Let’s get this out of the way right from the jump: Tiger Woods is the greatest golfer of all time. Not Jack Nicklaus, not Sam Snead and not … Jason Day?
This week, the 2015 PGA champion joined Smylie Kaufman’s podcast ‘The Smylie Show’ to chat about his career. In the episode, Day spoke about his intense fitness regime in his prime, explaining how the “lifestyle choice” led him down a spiral of injury and recovery, not altogether unlike Tiger Woods. Speaking of Woods, Day also shared the eyebrow-raising compliment (?) his former Nike teammate used to give him, and let’s just say it might be the hottest take in golf history. Check it out.
“It’s a lifestyle choice.” @JDayGolf reflects on what it took for him to reach golf’s pinnacle, the setbacks that came from it, and memorable conversations with the legend who led the way, @TigerWoods.
New episode available now on Youtube and wherever you get your podcasts,… pic.twitter.com/tua9RCa1A8
— The Smylie Show (@thesmylieshow) October 9, 2024
That’s right. When Day would ask Woods, “What kept you at number one for so long?,” Woods would reply, “I’m not as talented as you, so I had to work harder.”
For such a short quote, there’s a lot to unpack here. First of all, Woods’ claim’ that Jason Day was more a naturally gifted golfer than him is absolutely ludicrous. In fact, the claim is so dubious that we almost wonder if it was a head game designed to get Day—who was at the peak of his powers at the time—to let his guard down.
Ben Jared
Then there’s Woods’ assertion that he was a more dominant golfer than Day purely because of his graft. We all know Woods’ work ethic and dedication are second to none, but to claim right Day’s face that he worked a full 69 wins harder might be the backhanded compliment of the century. It also completely ignores the preternatural gifts Woods, and many Hall of GOATs inductees like him, were born with.
But that’s how all the greats—from Tom Brady to Muhammad Ali—have operated through the years. They carry a chip on their shoulder at all times. They back themselves into mental corners just so they can fight their way out. They always believe there’s more work to be done even when they’re already the best. In fact, in a strange way, this brief quote reveals more about the psyche of Tiger Woods than any documentary, interview or stat could ever hope to.
Main Image: Donald Miralle
