5 Key Things To Look For During Tiger’s Return At Torrey Pines
- Updated: January 23, 2018
Tiger Woods kicks off a new season with a new back at the Farmers Insurance Open this week. While we saw flashes of greatness at his own unofficial event in the Bahamas with a limited field, Torrey Pines will be the first true test of his game. Here are 5 key things we’re looking for when he pegs it on Thursday:
Will we see the Stinger?
Every good golfer has a go-to shot under pressure. For us, it’s usually a 60 snap-hook. For Tiger, it’s his patented Stinger. The low bullet which he perfected over the years has become the gold standard of professional trajectory. Rumor has it that he can still smoke it like he used to back in the day. In the event he does unleash one during competition, make sure you have an extra pair of underwear nearby.
Will he give us a “ONE YARD”?
One of the staples of Tiger’s game is his uncanny ability to talk to his ball in ways that make zero sense if an amateur said them. While we might have the standard “[EXPLETIVE]” in common, his plea for “ONE YARD” as his ball is in the air is still one for the ages. You know you hit it on the screws if you’re only begging for 3-feet. Normally we’re just praying to keep it in the fairway. The rest of the field better watch out if he cues this one up.
How early will we see the patented fist pump?
It’s not a matter of if we see a Tiger fist pump, it’s a matter of when. With Woods on a track where he’s won more times than most pros do in a career, plus the fact it’s the first start of a new season, you can bet the house the adrenaline will be pumping. We wouldn’t be surprised to see him unleash one before he makes the turn on Thursday, nor would we be upset at all.
Will he use a term in a presser we’ve never heard before?
Tiger never ceases to amaze in the press room. Terms that were never associated with golf and seemed more like military orders such as “activated glutes” and “firing sequence” instantly became part of our vernacular just because he said it. Now that he’s healthy, it’ll be interesting what he comes up with. “Mobilizing the front line” seems like it would relevant.
How’s his club twirl game?
One of the most telling signs of Tiger’s game is his club twirl after contact. When he’s on, it’s a thing of beauty. The poise and precision of the club spinning in his hand as the ball ascends into the atmosphere are truly better than most. Obviously, the more revolutions, the better the shot. If he uncorks one, be sure to note any rust … even though there probably won’t be any.
