Golf: Norman says Tiger is finished

Tiger Woods. Photo / AP

Champion Australian golfer Greg Norman says Tiger Woods is mentally unravelled, his body is breaking down and he doubts the American will return to top form.

Norman made the dire assessment of the once formidable Woods in a live nationally-broadcast TV interview in the US.

"Quite honestly, I doubt it," Norman, when asked by NBC's Today show host Matt Lauer on Tuesday if he thought the world would once again see an all-conquering Woods, replied. "I'm not confident. "Not the way he was from 2000 on for that period."
The 39-year-old Woods was a force on the PGA Tour since turning professional in 1996, winning the Masters the next year and collecting another 13 majors and 79 PGA Tour victories.

But, his career and personal life broke down in late 2009 when it was revealed he had cheated on his wife Elin Nordegren with multiple women.

Woods has attempted several comebacks, but this year after shooting the worst round of his professional career, an 82, in Phoenix and then withdrawing from the Farmers Insurance Open in California after 11 holes due to back pain, Woods announced he was taking a break.

"His body is starting to show a lot of let-down," Norman said. "He's hit a lot of golf balls.

"He has a lot of power and flexibility and when you have power and flexibility, something has to give - your little joints, you've got Achilles problems, back problems."

But Norman says Woods' physical condition is not his greatest concern.

The Australian, who is also known for his mental breakdowns on the golf course, believes Woods has lost his confidence, particularly with his short game.

"Quite honestly, mentally he's a little unravelled," Norman said. "Imagine, with what we've seen since December last year with his short game chipping.

"Imagine standing over the back of the 12th green at Augusta National and you've hit it over the back and you have to chip it down there, Rae's Creek right in front of you, or the back of the 15th of Augusta National.

"All of those gremlins are going to be sitting in his head."

- AAP