Tiger Woods has had numerous comebacks throughout his incredible golfing career, but his recent accident in 2021 made a serious comeback seem unlikely. After his right leg was severely injured, Woods needed a way back onto the course. Enter the Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour, which provided Woods with an unexpected opportunity.
In the spring and summer of 2022, professional golf faced a crisis. The game’s top stars were being lured by lucrative salaries, creating a divide between the ‘haves and have-mores.’ Woods, as the game’s elder statesman, saw an opportunity to fight for golfing heritage.
Woods, known for his loner personality, began to change after leading an impromptu players’ meeting. This newfound human connection and support from his colleagues became crucial for his recovery. The emergence of LIV Golf, chronicled in Alan Shipnuck’s book ‘LIV And Let Die,’ played a significant role in Woods’ journey.
The book delves into the controversial breakaway tour, with Greg Norman as the chief provocateur. The language used in the book reflects the intense emotions surrounding the battle for the soul of professional golf. Shipnuck’s interviews with players, caddies, executives, and others provide a behind-the-scenes look at the loyalty, betrayal, and greed that unfolded.
While some players have criticized Shipnuck’s work, he stands by his role as a journalist. He believes in providing the truth to his readers, even if it contradicts the players’ narratives. Shipnuck explores the complexities of the situation, highlighting that there is more to the story than meets the eye.
For example, Bryson DeChambeau’s decision to join LIV Tour stemmed from feeling undervalued by his peers on the PGA Tour. Shipnuck shares DeChambeau’s pain as he recounts his unsuccessful attempts to be elected to the player Advisory Council. The LIV Tour offered him a fresh start and a chance to assume a leadership position.
Ultimately, the battle between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf may lead to a surprising outcome. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan recently announced a truce and plans to unify the game with the European Tour. This collaboration could benefit both players and fans, creating a schedule that showcases the best events from all tours.
While questions remain about the involvement of Saudi Arabia, Shipnuck argues that sportswashing works. Over time, the controversies surrounding certain countries fade away, and they become accepted as part of the global sports community. The LIV episode serves as proof of this phenomenon.
In conclusion, Tiger Woods’ journey after his accident has been shaped by the battle for golf’s soul and his newfound purpose. The emergence of LIV Golf provided him with a rallying cry and a chance to make a stand for golfing heritage. Shipnuck’s book sheds light on the complexities of the situation, showcasing the loyalty, betrayal, and greed that unfolded. While some players may disagree with Shipnuck’s perspective, his role as a journalist is to provide the truth to his readers. The future of professional golf remains uncertain, but the collaboration between tours could lead to a positive outcome for players and fans alike.