Tiger Woods Reveals the Greatest Shot of His Career
Throughout his illustrious golfing career, Tiger Woods has produced countless memorable shots that will forever be etched in the minds of fans. However, when asked about his personal favorite, the 15-time major champion surprised many with his response.
It wasn’t his iconic chip-in on Augusta National’s 16th hole en route to winning the 2005 Masters. Nor was it the infamous “better than most” putt on TPC Sawgrass’ island green that helped him claim the 2001 Players Championship. It wasn’t even his ace on the 16th hole at the 1997 WM Phoenix Open. Instead, Woods pointed to a shot from the 2002 PGA Championship at Hazeltine National Golf Club as his greatest.
The shot in question occurred during the second round of the tournament, on Hazeltine’s 18th hole. Woods found himself in a fairway bunker, facing a challenging shot with the wind working against him and his heels up against the bunker’s lip. Undeterred by the tough conditions, Woods struck the ball with his 3-iron and produced contact that he described as the most solid he had ever felt.
Reflecting on the shot, Woods stated, “Hard left to right wind, and my heels were up against the lip of the bunker. I’ve never felt contact that solid in my life.” Despite his incredible effort, Woods would ultimately finish as the runner-up in the tournament, one stroke behind winner Rich Beem.
This isn’t the first time Woods has hailed his heroics from Hazeltine as his best shot ever. In a 2019 interview with his former caddie, Joe LaCava, on GolfTV, Woods described it as his “greatest feeling shot.” It is clear that this particular shot left an indelible mark on Woods, showcasing his exceptional skill and composure under pressure.
While Woods firmly believes that the 3-iron shot from Hazeltine’s fairway bunker was his greatest, opinions may differ among fans and experts. After all, Woods has produced an impressive array of exceptional shots throughout his career. From his hole-out flop shot on the 16th hole at the 2012 Memorial Tournament to his crucial putt on the 72nd hole to force a playoff at the 2008 U.S. Open, the catalog of memorable shots is vast.
Regardless of personal preferences, it cannot be denied that Tiger Woods has consistently delivered on the big stage and wowed golf enthusiasts with his shot-making ability. Whether it’s his favorite or not, this shot from Hazeltine will always be a significant part of his golfing legacy.
As Woods continues to make his way back to the pinnacle of the sport following a series of setbacks, fans eagerly await the possibility of witnessing more indelible shots that could rival the one he holds dear from the 2002 PGA Championship.