Tiger’s Left Knee in action. (Honeyfield/Flickr)
IN A RARE AND REVEALING INTERVIEW, Tiger Woods’ Left Knee told ARMCHAIR GOLF about its recovery from a third surgery and the multiple pressures that come with supporting the world’s greatest golfer.
Q: First of all, how are you feeling?
LEFT KNEE: I have my good days and bad days, but overall I think I’m getting stronger.
Q: This was your third surgery. Did the fist-pump celebration during the final round of last year’s PGA Championship exacerbate the problem?
LEFT KNEE: No comment.
Q: It really looked like Tiger was limping after that.
LEFT KNEE: I was told there wouldn’t be any fist-pump questions.
Q: Can you talk about Tiger’s swing and how it affects you?
LEFT KNEE: Well, you’ve seen him. Tiger has the mother of all golf swings. The torque is absolutely incredible. It gives me a sharp twinge just thinking about it. No knee is designed for that.
Q: What’s the hardest part about being Tiger Woods’ Left Knee?
LEFT KNEE: There’s the physical aspect, certainly, but there’s also the weight of everyone’s expectations. He’s playing for the record books and immortality. That’s a pressure very few knees ever experience. I also know that no matter how hard I train and how much pain I endure, I can be replaced.
Q: Does the fact that Tiger was just named fittest guy in America create added pressure?
LEFT KNEE: Didn’t see it, but no.
Q: Do you ever wish you were just a normal left knee for, say, a claims adjuster or a florist?
LEFT KNEE: Sure. I think all knees of great athletes have moments when they dream of a normal life. Look at Mickey Mantle, Joe Namath, Larry Bird. The list of greats with highly pressured knees is very long. I’m not the first, nor will I be the last. But in the end you have to work with the person you’re given.
Q: How do you keep going? Where does your inspiration come from?
LEFT KNEE: I take it a day at a time. Do the PT. Get my rest. I really hope Tiger is done with the running. That’s a killer. As far as inspiration, I look to the greats. In golf, all of us lower extremities pretty much worship Hogan. I mean, my God, his legs were totally mangled from that car accident and he came back and not only walked again but won six majors. It’s incredible (sniffling). Sorry, I promised myself I wouldn’t get emotional.
Q: It’s OK.
LEFT KNEE: Are we about done?
Q: Yeah. One last question. When will you be back? At the Memorial or the U.S. Open?
LEFT KNEE: Not sure. That’s Tiger’s call. But I hope Memorial.
Q: Why sooner?
LEFT KNEE: It’s always great catching up with Jack’s hip. The right one, not the replacement.
Q: I see. Thanks for taking the time.
LEFT KNEE: My pleasure.
Related:
Tiger’s Left Knee Speaks on U.S. Open Prep
Great interview!! You’ve got to forward me the email address of lefty’s publicist, I’d love to get in touch with him! 🙂
OrlandoGolfBlogger
Good stuff and shows great imagination….
Fantastic, and golf isn’t the same without Tiger and his left knee.
Dude, that is classic. Blog is absolutely awesome. Check it every day.
Superb piece of writing. Entertaining and imaginative. The left knee, left on his own, is more revealing than its owner!
Why is it that the injured ones get all the attention? I want to hear what the right knee has to say!
Shalom
Armchair: You maybe hard pressed to top yourself on this article but I hope you keep trying. Great job!