Tiger Woods Knows the "Sun is Setting" on His Career

Notah Begay III, who is good friends with Tiger Woods, says that Tiger is aware that the “sun is setting” on his career. Woods, who recently had back surgery to remove a small disc fragment that was pinching his nerve, isn’t expected to return to play until 2016. Begay claims that Woods is “taking it real easy.” Which, as we’ve seen in the past, is not something Tiger is known for. Generally Woods would be rushing to get back on the course as soon as possible, risking further injury in the process in an attempt to maintain his status as the top golfer, but that’s no longer the case.

Begay, speaking on an NBC Sports conference call, said Woods is “giving it a little extra time to heal up before he starts rehabilitation.”

"“He’s just spending a lot of time at home and going to soccer games and watching Sam and Charlie play their fall soccer.”"

Begay also pointed out that Woods has a better grasp on what he’s capable of in regards to his own body. Woods turns 40 in December and definitely appears beyond his glory days, even though he put together a solid performance at the Wyndham Championship.

"“I think he has a clear understanding with where he’s at in regard to his career that the sun is setting,” Begay said. “He’s very fair about where he’s at with his career and his body, and he’s certainly not going to go down without a fight, without trying to do everything he can to get back to a world-class level.”"

Woods is projected to fall out of the top 400 in the world golf rankings at the end of the year, making it very difficult for him to make the 2016 Ryder Cup team. Team captain Davis Love III says that Woods, along with Steve Stricker, Jim Furyk, and Phil Mickelson are all potential vice-captain candidates and all have agreed to “do whatever it takes.” Begay agrees Woods would make a great assistant.

"“I think he’d be a great assistant captain,” Begay said. “I think he’s the type of player that thinks through things very methodically. When it comes to individual match play in singles, there’s nobody better, and he has a wonderful singles record. I think he could impart some of that into some of the younger players and really set a good example of players that are sort of segueing into the latter parts of their career.”"

Woods and Mickelson as assistants? Sure, why not have two of the U.S. greats out on the course helping out the young guys who look up to them? It definitely can’t hurt.

[via GolfChannel]