it’s not for everybody. Nevertheless, I thought you should know about it considering it’s one of the Tour’s best kept secrets.

If you’re more of a “visual” person, check out the video with Ian Baker Finch.

Let me know what you think about the Aussie trend folks. I know many of you reading this live down under so please weigh in!

Fairways and greens (and one-putts),

Jack

Tiger's stinger

1) Hitting Tiger's Stinger
Every player needs a "go to" shot, one that he or she can hit accurately under intense pressure. In Tiger Wood's case, it's his "stinger" or knockdown shot--a low bullet that cuts through the air. This type of shot is great on windy days. A knockdown shot works under all kinds of weather conditions, is conservative in nature, and highly controllable.

Here are five tips on hitting the stinger:

* Swing at a normal speed
* Start when parallel to the ground
* Turn the back of your hand down
* Relax your arms when you swing
* Keep the hands in front of the ball

The key to hitting a stinger is staying on plane with your swing. Swing at full speed and keep the hands in front of the ball, from address through impact. Your goal is to keep the ball low and under control, especially if you're playing into a headwind.

Use a one-piece takeaway for the shot. But start the club's release when the shaft is parallel to the ground. Turning your left hand (right hand for lefties) downward delofts the club. Also, try to keep your arms as relaxed as possible during the swing. Trying to "muscle" the ball results in a higher shot and more backspin, the opposite of what you want.

Players sometimes finish with the forward swing low and only half completed, and the wrists not fully released, as they would be in a normal shot. In addition, the follow-through should be a mirror image of one's backswing. If it is, it tells you that you've stayed on plane throughout the swing.

The knockdown shot travels low and rolls when it hits the ground, providing added distance if the ball is in the fairway. It's a great shot to know when the pressure is on because it's the ultimate control shot.

Don't play this, play golf

We are sailing (teeing) off at 7.30 am

We are short of three balls for tomorrow.
Any interested party who would like to make the foursome?
We are not going far, either the Atlantic or Pacific.
Maybe we can sail the Straits of Malacca, if its not too busy.

KGNS Annual General Meeting

Dear fellow golfers,

KGNS had their Annual General Meeting today and amongst the routine agenda of tabling the annual reports and accounts and presenting notice of motion on some resolutions, the most interesting agenda is the election of their office bearers.

For the post of the President, three members offered their services. The first name on the board is Dr Joseph Soo Boon Jee (269 votes), the second name on the board is Tan Sri Dato Seri Megat Najmudin Khas (713 votes) and the third name is Dato' Mohd Aini Taib (309 votes). The winner is Tan Sri Dato Seri Megat Najmudin Khas and let us all congratulate the new Tan Sri for allowing his humble self to volunteer to solve and at the same time develop KGNS to be an enjoyable, peaceful and interesting club for all its members.

For the post of Vice President, the first name on the board is Mr.Pattis Naidu (431 votes), the second name is Mr.Raymond Teoh Cheng Kooi (376 votes) and the third name on the board is Prof.Dr. Jalani Sukaimi (484 votes). Congratulations Prof., may your experience as the ex-captain of KGNS be very valuable in fulfilling your vice presidency.

For the Captain's post, the first name on the board is Mr. M Harris Kudus bin M Yunus (464 votes), the second name on the board is Mr. Khoo Khay Chye (412 votes), the third name withdrew and the fourth name is Dr.Ismail Hashim (418 votes). Congratulations Mr. Haris Kudus and we wish you strength, courage and all the health to carry on the good work Dr. Ismail Hashim had done and make it better.

The five committee members that was voted in are:-
1. Dr. Ronnie Yeo Ngo Tee (651 votes)
2. Mr. S Kuldip Seine (628 votes)
3. Mr. Mohd Nor bin Ayob (526 votes)
4. Mr. Peter Murray (515 votes)
5. Mr. Jagjit Singh Bhatt (504 votes)

All together the total number of ballots that was issued came to a total of 1,307.
There are about 14 spoilt votes for the Presidency, 14 spoilt votes for the Vice Presidency, 13 spoilt votes for the captaincy and 15 spoilt votes for the committee members.

Thank you for all the members who had either turn up themselves to exercise their rights or to carry proxies for friends who are busy with some other chores.

Lets together monitor their performance and I am sure we would like to watch Tan Sri's governance, Mr.Haris Kudus pragmatic and by the book operations and procedures, Prof Jalani's academic and practical approach to all matters arising.