Tiger Woods given harsh 'ego' reality check as PGA starlet speaks out on golf cart use

Collin Morikawa has suggested that Tiger Woods' pride might be hindering him from using a golf buggy during tournaments as his injuries continue to affect him.

Woods, a 15-time major champion, has only participated in three PGA Tour events since his reconstructive ankle surgery in April 2023, including the Genesis Invitational, Masters and PGA Championship.

Despite showing glimpses of the brilliance that arguably makes him the greatest player ever in recent performances, the 48 year old's stamina and ability to walk the golf course for four consecutive days have been compromised by the lingering effects of a high-speed car crash in 2021.

Fans have speculated about Woods' potential if he didn't have to walk all 18 holes, but he has dismissed the idea of ever doing so on the PGA Tour. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, players can use a cart following a Supreme Court verdict in favour of Casey Martin, who had a circulatory disease, in 2021.

This ruling allows players to use a cart during events if they receive a waiver, as John Daly did at the PGA Championship last month. However, Woods definitively ruled out the possibility of ever doing so on the PGA Tour when asked in 2022.

Ahead of The Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village in Ohio this week, Morikawa was questioned in his press conference whether he believed Woods was allowing his ego to obstruct a wise decision.

"Yeah, but his ego is pretty big, as is all of ours," the two-time major champion replied. "I think he wants to keep doing it until he can't and maybe there's something about a golf cart that ain't it [for him]. I'd be taking a golf cart if they allowed me."

Morikawa was invited to Woods' Tiger Jam event in Las Vegas last week, with a star-studded guest list enjoying golf, poker and other activities to raise money for his foundation. The pair put on a clinic for youngsters at the event and Morikawa was stunned by Woods' ability with the clubs in his hand despite his mobility being compromised by his injuries.

"The skill and the feel are still all there, right? So you wouldn't know, but you add that over time, over 18 holes, over the course of 72 holes and the entire week of prep. The guy has been through a lot," Morikawa said.

"But I've been lucky to have the opportunity to do something like that and talk to him and hang out because you go back and look at your 15-year-old self and say 'You're going to spend a few hours with Tiger playing poker, hitting a few golf balls on the range, picking his brain, screwing around', that's a dream, right? So that's pretty cool."

Woods is not in the field for The Memorial, but he is set to be back in action at Pinehurst No. 2 next week for the US Open after receiving a special invitation from the United States Golf Association.