Is an injury or physical problem why Tiger is changing his swing

[neophytea]

I was talking with some friends and we wondered if Tiger's physical problems were at the root of his swing changes in the past. It seems like his problems today are too extreme to be merely the result of his divorce.  I wonder if he has a bigger physical problem than what is publically discussed today?

[Chilli Dipper]

Tiger's keeping tight-lipped about the reasons for his swing changes, but I have to think that they stem from his right knee. Whether it's due to physical inability or a lack of confidence, Tiger just can't put the same stresses on it as he used to before all the surgeries. The personal issues, and the extended time away from the game in recent years due to them (in addition to all the injuries), might be the root of his nervy putting, but the swing itself has to come down to not being comfortable on that knee.

[Clambake]

This isn't really a mystery, as Tiger has stated explicitly that the swing changes were driven by injury or to decrease risk of injury.      Had a knee surgery in '94 and indicated that his first subsequent swing change was to help take some stress off that knee and also reduce some of the potential stress on his back.       The knee problems continued and in '02 he had another surgery to address damage in that same left knee.     And of course another surgery on the same knee again in 2008, this time a major ACL reconstructive surgery.      Again, he has indicated that he wished to adopt a swing that would be more repeatable as he aged and that would further take the stress off the knee and back so he could help ensure a long career.

So yes, his physical problems have been at the root of his swing changes - he's said exactly that.

[jamo]

Some of the swing changes, sure. But most of them? Probably not.

[Zeph]

His swing had been unreliable for a long time, winning as much as he did is a testament to his mentality and overall game. The injury obviously is a part of his changes, but I also believe he wanted to get rid of some bad shots.

[LargeMarge]

I think his ex wife gave him the Lorena Bobbit treatment. That would explain a lot.

-LM