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‘Right Up to the Breaking Point’: Tiger Woods Once Revealed The Intense Tactics His Father Earl Woods Used to Help Him Learn the Sport

Published 06/01/2023, 4:30 PM EDT

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In the world of sports, mental toughness plays a crucial role in achieving greatness. For golf icon Tiger Woods, his remarkable mental fortitude has been a defining factor in his illustrious career. Recently, Tiger Woods shared captivating insights into the unparalleled mental toughness that propelled him to the pinnacle of the sport.

In this article, we delve into the extraordinary journey of Woods and his late father, Earl Woods and how his training moulded him into the athlete he is today, shaping his indomitable mindset.

Earl Woods’ revolutionary training technique for Tiger Woods

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Earl Woods revealed a striking training technique that pushed Tiger to the limits of his mental and emotional endurance. During Tiger’s practice rounds, Earl would intentionally create pressure-filled scenarios, placing a dozen golf balls in front of Tiger’s ball. He would challenge his son to rise above distractions and focus solely on the shot at hand.

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This unique approach not only honed Tiger’s technical skills but also forged an unwavering mental resilience that would become his trademark on the golf course. Earl Woods was heard saying in this throwback video, “Tiger, the training is over. I’d say you got it, and I promise you that you’ll never meet another person as mentally tough as you in your entire life, and he hasn’t. He never will.”

Tiger Woods, reflecting on his father’s training methods, acknowledged that Earl would push him to the brink of his breaking point. Earl’s relentless approach forced Tiger to continuously elevate his threshold for handling pressure.

Tiger described his experience as, “He’d pushed me over the edge. He’d take me right up to the breaking point and he’d back off. Eventually, it would take more and then more and then more and then more. Finally, to the point where it didn’t bother him anymore.”

What initially bothered Tiger eventually became mere background noise, as he grew accustomed to performing under extreme stress. This unwavering determination and ability to thrive in the face of adversity set Tiger apart from his peers.

Earl and Tiger’s silent communication on the course

The impact of Earl Woods’ coaching is evident in Tiger’s incredible career achievements. The unspoken communication between father and son, conveyed through looks rather than words, solidified their connection on the golf course. Earl would acknowledge Tiger’s mental strength with a single glance, signifying that the training was complete. Tiger, in turn, absorbed his father’s words of assurance and believed in his own unparalleled mental toughness.

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USA Today via Reuters

Tiger’s mental resilience was instrumental in his unparalleled success. Notably, he is tied with Sam Snead for the most wins in PGA Tour history (82), and his 15 major championships rank second only to Jack Nicklaus’ 18. Tiger’s most remarkable feat remains his claim to the distinction of being the only golfer in history to hold all four major championship trophies simultaneously.

Statistics illuminate the sheer dominance Tiger displayed during his prime, none more remarkable than this: From 1997 to 2009, he amassed a combined score of 134-under-par in majors, leaving his closest competitor, Phil Mickelson, trailing at 99 over par.

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Tiger Woods’ ability to maintain unwavering focus under pressure. And perform at the highest level stands as a testament to the extraordinary mental toughness instilled by his late father. Their unique bond and Earl’s unwavering training methods forged a legend whose impact on the world of golf is immeasurable.

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Written by:

Sakshi Ghadoliya

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Sakshi is a golf author at EssentiallySports. Writing and golf are her two biggest passions, and making a career out of the two combined is a dream come true. Tiger Woods has been her gateway into the sport right from her childhood.
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Edited by:

Manaal Siddiqui

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