Questions for Tiger Woods

Face to face: Tiger faced a barrage of questions from Nike dealers

In an exclusive Q&A session last night World No.1 golfer Tiger Woods fielded questions from Nike retailers throughout the US. It gives a fascinating insight into his background, the equipment he uses and his philosophy about the game.

Q: How important is good equipment to a player's game?
Tiger Woods: Good golf equipment is extremely important for a good game, good gear enhances your game and bad equipment has the opposite effect.

If you didn’t play golf, what career would you have chosen?

TW: I would’ve joined the Navy and tried to become a SEAL (SE Air Land commando). Special Forces runs in my family, my dad was a green beret.

If you could play golf in a different era, which would you choose?
TW: I would go head to head with Jack Nicklaus in his prime, late 1960s early 1970s.

Tiger hugs Rocco Mediate after winning the 2008 US Open

What was your inspiration for the new Tiger Woods Victory Red irons? Can average golfers play them?

TW:The clubs have to look good and have good technology behind them. Average golfers can also benefit from the new Victory Reds

What do you do when you find your game falling apart in the middle of a round?

TW: Having the guts to trust your analysis of the situation and understanding your game enough to know how to fix it or how to get out of a bad groove. Hogan only had one or two good rounds a year and the rest is knowing how to correct what’s not working and having the courage to stick with it.

What advice do you have for average players trying to improve their game?

TW: The most important thing an average player can do to improve their game is lots of practice. You get out of golf what you put into it. If you don’t practice you don’t deserve to improve. It’s not about going to the range and cranking balls. Go there with a clear goal in mind and develop a game plan to achieve it.

What’s your fondest memory of the Ryder Cup?

TW: My fondest memory was my first Ryder Cup in 1997 in Spain playing with my 'big brother' Mark O’Meara.

Tiger was asked 'is the fist pump rehearsed?'

What was it like playing against Jack Nicklaus?

TW: It was a great experience, playing against Jack, it was impressive to see some of Jack's old game come through in the end.

Q: Can you give us some insight into the courses you’re designing?

TW: I’m favouring a more traditional links style. It’s not fair to the players to have to force a carry over bunkers, not everyone can hit a 3-iron in the air and put some spin on it. I’m designing my courses to have more of a runway for players to roll onto the green.

Are your reactions to sinking 'pressure' putts natural or rehearsed?

TW: That’s a hard question to answer. My first fist pump was when I beat my dad for the first time. Well, specifically, it was when he missed his putt causing my win!

How did you manage to win the US Open at Torrey Pines last year when you were in so much pain?

TW: I don’t really know how to answer that, truth be told; I don’t know how I did it. I just kept telling myself that I have what it takes to win the round.

Which performances have you cherished most on Tour?

TW: The 1997 Masters. My dad was sick and was advised not to travel but being stubborn like my dad was, he still came to Augusta to support me.

How long did you hit the ball when you were eight years old?

TW: I don’t really remember, I made my first hole in one when I was eight. It was a 105-yard par-3. I hit a cut 5-wood that went over the bunker and I was too short to see where it stopped. When they told me the ball was in the hole, I ran to the hole, looked in and started screaming and hollering. Actually, my life peaked three years later when I was 11. I had the cutest girl in the 6th grade, won every tournament that year, made straight As and still had recess (playground time)!

Tiger boy: His early days

Is custom-fitted equipment important?

TW: Yes, absolutely. It’s incredibly beneficial to have clubs fitted to your body, swing type and all that. You start out at a disadvantage when you try to adjust yourself to your clubs. Proper fitted clubs help build fundamentals from the ground up.

What should amateur golfers look for when searching equipment?

TW: Find clubs that are designed for your skill level and what you’re comfortable hitting with.

What do you recommend for getting junior golfers into the game?

TW: Make it fun for kids and help make it memorable. I remember when I was young, how much fun I had practising every day with my dad. We’d do games and competitions to keep it fun and exciting. I’ve carried that enjoyment I experienced when I was younger into my game today.

Why do you wear red on Sundays?

TW: My mom said I’m a Capricorn, red is my power colour. Moms know best and I stuck with it.

Tell us on the forum: If you met Tiger Woods in the street and could ask him a question about himself, his golf or his career, what would it be?