Last week, Collin Morikawa had the opportunity to observe Tiger Woods up close. The 15-time major champion’s game is in good shape, but he has been advised to reevaluate his position regarding a golf cart.
Collin Morikawa thinks Tiger Woods’ inflated ego keeps him from using a golf buggy when the 15-time major winner’s injuries mount up.
Since undergoing reconstructive ankle surgery in April 2023, Woods has only made three appearances on the PGA Tour, competing at the PGA Championship, Masters, and Genesis Invitational.
The 48-year-old’srecentperformances have shown glimpses of the brilliance that has made him perhaps the greatest player of all time, but the aftereffects of a high-speed car accident in 2021 have limited his stamina and ability to walk the golf course four days in a row.
Woods has dismissed the possibility of ever walking all 18 holes on the PGA Tour, but his performances have made fans wonder what he would be able to accomplish if that were not a concern. A 2021 Supreme Court decision in favor of Casey Martin, a player with a circulatory disease, allowed players to use a cart under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
According to the ruling, players who obtained a waiver could use a cart during competitions. John Daly used a cart at the PGA Championship earlier this month. However, when questioned in 2022, Woods categorically denied ever having the opportunity to do so on the PGA Tour.
During his press conference this week in advance of The Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village in Ohio, Morikawa was asked if he believed Woods was allowing his pride to get in the way of making a wise choice.
“Yes, but like all of us, his ego is pretty big,” the two-time major champion retorted. “I believe he wants to continue until he is unable to, and perhaps there is something about a golf cart that he isn’t interested in.” If they let me, I would be bringing a golf cart.”
Morikawa received an invitation to Woods’ Tiger Jam event last week in Las Vegas, where a star-studded guest list participated in poker, golf, and other activities to support his foundation. At the event, the two performed a clinic for children, and Morikawa was astounded by Woods’ skill with the clubs in his hand despite his injuries impairing his mobility.
“I take it that all of the talent and feel are still there? You add that gradually over the course of 18 holes, 72 holes, and the full prep week, so you wouldn’t know. “The man has experienced a great deal,” Morikawa remarked.
“But when you look back at yourself at 15, thinking, ‘You’re going to spend a few hours with Tiger playing poker, hitting a few golf balls on the range, picking his brain, screwing around,’ that’s a dream, right? That’s why I’ve been fortunate to have the chance to do something like that, talk to him, and hang out. That’s really awesome, then.
Although Woods is not competing in The Memorial, he will return to action at Pinehurst No. 2 for the US Open the following week, having been extended a special invitation by the US Golf Association.
