Why Tiger Woods Hated This Drill (But Practiced It Anyway)

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Tiger Woods' Secret Weapon: The Drill He Hated, But Couldn't Ignore

August 24, 2024

Tiger Woods, a name synonymous with golfing dominance, is known for his unwavering dedication to practice. But even the most driven athlete has drills they loathe. One such drill, a seemingly simple yet brutally effective exercise, reveals a fascinating glimpse into Woods' relentless pursuit of perfection—a pursuit that sometimes demanded overcoming intense personal dislike. This drill, focusing on lag and feel, is often cited by those close to Woods as a key element in his legendary short game.

The drill itself is deceptively straightforward. It involves hitting a series of increasingly difficult lag putts, each requiring precise distance control. The key, however, lies in the repetition and the meticulous focus on the "feel" of the stroke rather than relying solely on mechanics. Woods wasn't just practicing putting; he was honing an intuitive sense of distance and trajectory. This wasn't a mindless repetition; each putt was a microcosm of the concentration and precision he brought to every aspect of his game.

Sources close to Woods, including former caddies and coaches (though speaking anonymously to protect their relationships with the golfer), have described the drill as intensely frustrating for the golfing legend. "He hated it," one source revealed. "Absolutely hated it. It wasn't about the physical exertion; it was the mental grind. The sheer repetition, the constant focus on tiny adjustments—it tested his patience to the limit."

This aversion, however, was precisely why Woods persevered. The drill, while tedious, directly addressed a weakness: inconsistency in his lag putts. These putts, crucial for saving pars and building momentum, demanded a delicate touch and impeccable distance judgment. Woods understood that mastering this area would dramatically improve his scoring average, and he was willing to endure the boredom and frustration to achieve that goal.

The drill's effectiveness is evident in Woods' incredible record. His short game was legendary, frequently rescuing him from precarious situations and allowing him to post remarkable scores. His ability to consistently sink those crucial lag putts, often under immense pressure, was a defining characteristic of his playing style. This mastery, however, came at a cost—the countless hours spent relentlessly practicing a drill he despised.

Beyond the technical aspects, the story of Woods' relationship with this drill highlights a larger truth about elite athletes: the willingness to push through discomfort and embrace challenges, even those they actively dislike, is often the key to unlocking their full potential. It's a testament to Woods’ unwavering dedication, his relentless pursuit of improvement, and his ability to translate even his deepest frustrations into a pathway to success. The seemingly simple drill becomes a symbol of his extraordinary work ethic and the sacrifices he made to reach the pinnacle of his sport.

While the specific variations and details of the drill remain largely undisclosed, the underlying principle—the focus on lag putting and the development of feel—is universally acknowledged by golf professionals as a cornerstone of a strong short game. The enduring power of this anecdote resides in its revelation of Tiger Woods' character: a man who wasn't afraid to confront his weaknesses, even if it meant facing tedious and frustrating exercises that tested his mental fortitude, head-on. The drill itself might be simple, but its impact on Woods’ career, and our understanding of his legendary drive, is undeniable.