Golf - Geoff Ogilvy reminisces on playing Tiger Woods in his prime

At his peak, Tiger Woods wasn’t just great—he was otherworldly. He didn’t just beat his competition; he obliterated them, changing the way golf was played and the way greatness was measured. His swing was a perfect storm of power, precision, and mechanical brilliance, allowing him to shape shots at will and attack courses in ways no one else could. But what truly separated Tiger was his relentless mentality—he played with an intensity that made every round feel like life or death. When he stepped onto the course, he wasn’t just trying to win; he was trying to dominate.

Physically, Tiger revolutionized the game. He combined explosive athleticism with flawless technique, driving the ball farther than anyone while maintaining razor-sharp iron play. His ability to hit high, soft approach shots gave him control that others could only dream of, and his short game was a masterpiece of precision. But it was his putting, especially under pressure, that made him a legend. When a tournament was on the line, Tiger simply did not miss. Think of the 2008 U.S. Open, where he drained a 12-footer on the 72nd hole, on one leg, knowing he had to make it. He walked it in like it was routine.

What truly made Tiger unstoppable was his mental edge. He intimidated his rivals before they even teed off, his legendary Sunday red becoming a symbol of inevitability. His ability to stay locked in, to outthink the field, and to make the impossible look easy set him apart. He won the 2000 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach by 15 shots. He completed the "Tiger Slam," holding all four major titles at once. He didn’t just set records—he redefined what was possible in golf.

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