‘In a Slump?’: When Tiger Woods’ Childhood Hero Arnold Palmer Backed the Prowess of the 15-Time Major Winner With a Sublime Statement


It is not a secret that Tiger Woods had the most incredible career as a professional golfer. He has won 100+ tournament titles worldwide, including 15 majors and 18 World Golf Championships. There were many memorable moments in Woods’ career. However, there were some instances that he wishes never should have happened. And one of them was when he experienced a setback early in his career.


Woods couldn’t win any titles in eight consecutive events from 2000 to 2001.

The media declared it as a “slump” in his career. The term bothered Woods profoundly; even his childhood hero, Arnold Palmer, found it infuriating. 



What did Palmer say in woods' defense?

“The media looks for an opportunity like this to talk about a slump,” Palmer said during a press interview. “Tiger’s in a slump?” he asked. “He may win the next six tournaments he plays, too.” 



Tiger Woods said declaring his performance as a slump meant one didn’t understand the game.

To say that Woods was least pleased with the term, “slump” would be an understatement. “It’s annoying,” he said to the media while referring to it. “Because… if you think that way, then you really don’t understand the game of golf.” 

Palmer’s prediction about Woods became a reality! 

It’s still a wonder how Palmer predicted Woods‘ career in 2001. He envisioned that the young golfer would win 6 in a row. Although Tiger Woods couldn’t win exactly as the 7-time major champion had predicted, he came very close. A couple of days after Palmer’s interview, Woods won his first title of the year at the Bay Hills.

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