By now, you’ve probably seen the video of Tiger Woods rinsing three wedge shots during the media day for the Quicken Loans National, the tournament that benefits his foundation. On a brisk, blustery morning, with no warm-up, Woods couldn’t hit the green from 102 yards away, each timid strike lacking the proper distance, speed and conviction.
Though tempting to draw a conclusion from that clip – the U.S. Open, after all, begins in 30 days – even more revealing was an exchange with Washington Post reporter Barry Svrluga later that day.
As he documented at the end of this story, Svrluga asked Woods whether he still sees himself fulfilling the role of ceremonial tournament host once his playing career is over – you know, like Jack and Arnie and Byron, shaking hands, telling stories.