Strange and Azinger reckon the game is up for Tiger!

Curtis Strange and Paul Azinger are united in doubting Tiger Woods can ever resurrect his career following his back surgery.

The four-time Masters winner will not be at Augusta for the first time since he appeared there as an amateur in 1995.

He went on to become the greatest player of the modern era, and move towards Jack Nicklaus’ all-time record of 18 Major wins.

Now, however, it is doubtful if 38-year-old Woods will get any closer to the Golden Bear.

Strange says: “The odds are against him breaking Jack’s record, simply because now it is a health issue. That’s the one thing that can bring any athlete down.

“Only two players ever won five Majors after the age of 38, and that’s Jack Nicklaus and Ben Hogan. Tiger is certainly in their class, but now so much is going to come down to his motivation, just how badly he wants this.

“Will he modify his work-out regime? Will he modify his practice regime? Have his swing changes put more pressure on his back and joints?

“It’s all speculation but the fact of the matter is Tiger is breaking down. Is there a next problem? Who knows.”

While Strange continues to play on the Champions Tour, Paul Azinger saw his own career interrupted then compromised after being diagnosed with cancer only weeks after his 1993 US PGA Championship win.

So he can empathise with Woods’ current predicament.

“I got sick when I was in the prime of my career, while Tiger is a little bit past his prime,” says Azinger. “But I was out for six months or so and, I tell you what, I lost my edge. It was nice to be at home.

“So, as Curtis says, his challenge will be how self-motivated he is going to be.”

Azinger points eerily to a prophecy made by Woods’ father when Tiger was still an amateur.

He continues: “Earl said his son would win 14 Majors and he has won 14 Majors. I don’t know why Earl didn’t say 19, which would beat Jack’s record. But he said 14.

“Who knows, maybe Tiger is thinking: ‘Well, I did what my dad said’. So there’s a lot going on here beyond just the physical for Tiger.”

Strange agrees, adding: “When you’re 38 years old, your kids are getting older.

“Tiger is a single dad, trying to be a good dad. When they look at you and say, ‘Don’t leave, daddy,’ let me tell you, that pulls at your heart. You’re on the road, you want to be home; you’re home, and you want to be on the road.

“It’s an issue for everyone, and Tiger is at that age and his kids are at that age. It’s tough to keep your focus and keep that drive and self-centered attitude you need to have.

“And, you know, everybody goes through it. Even Jack Nicklaus admitted it.”

Domestic issues. A back problem. A knee injury that’s never really gone away.

Sure, Tiger will be back at Augusta next year. But will he ever be a contender again?