WASHINGTON - The Washington Post collected questions submitted by readers, and sent a selection to golfing great Tiger Woods, in town this week for the AT&T National.
Q: Tiger, Over the years, you've hit many remarkable shots out of difficult predicaments to save par or better and win tournaments. Which one is the most memorable to you?
A: Tiger Woods: Probably the 2002 PGA Championship at Hazeltine. It was the second round, 18th hole and I did not hit a very good drive. I hit a big, quick hook off the tee, and I ended up in the left bunker up against the left side of the slope, but also near the face, as well. I had to stand probably an inch closer to the golf ball than I normally would, and I had to get the ball up over the lip, and the wind is coming off the left. Also, the ball was below my feet. So I had to get up over the lip, over the trees in front of me and hook it at the same time so I don't lose it in the gallery. I hit this 3 iron that was pure; it felt so good. It ended up on the green and to date, that was probably my best shot I think I've ever hit on TOUR And, on top of that, I made the putt.
Q: As an only child, how is it being the father of two young kids? Are there any experiences you are facing that appear unique/foreign to you because you were an only child?
A: That's a great question. First, I absolutely love being a father. My knee injury was a blessing in disguise because I was able to stay home and watch Sam grow up before my eyes. Now with Charlie, Elin and my lives are even better. Before Charlie was born, I was wondering what it would be like with two children, and it's been fantastic especially watching how Sam loves her little brother.
Q: What shot gives you the most trouble? I.e. drive off the 1st tee; short-side bunker; approach out of deep rough; etc. When you're faced with this shot, how do you approach it in order to see it through?
A: I don't think there's a particular shot that gives me trouble. In practice I try to work on various shots in different situations. While the surgery and recovery were difficult it allowed me the opportunity to refine my practice routine. If there's a certain shot that caused me problems, I can now work on it at the range, chipping area or putting green.
Q: You must be a student of the game itself. Rather than speculating on your place in golf history: Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan and Bobby Jones. How would you rank them were you forced to rank the three greats?
A: I don't think I can rank them in golf history, but Jack has to be considered the greatest player ever because he has won 18 majors. That's the measuring stick we all use. Hogan was a fantastic player who overcame adversity, and the legacy of Bobby Jones is still alive today. We see that in amateur golf and every time we play Augusta National and East Lake.
Q: Tiger: How much of your course management do you attribute to your caddy, Stevie Williams?
A: Stevie and I have been together for 13 of the 14 majors I have won and he really understands golf and knows my game. Coming down the stretch of a big tournament or a major, it's great to have someone you can count on.
Q: If you want to improve your game and have a hypothetical 100 hours to work with, how much time would you spend practicing (range, sand trap, putting green), and how much time actually playing?
A: I don't know the exact breakdown, but you can't underestimate the importance of practice. When I say practice, I mean practicing particular shots; not just beating balls on the range. You should work on something specific. And while it's important to try to improve your game, you also need to have fun. When my dad and I played, we always had a good time which made me want to play even more. Work hard on your game, but also be sure to have fun with your buddies.