So, it was Tiger's birthday recently, and it got me thinking – about how he seriously changed the game of golf. For me, and a lot of other people, he’s the reason we even picked up a club in the first place. When it comes to golf, he is the GOAT, plain and simple.
When Tiger turned pro, I had maybe been playing golf for about a year, so it was perfect timing. Watching him play was something the sport had never seen. He was powerful, focused, and he just had this incredible aura. It was electric.
It felt like watching Michael Jordan in his prime. As a kid, I was obsessed with basketball because of MJ. The intensity, the clutch plays, the sheer dominance – Tiger had that same vibe on the golf course. It was captivating. Every Sunday felt like must-see TV.
Tiger didn’t just win tournaments; he revolutionized the game. He brought athleticism to golf in a way no one had before. He trained like athletes in other more physical sports like football and basketball, and he even trained with the Navy SEALs for a time, pushing the limits of what was physically possible—something no one in golf had ever done. And guess what? It worked. Suddenly, everyone wanted to be a fitter, more athletic golfer. You look at the guys on tour today, and many of them are there because of Tiger. He inspired a whole generation to take the sport seriously, to train harder, and to play with more passion.
It wasn't just about the athleticism, though. Tiger made golf cool. He brought a new level of excitement and energy to a sport that, let's be honest, wasn't always considered cool. I still remember as a kid in high school how many kids would crack jokes or talk about how "dorky" golf was. He made it accessible to a wider audience, and he inspired tons of young people, especially kids, to get involved.
Of course, Tiger's career has had its ups and downs. Injuries and personal issues have definitely taken their toll. But the way he's bounced back time and time again is incredible. The 2019 Masters win? That couldn't have been scripted better—it was straight out of a Hollywood movie. It showed everyone what kind of fighter he is and reminded us all why we were so drawn to him in the first place.
Something that’s really stuck with me, and something I want to carry into 2025, is Tiger’s focus and vision. When he was on the course, it was like he was in a different world. He had this laser-like concentration, this unwavering belief in himself, and a clear vision of what he wanted to achieve. That's the kind of mindset I'm aiming for. I want to approach my goals in 2025 with that same level of focus, that same unwavering determination, and that same clear vision.
For me personally, Tiger's impact is huge. He made golf exciting. He made it something I wanted to be a part of. He showed me that golf isn't just a game; it's a challenge, a test of your mental and physical strength, and something you can enjoy for your whole life.
So, happy belated birthday, Tiger. You’re the GOAT. You changed the game, you inspired a generation (including me!), and you made golf way more interesting. Thanks for everything. And thanks for giving me something to strive for in 2025.
