Woods needs to sprint like a tiger
World’s most celebrated golf player and the richest sportsman in modern times, Tiger Woods has been a shadow of his former self ever since he returned to the course after his much publicized extra-marital scandal.
At the course Woods was almost invincible, as his skills and abilities made him the best in the business, notches above the rest of the pack.
Woods won a staggering 14 major championships, which is an ample proof of his domination in the sport over the course of last decade or so.
However, it all came to a grinding halt last year with the sensational news of his multiple extra-marital affairs; subsequently he was forced to take a five months break as he attempted to repair his marriage to his Swedish wife Elin.
Since his return to the course the American has failed to win any of the seven tournaments he has appeared in, and has been unable to nail any of the last nine majors.
Woods latest challenge is the final major championship of 2010, the PGA Championship at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin.
With his recovery bid failing to yield any positive result; the event would be extremely important for him, as the golf world will be focused on him.
Sports psychologist Dr. Tom Ferraro has an insight into the problems plaguing the star; he feels that they are all mental.
"Sports is half psychological. No one admits it, no one wants to talk about it," said Ferraro, who is certified as a psychoanalyst. He added that for the American to succeed, he would have to put his mental state in order and block out all negativity, which seems to be hampering him.
"You had better be solid psychologically, and he is not solid psychologically, he's essentially lost, emotionally, socially, in his marriage, his peers, every aspect he's lost socially," observed Ferraro.
Ferraro has a soft corner for the American superstar, as he claims that Woods collapse was inevitable, considering the enormous pressure he was under.
"Eventually there's going to be a collapse, it's too much for any one person to cope up with. I've seen him many, many times and it's just extraordinary what happens. He has eight policemen around him all times in tournaments. They take him through the crowds, everyone's grabbing at him, this is a relentless, everyday kind of affair, and that's a very abnormal and very difficult life."
The Doctor also feels that the legendary golfer needs to return to his old ways of practice, if he is to regain his touch in the game
Woods has conceded to the media that he has not been able to spend enough time on the course, as he tried to concentrate on his game, and see his two young children whenever possible.
"Now he's talking about balance, he wants to lead a balanced life," said Ferraro, "A champion cannot lead a balanced life. A champion is not going to be a champion, he's going be mediocre."
Despite his follies, the rest of the golfing world still fears the champion, who rose from adversity to rule the sport with single-minded determination and passion; he was regarded as one of the most respected sportsmen around the world and a role model for youngsters, before his sexual escapades made the headline around the world.
The Tiger, many feel is ready for the race, yet they don’t know when and where.
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