![\"Thrash](\"\/b\/imgs\/thrash_talk\/tt_title.gif\")
There is good news, and bad news.<\/p>\nThere is good news, and bad news.<\/p>\n
The good news is there are a number of positives to take away from Tiger’s recent return at his Hero World Challenge. The bad news was his score. Our, or at least my, expectations for Tiger are very high. When he comes back from injury I expect low scores and a return to dominance. The only thing he dominated in this return was the bottom of the leaderboard.
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\nThis return was sweetened by a coaching, or rather consulting, change. Chris Como, well known in certain golf circles, but not so much to the average golf fan, was introduced as Tiger’s new swing consultant. During his press conference, Tiger told us he was watching old swings from his youth and working with Como to recreate that youthful move. This was music to most every talking head from Brandel Chamblee to the guy who talks about Tiger more than Mark Steinberg – Hank Haney. Hank couldn’t help himself, saying that Tiger’s swing hasn’t looked this good since… well, since he stopped working with Hank. Brandel was quick to add that the swing was more upright and with less shaft lean, of course areas where Brandel said Tiger had to improve. For my money Tiger did not look dramatically different. A few minor changes but mostly it looked similar to his Foley years. It is not easy to make big changes especially if you are holed up on your couch because you’re recovering from back surgery. Rest was the best thing for him.<\/p>\n
Chris Como is an interesting choice for Tiger. I have heard of his name from YouTube videos mostly focused on biomechanics of the golf swing. The challenge with Tiger seems to be getting him to listen to what his instructor is wanting him to do. Although I did not like Hank writing his book about Tiger, I sense that his comments about Tiger often going on his own path may be true. The relationship with Como is new so hopefully he is listening now and soaking in all the information Como has to offer. I worry though that if something is not working he will go off on his own and consistency will suffer. I remain hopeful that Tiger will listen to Como’s advice and he will be successful.<\/p>\n
For all the hoopla about consulting and how Tiger’s swing looked, the highlights (or lowlights) from his rounds were found around the greens. The best comment I heard all weekend was that instead of calling him “T Dub” we should call him “T Flub” or “T Duff.” He chunked so many of his chips there were a few times I thought I was watching a replay of the round from the day before. For the first time, I could relate to Tiger’s game! There were chunks and even a few skulls, and he looked… well… rusty. Since it was not an official PGA Tour event he played all four rounds but if there was a cut he would not have made it. Officially, it was his worst return to play.<\/p>\n
![\"Tiger](\"\/b\/imgs\/pga\/tiger_woods_chris_como_hero.jpg\")
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There were many positives in Tiger’s performance. I noticed he was hitting a lot more of his approaches from the middle of the fairway. And often very long. The driver has been one of the main struggles for Tiger in the last few years and with a few exceptions particularly the first hole where he reportedly almost hit it into a swimming pool, he was better. So, the driver was better and if he can drive it better he is going to be a part of the conversation in the majors. I for one was encouraged by his driving.<\/p>\n
His iron play was mixed. He occasionally hit one way off line and they would lead to some big numbers. But he hit a few very tight and made some nice birdies. What made Tiger great in 2000 was his driver and his iron play. He was so often tapping in birdies to truly get back to where he was his iron play needs to improve as well. His putter was average, but there is room for improvement there as well.<\/p>\n
It is really hard to predict what Tiger is going to do in 2015. It is easy to get negative because he scored so poorly this week, but if we take away the chipping and the few stray drives and irons he was very sharp. This leaves me with a positive takeaway from his first event back. I am not going to predict he will win a major, but I am comfortable saying he will win at least twice this year. He will need to start slow hopefully not pushing himself too hard, but by the end of the season I think he will be hitting all cylinders. He will finish strong in all the majors but not come away with a win.<\/p>\n
Tiger’s overall grade: F<\/strike> C+<\/p>\n