[Ian Hudson]

The next four weeks could be pivotal not only in his season but his whole career as Tiger Woods looks to win the Bay Hill Invitational for the ninth time and that elusive 15th major at the US Masters.

Woods has not won a major since the 2008 US Open and his pursuit of 19 to surpass Jack Nicklaus is becoming increasingly unlikely.

Three of this year’s four majors are being played on courses where Woods has won one of the four biggest prizes in golf in the past. At aged 38 and with several physical ailments Woods is reaching the stage of his career at which his chances of winning at the highest level are diminishing.

If Woods is to overhaul Nicklaus he has to win another five majors, the total won throughout the careers of Phil Mickelson and Seve Ballesteros. Therefore, he has to fit in what could be described as a great career in probably no more than five years.

Tiger has made a poor start to the season and in his current physical shape means he can’t be competitive at PGA Tour level, never mind majors. He has been severely restricted by back spasms in his last two tournaments, withdrawing from one and clearly in pain in another.

Woods would probably swap 10 Bay Hill Invitationals for another major. In fact he is an eight times winner of an event under the stewardship of Arnold Palmer. It’s no coincidence that Woods also has a good record in the tournament named in honour of Nicklaus, another icon of the game.

Palmer and Nicklaus did much to promote the sport in their era and were some of the first American superstars to play regularly in the British Open. They led the way and players like Lee Trevino, Tom Watson and Woods followed in embracing the importance of the Open.

Woods won the last of his three Opens at Hoylake in 2006, the host course this year.

Before then he will want to show his physical well being by contending at Bay Hill but more importantly at the US Masters next month.

By Ian Hudson
Sports Betting and Gaming Consultant
http://www.ianhudsonsport.co.uk
http://www.ianhudsongaming.co.uk