For a golfer to be as good as Tiger Woods comes with its own drawbacks. After a few poor evenings, the media as well as the fans start questioning his greatness. However, during his road to Tiger Slam in 2001, Woods was facing issues with his form. Though many media moguls questioned whether he would achieve it, legendary golfing icon Arnold Palmer sided with Tiger.

In 2001, many people began the discussion of Tiger’s slump in the spring. However, Palmer who frequently shared his thoughts on the latest happenings in golf knew Woods would get back to where he belonged.

Palmer predicted Woods’ next six tournaments

While addressing the media virtually, Palmer talked about many things. However, he was then asked about Tiger’s slump, since he had not won any of the five events since the start of the 2001 season. When questioned about the slump, Palmer was surprised with the question.

“The media looks for an opportunity like this to talk about a slump,” said Palmer, laughing. Nonetheless, the seven-time Major winner then gave the media a warning, by stating Woods could win the next six tournaments.“Tiger’s in a slump?”, asked Palmer.

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“He may win the next six tournaments he plays, too”. The smile on The King’s face did hint at something special on Tiger’s behalf. Coming from the Nissan Open tied at the 13th position, would Woods go on to win the next six events and complete the Tiger Slam?

Was Arnold Palmer’s prediction about Tiger Woods correct?

Just days after his prediction about Woods, Palmer was set to host the Bay Hill Invitational. And like his word, Woods claimed victorious, finishing one stroke above his rival Phil Mickelson to end his slump. Tiger continued to make Palmer’s prediction right, as he won the Players Championship a few days later.

After his back-to-back wins, the stage was set for Woods to win the 2001 Masters and claim the ‘Tiger Slam’. The famous term is originally known as Grand Slam in golf, which means when a golfer wins all 4 Majors in the same year. Though Woods didn’t achieve that feat, he was in contention for winning four continuous Majors, having won three in the previous year.

As history speaks for itself, Tiger won the 2001 Masters after a stunning 272 total score. Nonetheless, Palmer’s prediction eventually proved wrong as Woods lost the Bryson Nelson Classic a few days later. However, after two weeks, he did go on to win the Memorial Tournament. In the sixth event as per Palmer’s prediction, Woods finished tied for 12th position at the US Open.

Though the King’s prediction failed in the end, it wasn’t a miss of the largest margin. Woods won 4 out of the 6 events, which many golfers wish to achieve. Nonetheless, Palmer knew Tiger’s caliber and wished to watch him succeed. However, the one outcome that most fans noticed is Tiger’s roars much louder when he’s in a slump.

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