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Tiger and caddie Steve Williams often map out course strategy in advance.
Tiger, I wanted to let you know the profound impact you have had on my life. To make a long story short, watching you throughout your career has challenged me to work as hard as I can. I often think about your work ethic when things become difficult for me. After watching you win the Masters in 1997, I started playing golf and worked my way to a zero handicap and even went back to college to play. As a high school dropout, I graduated from the University of Utah and became a junior high physical-education teacher and have had a more-than-successful first year teaching. I often tell my students about who you are and use all your positive characteristics to influence them. I just want to thank you for being a great person and role model for everyone. I guess my one question would be: How about a PGA Tour event in Utah? I know you and many other players enjoy our state. Thanks again!
-Mike from West Valley City, Utah
Wow, Mike, how inspiring! I appreciate your mentioning me in your success story, but the credit goes to you. I think you provided a perfect example of how you can control your own destiny. You set a goal then determined that hard work and perseverance would be necessary to achieve it. It's you that has the positive characteristics to influence your students.
Regarding Utah, I love it. I've skied there often, and it's a beautiful state with wonderful people. You better contact the PGA Tour about a possible tournament.
Hi, Tiger, sorry to hear about your second place at the PGA Championship. I know we were all cheering for you! Maybe next year!
-Joyce from Newport Beach, Calif.
Thanks, Joyce. I want to congratulate Y.E. Yang for his victory. He played absolutely great and hit just a wonderful shot at No. 18. He deserved to win. I didn't really play that poorly Sunday, but I just couldn't make a putt. I said before the PGA that, if I didn't win a major in 2009, it would still be a successful year after returning from knee surgery. I still feel that way, but I am disappointed in the outcome.
Tiger, how far could you drive the golf ball at age 12? Also, what did you normally shoot in 18 holes when you were 12? I really wanted to compare my score and how far I can drive it to yours!
-Sam from Pittsburgh
Sam, don't worry about distance when hitting your driver. Concentrate on accuracy and getting better. The distance will come. Also, don't stand on the range and just crush balls. Hey, it's fun and I enjoy it, too, but you need to work on all aspects of your game. Chip, hit bunker shots, pitch and putt. Also, work on the mental aspect of the game. Imagine different situations and think about what you'd do. If you work hard and with a purpose, you will get better. By the way, I really like your name.
Could you discuss your mental preparation? Who coaches you and what do you read?
-Jim from Cleveland, Ohio
Jim, I try to include both physical and mental preparation in my game. I exercise hard like any athlete, and I prepare myself the best I can mentally before an event. If I haven't played a course where a major is contested, Stevie and I will go and map out our strategy. There will be places we'll determine where you absolutely can't hit the ball and distances where we will go or not go for the green. Preparation -- both physical and mental -- is so important in anything you do, and it can give you an edge.
Just wanted to say congrats on your come-from-behind victory at the Memorial and to say thank you for just being you. Because of you, I golf, and now my son golfs with me. On May 3 this year, I got to watch my 13-year-old slam dunk an ace on a 203-yard par 3 at our local club. It was possibly our greatest moment so far. We are both huge fans and look forward to many years of inspired play by you. Good luck and god bless you & your family!
-Gerald from Huntington, Ill.
Please tell your son congratulations. Gerald, it sounds like you're playing golf the right way with your son -- you're having fun. While my pop and I were really competitive (my first fist pump came after he missed a birdie putt and I won), we always had fun together. I think that's why I kept returning to golf. Work with your son to get better, but remember he's 13 and his biggest treat is spending time with his dad.