Collin Morikawa tells Tiger Woods he is making huge mistake for sake of his ‘ego

Collin Morikawa tells Tiger Woods he is making huge mistake for sake of his ‘ego

In a candid revelation, Collin Morikawa has shared his thoughts on Tiger Woods’ refusal to use a golf cart during tournaments, attributing the decision to Woods’ pride and ego. This comes after Morikawa had the opportunity to closely observe Woods’ performance at the recent Tiger Jam event in Las Vegas. Despite Woods’ undeniable skill with a golf club, his ability to walk the course has been significantly hampered by injuries sustained from a high-speed car crash in 2021.

Woods, a 15-time major champion, has only appeared three times on the PGA Tour since his reconstructive ankle surgery in April 2023. His appearances at the Genesis Invitational, Masters, and PGA Championship showcased flashes of the brilliance that has defined his career. However, these moments were marred by visible struggles with endurance and mobility, raising questions among fans about what he could achieve if he opted to use a golf cart.

The Debate Over Golf Cart Use in Professional Golf

The topic of using a golf cart in professional golf is not new. The Americans with Disabilities Act allows players to use a cart if they have a waiver, a provision upheld by a Supreme Court ruling in favor of Casey Martin in 2001. This ruling has enabled players like John Daly to use a cart during events, such as the PGA Championship. However, Woods has consistently dismissed the idea of using a cart on the PGA Tour, reiterating his stance as recently as 2022.

During a press conference ahead of The Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village in Ohio, Morikawa was asked whether he believed Woods’ pride was preventing him from making a practical decision. Morikawa’s response was revealing: “Yeah, but his ego is pretty big, as is all of ours. I think he wants to keep doing it until he can’t and maybe there’s something about a golf cart that ain’t it for him. I’d be taking a golf cart if they allowed me.”

The Tiger Jam Experience: A Glimpse into Woods’ Genius

At the Tiger Jam event, Morikawa witnessed firsthand the remarkable skill that has made Woods a legend in the sport. Despite his compromised mobility, Woods’ proficiency with his clubs remained exceptional. “The skill and the feel are still all there, right? So you wouldn’t know,” Morikawa noted. However, he also acknowledged the challenges Woods faces over the course of 18 holes and a week of tournament preparation.

Reflecting on the experience, Morikawa expressed gratitude for the opportunity to spend time with Woods. “I’ve been lucky to have the opportunity to do something like that and talk to him and hang out because you go back and look at your 15-year-old self and say ‘You’re going to spend a few hours with Tiger playing poker, hitting a few golf balls on the range, picking his brain, screwing around,’ that’s a dream, right? So that’s pretty cool.”

Looking Ahead: Woods’ Upcoming US Open Appearance

Woods is not participating in The Memorial Tournament, but he is set to return to competition at the US Open at Pinehurst No. 2 next week, thanks to a special invitation from the United States Golf Association. As Woods continues to navigate the physical challenges stemming from his injuries, the debate over his potential use of a golf cart remains a poignant topic within the golf community.

Conclusion: Balancing Pride and Practicality

Collin Morikawa’s candid remarks highlight a critical conversation about the balance between pride and practicality in professional sports. As Tiger Woods continues his storied career, the question of whether he will reconsider his stance on using a golf cart remains open. For now, fans and fellow players alike will watch with bated breath as Woods makes his much-anticipated return to the US Open, hoping to witness yet another chapter of greatness from one of golf’s all-time legends.