Identifying Tiger Woods greatest shots is a daunting task given his extensive career, marked by numerous unforgettable moments. Over his tenure, Woods captured 15 major championships along with 82 PGA Tour victories, during which he executed towering drives, precise iron strokes, and remarkable recoveries around the greens. His mastery of various aspects of golf has produced countless highlights.
Steve Williams, who served as Woods‘ caddie for many of his most significant achievements, shared his thoughts on the golfer’s top shots, highlighting three that stood out during their time together. Williams’ insights were gathered from his unparalleled firsthand experience with Woods across multiple major tournaments.
Steve Williams Reflects on the Three Greatest Shots by Tiger Woods
Williams was present for 13 of Woods’ 15 major wins, providing him with a front-row seat to extraordinary golf moments. Asked to pick the most remarkable shot, Williams refrained from choosing just one, instead naming three iconic plays that left a lasting impression. Among these was a highly discussed chip-in at Augusta, which Williams described in detail.
Williams recalled the tension during the chip-in, emphasizing the uncertainty that lingered when Woods hit the ball from the tee.
“It was just incredible because those few seconds when the ball leaves the tee and you think is it left, is it in the bunker? Is it in the water? And we were walking up there and Tiger is yelling at me. Where is it? I don’t know where the ball is, I have never been up there. It’s such a bad shot,”
Williams said.
He highlighted communication with Finchy, who was positioned in the tower behind the 15th green. Williams managed to get Finchy’s approval, who signaled the conditions of the shot were favorable.
Finchy was up in the tower behind the 15th green and I got his attention and said is that alright? He put his thumbs up so I said to Tiger it’s dry. He gets up there and surveys the shot. He said Stevie, there’s a pitch mark, do you think if I hit that pitch mark it won’t go too far up the hill and it won’t get too much speed and come back racing past the hole. I said that looks pretty good. He explained the shot, unbelievably.
When he hit the shot I wasn’t watching, I was watching the pitch mark, just to see how closely it went to it. And it landed on that pitch mark. That was the most amazing thing, it wasn’t that it went in. It actually landed on the pitch mark! And the rest is history.
Breaking Down the Shots Williams Identifies as Tiger Woods’ Finest
Williams named multiple shots when probed about the most extraordinary plays he witnessed. They included a bunker escape at Glen Abbey during the 2000 Canadian Open and a fairway bunker shot on the 18th hole at Hazeltine, achieved on a Friday. According to Williams, these shots were so exceptional they are unlikely to be replicated. He acknowledged the Augusta chip-in as remarkable but placed it alongside these other feats.
The legendary shot from Tiger is hard to say. The one out of the bunker at Glen Abbey at the 2000 Canadian Open out of that bunker. Or the shot at Hazeltine out of the fairway bunker on the 18th hole on the Friday, one of those two shots. They were shots which could never be repeated. The chip in at Augusta was okay too,
—Steve Williams, Caddie
Williams again emphasized the drama of the Augusta chip-in, recounting the confusion immediately after Woods’ tee shot. The uncertainty whether the ball had landed in a bunker or water demonstrated the high stakes of that moment during the round.
Williams’ account sheds light on the pressure and calculation behind Woods’ play. Their coordination with Finchy, who provided real-time feedback from a vantage point, helped Woods formulate the perfect strategy for the tricky shot.
The Enduring Impact of These Shots on Woods’ Legacy
These three shots illustrate the wide range of Tiger Woods’ skills, encompassing dramatic recoveries and precise executions under pressure. Steve Williams’ perspective offers valuable insight into why these moments stand out in golf history, revealing the mix of risk, technique, and intuition that defines Woods’ play.
Understanding these shots provides an appreciation for the complexities Woods faced even at the highest level, highlighting the narrow margins between failure and greatness in professional golf. As Woods’ career continues to influence the sport, these moments remain milestones that contribute to his legendary status.
Williams’ reflections also underscore the importance of teamwork between player and caddie, demonstrating how communication and trust factor heavily into success on the course. For fans of golf, revisiting these shots shows the artistry and mental strength required to be among the greatest.