Is Tiger Woods

Special Report by Anand Datla

82. Really? But that round was just a symptom of a larger malaise that is threatening to bring Tiger Woods down to his knees, stalling a prosperous career. When Woods produced an ugly 82, seemingly walking through the Scottsdale rough like an amateur with a severe handicap, the world began to wonder if the great golfer was indeed reaching the end of his tether.

Even though Woods is only 39, not very ripe in a golfing sense, one has to admit that the American has pushed the game into a hitherto unseen realm. In doing so, Woods has stretched his limbs to the limit and is now facing the consequences of his rigorous quest for greatness.

The left knee has borne the brunt of his brilliance, going under the knife four times since the first surgery in 1994. While he complained about discomfort in his back earlier too, it was only last year that he eventually decided to undergo surgery. It was an effort to lengthen his career that is not going too well on the evidence so far.

Surgery Timeline

• December 1994: Woods underwent his first surgery on the left knee to remove two benign tumours and scar tissue.
• Dec. 13, 2002: Surgery on left knee again to remove benign cysts and fluid in the ACL.
• April 15, 2008: Arthroscopic surgery on his left knee to repair damage in the cartilage.
• June 24, 2008: Another surgery to repair the ACL in his left knee by using a tendon from his right thigh.
• March 31, 2014: Has surgery in Utah for a pinched nerve in the back.

After a period of dominance and great success, Tiger is clearly roaming the desert searching for scant fruits amidst a drought of resources. A look at his numbers, measured in victory and wallet are clearly trending down, with no sign of any immediate relief for the formidable golfer.

The sight of Woods walking away from the Farmers Insurance Open with a stiff back was yet another reminder of the grim realities facing Woods. But do not take too much pity just yet, Woods, even on a limb is still a multi-million dollar enterprise that shall keep the golfer rich to the end of his days.

But both in his results and his earnings, there is a pronounced decline. So much so that trend is beginning to worry not just the golfer but the game itself. Playing with Billy Horschel and Ricky Fowler – stars in their own right – Woods was drawing a large crowd to the course and on television.

Immediately after pulling up lame, Woods took the crowds with him, leaving the FIO dealing with a funeral like silence. The game needs Woods and the golfer needs the game, but the marriage is becoming increasingly strained.

A new generation of golfers are clearly prepared and ready to steer golf into its future. The question is whether they can arouse passions, draw crowds and carry them aloft on the strength of their golf and personalities just as Tiger has these past two decades.