Tiger Woods' 2000 Season: The Complete Story
In 2000, Tiger Woods won nine tournaments, including three majors, by margins that no one has seen since. This PGA Tour documentary looks back on that season with Tiger Woods, Butch Harmon, his rivals, and those who watched him play. It’s not about copying his technique, but rather the story of a player who completely overhauled his swing even while he was already winning.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
It all began in 1997: after his record-breaking victory at the Masters, Tiger Woods decided to change your swing because he doesn't like what he sees on video. With Butch Harmon, he corrects a club that points past the line at the top of the swing and gets stuck behind his body on the downswing. The breakthrough came in 1999. In 2000, he kept the momentum going: a head-to-head battle with Ernie Els at Kapalua, a comeback at Pebble Beach with an eagle on the 15th, the famous Stinger with iron 2 at Bay Hill, followed by the switch to a new Nike solid-core golf ball, which was tested in Germany before the Memorial.
Next comes the historical series: the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, won by 15 strokes, a major record, the Open at St. Andrews without hitting a single bunker, the PGA Championship at Valhalla in a playoff against Bob May, a victory in Akron at night, and the 6-iron shot from a bunker at the Canadian Open to clinch the Triple Crown. His opponents describe a player who never struggled with himself; Tiger, for his part, says he simply wanted to be more consistent than others and avoid mental errors.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- 1997: A record-breaking victory at the Masters, followed by the decision to change his swing.
- 1998 and early 1999: years spent working with Butch Harmon, with mixed results.
- 1999: His swing comes together, and Tiger wins eight times.
- Early 2000: Kapalua against Ernie Els, followed by a comeback at Pebble Beach.
- June and July 2000: Won the U.S. Open by 15 strokes, followed by the Open at St. Andrews.
- August and September 2000: PGA Championship at Valhalla, Akron at Night, Canadian Open, and the Triple Crown.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- To believe that a champion never questions his swing.
- Expecting immediate results from a swing change: It took Tiger about a year and a half.
- Viewing Tiger's dominance as purely physical: his rivals emphasize his mental strength.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- Film your swing and make a note of what you want to improve
- Be prepared for a period of inconsistent results during a transition
- Practice a special shot, like Tiger's stinger, over several sessions
Your Questions
How many tournaments did Tiger Woods win in 2000?
Nine victories on the PGA Tour, including three majors: the U.S. Open, the Open, and the PGA Championship.
Why did he change his swing after the 1997 Masters?
He didn't like the way his swing looked on video or how it felt at impact, and he found his results too inconsistent. He worked with Butch Harmon from 1997 to 1999.
What was his largest margin of victory in 2000?
The U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, won by 15 strokes. The documentary notes that this is the largest margin of victory in major championship history.
What role did the ball play?
He switched to a Nike solid-core golf ball, tested in Germany. According to Nike, it gave him a tighter spread with the driver and more spin around the greens.
Learn More
Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Tiger Woods). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons without hosting them.