I turned down Woods says NBC analyst
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NBC Sports lead golf analyst Johnny Miller revealed that he was
approached by Tiger Woods about coaching during his preliminary years on
tour, in an interview with Golf Magazine.
Not only was Miller offered it, but he turned it down!
"Not
many people know this, but when Tiger had been on Tour for two or three
years, his people called and asked if I would give him lessons on short
irons," Miller said. "Jack Nicklaus told him I was the best short iron
play ever—a pretty great compliment."
However, all-consuming
commitments to both NBC and his family meant that Miller, one of the top
players in the world during the mid-1970s, snubbed the man who would go
on to become the most iconic player in the game.
"I was tired,"
Miller said. "I didn't think I could give him the time he'd need, so I
turned him down, which I don't think many people have done."
Starting
to recover some of his former imperious form, Woods is still seeking
that elusive 15th major. If he chose to turn to Miller once more, the
65-year-old Californian said he would not turn him down twice.
"He's
the guy I'd like to help most," Miller said. "I've been watching him
since he was in junior golf. I know all the swings he's had. I think I
could help him get back to his natural swing, not the swing someone else
wants him to make. I'm open to helping him." |
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