Top-20 American players to watch out for in 2012: Part-9
When things finally started to look better for the rest of the season, Woods suffered a devastating knee injury and Achilles tendon injury, something that could not have come at a worse time.
He missed two events on the PGA Tour but returned to the Players Championship, despite warnings from his doctors.
Woods withdrew after the opening nine holes on the scenic TPC Sawgrass and was seen limping off the course.
He went through medical treatment for his ailment, followed by extended rehab as advised by his doctors and made a comeback at the WGC Bridgestone Invitational after a lapse of 11 weeks.
By this time, Woods had already fired his long time caddie, Steve Williams, and was being helped on the bag by his trusted friend and business partner, Byron Bell.
Williams’ termination spurred another raging controversy where the caddie blamed Woods for firing him without citing any reasons. He later drooled into verbal bash, sprouting racial abuses on his former boss but later apologized for his reckless behaviour.
Already having missed the US Open and the Open Championship, Woods appeared in the last major title of the year, the PGA Championship where he ended up missing the cut.
He also failed to qualify for the FedExCup Playoff Championship because of his slump on the FedExCup points table. This marked for the first time in 15 years that the former world number one slid out of the top-50 on the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR).
President’s Cup Captain for the 2011 episode, Fred Couples, made a stunning decision when he opted for Woods over the PGA Championship winner rookie, Keegan Bradley, for one of the two reserve spots on the 12-member team.
His decision was widely criticised for being immature and many of the critics blamed Couples for taking sides with his long time friend and associate. Meanwhile, Couples had to explain reasons for his decision on several occasions.
Interestingly, Couples’ decision to pull in Woods on the team proved right when the 14-major-winner went over to post a remarkable win in the final round, leading the US Team to a glorious victory.
Woods was coming out of a strong performance in the Australian Open just a week ago and utilised his tons of experience to tame the Royal Melbourne.
He was finally able to break his winless taboo at the Chevron World Challenge when he birdied the last two holes to lift the title after a gruesome 107 weeks. He donated all the earnings to Tiger Woods Foundation and soared back to number 21 on the OWGR.
Woods will be hoping to capitalise on his rejuvenated form starting next year. He has won 14 major titles in his 15 years long career after he turned professional in 1996.
Woods still remains as the only possible contender who is hoping to break Jack Nicklaus record of 18 major titles before he calls it a day. He will be starting 2012 with the same ambition at the back of his mind.
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