The Official Site of Hunter Mahan

Updates

Mon, Apr 5th 2010, 14:54

Caddies Corner: Tiger's Return

Hunter and I went to Augusta National early for a practice round, and the most memorable thing that happened all day was a small gesture when we saw and talked with Tiger. Obviously like the rest of the world we haven’t seen him in some time and I was a little curious as to how that first meeting would be. Uncomfortable? Strange? Awkward? I didn’t know what to expect, honestly. We were playing a bit in front of him, and when we got to the 16th tee he caught up and was on the 15th green. I went over to shake his hand and say hello and that it was good to see him. I stuck out my hand for a handshake and Tiger gave me a hug. Totally unexpected. Now I’ve been fortunate enough to be on a couple of Ryder Cup teams and a couple of President’s Cup teams with Tiger, been out with him on numerous other occasions, and we definitely know each other, but not more than “handshake” friends.

I may be overstepping my bounds here by telling this story, and I really debated whether or not I should tell it, but the fact that he gave me a hug said a lot to me. It told me that he is humbled. It told me that he is changed for the better. It told me that he is really going to try and fix things. Let me add that I’ve never had a bad experience with Tiger. He’s always treated me with respect and friendship, but this was warmth. There were no cameras around and no PR machine within miles. I think he is changed.

So with all the awful things that have come out, with all the “Bad Tiger” stories out there, I feel like the small gesture he showed towards me may help sway some people out there to give the guy another chance. Yeah what he did was Wrong, and he knows that. He will pay a penance for that for the rest of his life. I keep thinking of that line from Seabiscuit. “You know, you don’t throw a whole life away just’cause he’s banged up a little.”


Yes, I’m interested in updates!

Comments

Kylescaddy | on 13/4/10

Hey John,
Great story…My little man needs to hear that….He has taken the whole TW issue to heart, cries when people talk about him..It’s sad but hopefully TW comes back a better man. Kyle was rooting for Hunter on Sunday!!! Take care and tell Hunter we said hello..

joe peck | on 13/4/10

hey john, thanks for your insight on tiger… As you know most of us on the outside only hear and see what the press wants us to know… Tiger is an amazing athelete who has swayed the wrong way early in life… I know he has a long road ahead of him but it sounds like from what you witnessed he is well on his way.. Good luck this year with hunter we will be rooting for ya!!!

Joe Sawyer | on 10/4/10

Thanks for your take on Tiger’s mental state.

Garrett Rutherford | on 9/4/10

Hunter is a beast and hope he makes a run in the final 2 days this weekend.

derek bookout | on 6/4/10

hey buddy where in world did hunter get his new headcovers iv looked all over for them

Uncle Jim | on 6/4/10

Hi John

Jo and I agree with what you said about Tiger. You have a lot of insight. Also, we enjoy keeping up with you and Hunter on the website.

Good Luck at the Masters

Stephanie St. Amour | on 5/4/10

Great article. Mike and I have always been Tiger fans and this story made me very happy! Good job, John!

Ginger Reid | on 5/4/10

Nice article and very well said. But he should respect you. You are a nice guy and someone who always gives people a second chance. What a good feeling he must have knowing he could trust you.

Rich Stephens | on 5/4/10

Well Said…...

Dave Stockman | on 5/4/10

Awesome! Thanks for sharing. I have a 13 yo son who is really committed and plays golf very well. I shared this story with him and he stated “that’s cool”. We all make mistakes and must always be humble! Btw my father in law is a Mahan from Hearne Tx. And we always follow you! Best of luck this week.