My recovery from microdiscectomy surgery for a pinched nerve in my back is coming along, but it’s a very slow process. I’m still sore writes Tiger Woods on his website, tigerwoods.com. Not from the procedure itself but the incision. I just need to get back to my day-to-day activities, and that’s it.
One reassuring thing from my medical exam is I have zero arthritic changes whatsoever. I’ve kept myself in very good shape over the years, and it has paid off. We knew going into this procedure that it really helps to be strong, especially in my glutes and my abs. I was strong in both departments, and that helps with the recovery and rehab, and you’re able to come back faster.
I made the decision to have surgery because physically I just couldn’t make a golf swing. That pretty much sums it up. Missing my first Masters was tough. I actually watched quite a bit of it because Freddie [Couples] was in contention. As soon as his name went up on the leaderboard, I started watching what he was doing. Once he got off to that bad start Sunday, it wasn’t as much fun.
I was happy for Bubba Watson and want to congratulate him on winning his second green jacket. The golf course sets up great for a long fader who is left-handed. It sets up perfectly because it’s so much easier to cut the ball than it is to turn it over on No. 10. On No. 13, it is much easier to cut it and carry it; if you try to carry it with a draw, it’s not going to stay in the air as much as it would with a cut. Same thing with No. 14. I think that’s one of the reasons Phil [Mickelson] and Bubba have done so well there is because they both fade the ball really well for lefties.
As far as losing the Eisenhower tree on No. 17, I only saw the hole a few times during the tournament, and it did look more wide open. But your landing area is still the same. At least it is for guys with my length. I’ve hit the Eisenhower tree before, but I’ve hit bad tee shots to hit it. Guys who hit the ball as long as I do didn’t really worry about the tree. The shorter guys have to play it up the right side because they can’t carry it.
