“He would have won 20 majors” – Gary Player thinks Tiger made a critical mistake in his career

Following the Honorary Starters Ceremony, the three-time Masters champion Gary Player told the press that Tiger Woods could have been even more successful throughout his career.

The South African legend said Woods, who will make his return to competitive golf today, underwent too many swing changes over his career.

“Tiger Woods, if he never had lessons,” said Player, “he would have won 20 majors minimum.

“But, after winning the US Open by 15 shots, he’s having a lesson the next week and he doesn’t win a major, not to denigrate the man who taught him, but he changed his whole swing. Why?

“When he’s winning every week almost and one of every four tournaments, he goes and changes his swing and he doesn’t win a major for 11 years.”

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The 15-time major champion won his first US Open title in 2000, where he won by a staggering 15 shots. Following this victory, Woods would go on to complete the Tiger Slam, holding all four majors after the 2001 Masters.

He would defend his Masters title in 2002 and add another US Open to his tally, but after this three-shot victory, he wouldn’t win another major until the 2005 Masters. Woods ended his relationship with Butch Harmon in August 2002, the coach Player was most likely referring to.

The 2019 Masters champion will get underway at Augusta National at 4:04pm GMT, after telling the press he believed he could win his sixth Green Jacket this weekend.