Greg Norman just can’t help but feel sorry for Tiger Woods.
It’s unlikely that Woods, a 14-time major winner, will add to his legendary resume this weekend at the Masters, where he’ll enter the final round Sunday 10 strokes behind leader Jordan Spieth. Barring a miracle, Woods will remain shut out at golf’s biggest tournaments since winning the 2008 U.S. Open.
Norman said in a recent interview he actually feels bad for Woods, whose game has plummeted while off-course issues swirled.
“You do need somebody to slap you across the face and realign you,” Norman said in an interview with News Ltd media, per Reuters.
Norman also said Woods went “off the rails” following the death of his father in 2006.
“You don’t need your minders to say ‘It’s OK, do whatever you want to do, we will cover up for you.’
“Unfortunately it shows you no matter how great an individual you become, our weaknesses get exposed.”
Norman pulled no punches in critiquing Woods’ game, although he was also quick to express his sympathy.
“I do feel sorry for Tiger, where he’s sitting at the moment. I hate seeing someone who, at the pinnacle, can fall off and look so disgustingly bad,” Norman said.
Norman and Woods certainly are not the best of friends. In a 2012 interview, Norman said he felt Woods was intimidated by Rory McIlroy (although he says that quote was taken a bit out of context). Norman and Woods actually are neighbors, but they don’t ever speak, something that perplexes Norman.
Thumbnail photo via Rob Schumacher/USA TODAY Sports Images
