During the press conference, Joe LaCava commented on Tiger Woods‘ chances at this year’s Masters at Augusta. As a result of Woods’ injury, there has not been a lot of optimism among many people that he can achieve a positive outcome.
“He’s pretty banged up,” LaCava said, as quoted by golfmonthly.com “If it wasn’t Augusta he probably wouldn’t be playing. He still has the power, the swing speed, the shots and the length to contend. The injury is devastating, but if he could take a cart he could contend tomorrow.” One of his best colleagues, Rory McIlroy believes that Woods would have been the main favorite of this tournament if the injury had not taken its toll.
“He’s got all of the shots,“-Rory Mcilroy said. “It’s just that physical limitation of walking 72 holes, especially on a golf course as hilly as this. We never count Tiger out, and he can do incredible things.”
LaCava on the mental aspect
LaCava emphasized that even at the Genesis Invitational it was clear that Woods could not give his best.
What is also interesting is that the injury also affected the mental aspect of Woods. “Obviously it affected him physically, but I think it got to him mentally because he’s grinding to block out the pain,” LaCava continued.
“I think that messes with you a little bit upstairs, and that’s the first time I saw him trying so hard to block it out mentally.” Tiger Woods emphasized that it is difficult for him to predict what he can expect from himself, but the fact that he is underestimated seems to motivate him further.
“Whether I am a threat or not who knows,” Woods said. “People probably didn’t think I was a threat in 2019 either but that turned out OK. Prior to my back fusion I didn’t know if I was ever going to play the game at any kind of level.
I don’t know how many more I have in me so I just have to be able to appreciate the time I have here and cherish the memories.”
