Tiger Woods’ swing was so impactful that even “The Black Knight” himself couldn’t hold back from praising him. 

Nine-time major winner Gary Player appeared on Graham Bensinger’s podcast in August 2017, where he gushed about Tiger’s extraordinary natural talent and place in golf history.

"I'm not condemning pros because those pros were pretty intelligent. Hank and these other teachers that he's had are pretty good. But Tiger was so good. He was so much better than anybody who plays today. He is so much better than anybody that ever lived."

Player referred to Butch Harmon and Hank Haney, two of Woods' coaches. Harmon helped Woods develop his swing and eight majors, while Haney simplified it when he took over from Harmon. But as Player noted, neither were in Tiger's league.

“Tiger Woods, if he never had another lesson, he would have won 20, 22, 24 majors.”

Woods ranks second to Jack Nicklaus in major championship victories at 15. Although he initially had set the 20+ Major target alongside his then caddie Steve Williams, it never came true due to a combination of injuries, and as per Player, swing lessons.

However, will Tiger still have the chance to get close to the number?

Tiger Woods 2026 plan

Woods underwent disc replacement surgery in October 2025 and sustained an Achilles rupture in March 2025, which kept him out of the entire 2025 season. By December 2025, he had been cleared only for chipping and putting practice.

Tiger turned 50 in December 2025, making him eligible for the PGA Tour Champions. The tour follows a 54-hole format and permits the use of a golf cart, providing an alternative for players with restricted walking ability due to prior injuries. 

His participation in this tour remains undetermined.

Written by

Aditi Singh

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar