News

Perspectives on the Tiger’s WD at the Honda Classic

Published

12 years ago

Mar 2, 2014

Rory McIlroy’s Sunday 74 and Russell Henley’s playoff victory at the Honda Classic competed for headline space with Tiger Woods’ back-nine withdrawal.

Woods withdrew after No. 13, at which point he was 5-over for the final round. He left PGA National without comment, but he later released a statement indicating that his back began bothering him while warming up and got progressively worse during the round.

Whether Tiger tapped out due to a recurrence of the back spasms that have plagued him merit top billing is beside the point. Yes, Woods was more than 10 strokes off the lead when he withdrew. Were it any other golfer, the WD wouldn’t be competing for headline space with McIlroy and Henley’s feats.

The man leaving the golf course without speaking to the press wasn’t “any other golfer,” however. It was Tiger Woods. So, here we are.

Tiger detractors will say Woods is whining. They’ll say his walkoff is comparable to McIlroy’s early departure at the same tournament last year. Many anti-Tiger-ites (on social media, anyway) speculated the golfer was frustrated with his play and the overall pace of the round and thus he elected to head home to Jupiter Island early.

Catastrophists will take this news, coupled with Woods’ underwhelming play this week and poor start to the ’13-’14 season, as signs that Tiger’s Masters hopes have gone up in smoke. Off to his worst start of his career and only has one start scheduled before heading to Augusta in April? “Tiger is doomed,” they’ll say.

Hardliners, of course, will invoke the names of the golfing greats who have soldiered on through incredible pain to finish tournaments and assert that such behavior is what this great game demands. Thus, a WD at any point other than while one is being carried away on a stretcher is unsatisfactory and Mr. Woods is a wuss.

Supporters and the more even-tempered won’t doubt the legitimacy of Tiger’s injury; many of those who followed Tiger today reported the golfer grimacing throughout his round. Whether he was truly unable to finish, only Woods himself knows. By all appearances though, the back injury was legitimate.

It’s no secret Woods is looking ahead to the Masters. If he felt there was any possibility that continuing to play would further aggravate his back, it’s understandable from a certain perspective that he withdrew in order to get treatment. However, the fact that he didn’t proceed immediately to the trainer won’t please naysayers any.

Obviously, too, he wasn’t getting quality reps while fighting through pain. Clearly, the final round wasn’t going to allow him to practice the shots he’ll need for the Masters in a competitive setting, as he reportedly likes to do in the tournaments leading up to the first major of the year. Thus, the round was, in some sense, pointless.

Does the above merit a withdrawal? Certainly not in and of itself. However, coupled with a level of pain that made continuing to play golf impossible, it’s a complementary rationale.

Regardless of what faction you align with, the following is indisputable: Tiger Woods looks as ill-prepared for the Masters at the beginning of March as he has at any point in recent memory. Clearly, he needs to practice. Clearly too, he can’t practice with a spasming back.

Therein lies the rub, as they say. It will be interesting to listen to the chatter and watch the next month unfold.

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Ben Alberstadt

Ben Alberstadt is the Editor-in-Chief at GolfWRX, where he’s led editorial direction and gear coverage since 2018. He first joined the site as a freelance writer in 2012 after years spent working in pro shops and bag rooms at both public and private golf courses, experiences that laid the foundation for his deep knowledge of equipment and all facets of this maddening game. Based in Philadelphia, Ben’s byline has also appeared on PGATour.com, Bleacher Report...and across numerous PGA DFS and fantasy golf platforms. Off the course, Ben is a committed cat rescuer and, of course, a passionate Philadelphia sports fan. Follow him on Instagram @benalberstadt.

19 Comments

RumtumTim

Mar 3, 2014 at 7:17 pm

I wonder- could the Foley swing be bad for his back? Is it wiser to protect the knee or protect the back?

Reply Report comment
Ponjo

Mar 3, 2014 at 1:09 pm

Golfers only withdraw when scores are bad.

Reply Report comment
- Christian
  
  Mar 7, 2014 at 2:33 pm
  
  Very true in my opinion, bad back or not. Tiger won the US Open with a hurt knee, if he was doing much better on Sunday, no doubt he’d have stayed in. I’m a huge Rory fan but even I know last year when he withdrew he obviously wasn’t enjoying himself that round. As long as it doesn’t happen every other month, it’s no big deal.
  
  Reply Report comment
billy

Mar 3, 2014 at 11:28 am

His short game is very average during most rounds now…I dare say its below the field in some events. If he does not recapture the magic somehow it will be a slow demise and end of a stellar golf career.

Nothing to be ashamed of for sure but there will always be that JD type question hanging low on the tree…
What if?

Reply Report comment
scott f

Mar 3, 2014 at 9:46 am

His injuries seem to be more frequent not less since he’s been bulking up. He looks as bulked this yar than I can ever remember. Rory is ripped but not bulky. Guess he needs to figure put whether he wants to beat Jack or try out for Mr Universe. Also at his age should be more focused on just core strength and stretching/yoga.

Scott

Reply Report comment
mlamb

Mar 3, 2014 at 9:09 am

“It’s no secret Woods is looking ahead to the Masters.”

This is why he is not going to win. No winning team overlooks games against lesser opponents prior to a more important matchup against a rival.

Reply Report comment
- marty
  
  Mar 3, 2014 at 11:31 am
  
  uh, golf is not a team sport. those rules do not apply.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - mlamb
    
    Mar 3, 2014 at 1:15 pm
    
    yes, it does. his lack of competitive play before the honda was pretty telling on wednesday, thursday, and (arguably) sunday.
    
    simply saying “he’ll be ready for the masters” is stupid. he is far from mid-season form and there are many, many talented players in the field who have been on the grind since january.
    
    Reply Report comment
    - mlamb
      
      Mar 3, 2014 at 1:16 pm
      
      edit: meant thursday, friday, and arguably sunday
      
      Reply Report comment
      - Jack
        
        Mar 4, 2014 at 10:43 am
        
        No it is not like other sports. You get to a peak to perform for a tournament and do your best that way. No argument here. It’s why they all schedule around the majors…
        
        Reply Report comment
Large chris

Mar 3, 2014 at 8:43 am

Only he knows the extent of his injury, but to have only one more start before the masters…. Is he sick of golf? Or more likely everything that goes with being who he is.
I think he has always been a very hard worker, and generally enjoys the practice, but that plus his workouts are leaving him too tired and jaded to compete.
More competitive golf, less practice and working out, fewer press and sponsor commitments, and he can play great again.

Reply Report comment
larry wilson

Mar 3, 2014 at 8:43 am

Tiger just didn’t want to post a 80.

Reply Report comment
Forsbrand

Mar 3, 2014 at 2:21 am

But don’t worry, he’ll be in great shape come the Masters in April ready for another major title! Well done Russell Henley great win

Reply Report comment
- Johan
  
  Mar 4, 2014 at 12:56 am
  
  Är det du Anders?
  
  Reply Report comment
Sean

Mar 3, 2014 at 12:08 am

I think the whole field was plagued with injury today. I feel sorry for Tiger. At least he has a reason for playing poorly. The rest of the field should be happy that he had a bad day. Otherwise it was his to win. At least his poor performance was due to legitimate continual issues. I don’t know what to think of the pathetic rounds I saw with the healthy one’s on the course but, wow.

Reply Report comment
- Charles
  
  Mar 3, 2014 at 7:18 am
  
  His to win?, where we watching the same tournament?
  
  Reply Report comment
- heinket
  
  Mar 3, 2014 at 10:58 am
  
  He was never in contention!! This was not his tournament to win.
  
  Reply Report comment
- steve dawson
  
  Mar 3, 2014 at 10:16 pm
  
  his to win? sober up before posting next time..
  
  Reply Report comment
Philip

Mar 2, 2014 at 10:05 pm

LMAO, ok you covered all the angles … woe is a society that is so predictable

Reply Report comment

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News

GolfWRX’s Father’s Day Gift Guide (2026)

Published

2 days ago

Jun 9, 2026

GolfWRX Staff

A reminder from your friends at GolfWRX: Father’s Day is June 21. And as we do every year, we’re rounding up the best gifts for dad.

As we say every year, there’s no better golf-related Father’s Day gift than a round of golf with pops. Be it a country club or your favorite muni, take the time to get together to play 18 if you can.

Let’s get to the gifts.

Ghost Golf Qualifier Diamond Polo

We like the new polos that Ghost is offering, as the fabric and fit are so good. These new Qualifier Collection polos breathe well, are lightweight, stretch with your swing, and of course look great. You can wear them on the course, in the office, or just out at a casual event and they will fit right in.

Buy here.

STR8-Strip Grip Tape Remover

If your dad is an equipment aficionado and tinkers with his clubs, this tool works wonders. Removing grip tape has never been easier, just put a little head on the tape and the STR8-Strip peals it right off the shaft without any damage.

Buy here.

Why Golf: Putting Thing

When it comes to practice, it is good to have a purpose. This “Putting Thing” sure does it. We know from personal experience how challenging it can be and how rewarding it is on the practice green. This also provides some competition for your kiddo to see who will unload the dishwasher or do the next chore around the house.

Buy here.

OluKai Lae‘ahi Men’s Breathable Slip-On Shoes

Riding to and from the course in style and comfort is always a good thing. If you’re in a hurry, it’s a nice feature to slide into your shoes and get to the tee time. For the post-game shoe, at your locker or while putting your clubs away in the car. Nice to slide into a shoe that looks good anywhere. Pair that with meeting the family for dinner, no need to change!

Buy here.

Therabody Theragun Relief

A little wellness goes a long way. Keeping loose is a good way to go when it comes to the weekend game or treatment during the week. If there is a little ache or pain, the Theragun is there to help out. Help loosen up the back for a pre-game warm-up or cool-down.

Buy here.

World Cup golf apparel

Something for the soccer dads. Embrace the World Cup fever this summer on the course with custom gear to support the nation of your choice.

Buy here.

FootJoy Pro SL spikeless golf shoes

Give the old man a break and save his feet with the Footjoy Pro SL Men’s Spikeless Golf Shoes for some added comfort on the course.

Buy here.

Bushnell Wingman 2 GPS speaker

Combine all the hits as well as some game improvement with the Wingman 2 Golf GPS Speaker by getting audible distance readings from 38,000+ courses worldwide through the Wingman 2 remote or speaker.

Buy here.

Personalized Titleist Pro V1 golf balls

The No. 1 ball in golf is a safe bet, and the Pro V1 fits the largest chunk of the bell curve if you don’t know what ball pops plays. Add personalization for a, well, personal touch!

Buy here.

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Tour Photo Galleries

Photos from the 2026 OccuNet Classic

Published

2 days ago

Jun 9, 2026

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With the PGA Tour across the border in Canada this week, GolfWRX Tour Photographer Greg Moore stayed stateside and headed to the OccuNet Classic presented by Amarillo National Bank in Amarillo, Texas.

It’s always interesting to see what the guys are playing on the KFT, and this week certainly hasn’t disappointed so far, with some incredible wedge stamping on display.

Check out links to all our albums below.

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From the GolfWRX Classifieds: Scotty Cameron GOLO 6 with BGT Stability Tour2 2022 M Edition

Published

2 days ago

Jun 9, 2026

Will Schube

At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals who all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.

It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.

Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, @HuskerFlyer is sharing a Scotty Cameron GOLO with a BGT Stability Tour2 2022 M Edition shaft. While the putter is certainly enviable, the Augusta-inspired shaft is equally noteworthy.

From the listing:

Scotty Cameron Golo 6 with BGT Stability Tour2 2022 M Edition Scotty Headcover 34″ $375

To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link. If you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum, you can learn more here: GolfWRX BST Rules.