Arnold Palmer knows a thing or two about what it takes to win majors, having claimed seven during his Hall-of-Fame career. According to Palmer, any attempts to count out Tiger Woods following back surgery are premature, and he expects the 38-year-old to contend in some of golf’s biggest events once again.
“I think Tiger is in such good physical condition and has been through(out) his life that they must know they’re doing the right thing by doing the surgery,” said Palmer, speaking via teleconference Thursday in advance of the three-part television series, “Arnie,” that will begin April 13 on Golf Channel. “I think that he is also determined enough in his personality and his well-being that he will overcome any of the problems that might be created physically.”
Palmer won the Masters for the fourth time in 1964 at age 34, his seventh major title over a seven-year span. Palmer would not win another major, though, and Thursday he reflected on that final victory with a comment that seems particularly applicable in light of Woods’ injury and withdrawal from the Masters earlier this week.
“Well, of course you never think you’re going to be at your last stop,” Palmer said.
While Woods said via statement this week that he will miss “several” tournaments as he recovers from microdiscectomy surgery, Palmer expects the current world No. 1 to factor again in majors once he’s back to full strength.
“Do I think he’ll be a potential player to be worried about? Yes,” Palmer said. “I think the potential for him to win future major championships is still very real.”