Back in 1997, he began giving our readers advice on how to play.
It is hard to believe that Tiger Woods turns 50 on December 30. In recognition of the GOAT’s birthday, we’re revisiting his first instructional article for Golf Digest, which appeared in the August 1997 issue, a year after he turned pro. Woods continued to offer advice on the game for decades to our readers, but it’s interesting to see the topics he covered first. Here’s what he said:
Combine feel with sound mechanics
To putt well, you need a blend of feel and sound fundamentals. Every golfer tends to stress one slightly over the other; for the most part I am a “feel” putter. But solid fundamentals will help you putt well consistently. Here are some basic keys you should review from time to time. Combine them with nice touch, and you’ll have a lot of success.
Backswing shapes downswing
Your position at the top of the backswing is crucial. When I’m swinging well, as I did for 63 holes at the Masters, I could tell a good shot was coming just by how solid I was at the top. Ideally, you should feel very tightly wound yet balanced at the same time. You want to feel like you can fire your right side on the downswing with no fear of the club or your body getting out of position. The idea is to make your backswing powerful, yet efficient. These checkpoints are sure to help.
Putting photograph: Simon Bruty/Anychance/Getty Images irons: Stephen Szurlej
