Can Tiger Woods bounce back in 2011? (Creative Commons)

Not only were Grand Slam predictions for 2009 prevalent, there was obscene speculation about Woods’ eventual major total. Would it be 25? 30?

Given his ability to win golf’s most exacting tournament while virtually playing on one leg, these proclamations didn’t seem too far-fetched.  Some even half-jokingly questioned if he was mortal.

However, as Bob Dylan so presciently sang, “The Times, They Are a-Changing.” If ever there was a perfect caricature for this song, it would be Woods. Perhaps never has an athlete’s professional and personal life come undone as drastically as his.

Following a 12-month span that included a bizarre car accident, revelations of rampant marital infidelity, a stint at a sex rehab clinic, a divorce, millions of dollars lost in endorsements, a tattered image, and the first winless golf season of his career, Woods returns to the spot of his greatest achievement for his 2011 debut.

As much as Woods’ life has changed since 2008, so have the questions surrounding his golf future. No longer are people pondering whether Woods can eclipse 30 majors.  Instead, scribes and fans alike are asking things that a year ago would have seemed unthinkable. 

Will Woods adjust to his swing changes fast enough to be a factor this year? Can he regain the No. 1 ranking in the world and fend off the influx of young talent enveloping golf’s ranks? Perhaps most importantly, will Woods remain on track to achieve his lifelong goal of surpassing Jack Nicklaus’ record 18 majors? These are the questions that make 2011 the most important season of Woods’ career.

Torrey Pines provides as good a venue as any for Woods to start his year with a victory and send a statement to the rest of the world that he is back. He will undoubtedly be buoyed this week by the confidence that comes from winning his last five tournaments at the venue.

Perhaps even more important is the message a win would send to his competitors. Over the last year, there have been whispers that Woods’ previously impenetrable intimidation has eroded. No longer are players intimidated when dueling with Woods on the back nine on Sunday, as Graeme McDowell displayed in topping Woods at his own tournament last month. However, if Woods can return to the winner’s circle early and often, perhaps that Sunday red will regain the aura it once had.

The success of Woods’ 2011 season will ultimately be defined by how quickly he can adapt to the swing changes introduced by his new coach, Sean Foley. Though he achieved success after each of his two previous swing changes, it was by no means an overnight process.

Following his 1997 Masters win and subsequent swing overhaul, Woods didn’t win another major until the 1999 PGA Championship. He experienced a major-less drought of nearly three years after he changed his swing again in the summer of 2002.

Perhaps the third time will be the charm though.

He’s only been working with Foley since August, but Woods’ game appears to be on the mend. If he drives down Magnolia Lane in April for the Masters with confidence in his swing and established consistency, he’ll be right where he wants to be.

After all, it’s all about the majors for Woods. No matter how well he plays all season, there are four weeks that clearly matter the most to him.

Though it may feel like just yesterday that Woods delivered his historic Masters victory at 21 years of age, he is now 35 and his career appears to be on its “back nine.” In addition to the fact that few players historically have maintained a high level of success into their 40s, Woods is often considered an “old” 35. Though he remains in excellent physical condition, Woods has had multiple major knee surgeries and recently received cortisone shots for a bothersome Achilles.

All this leads many to wonder how many years of great golf he has left. 

The clock is ticking and winning at least one major this year is crucial for Woods. He is a perennial contender at The Masters and is very familiar with Congressional Country Club, site of this year’s U.S. Open. Though he hasn’t won at the venues hosting the British Open and PGA Championship, previous success is not always a prerequisite in majors.

2011 undoubtedly marks a crossroads in the career of Tiger Woods. Will he remain stuck in his sub-standard play or return to greatness? Now that Woods has confirmed Dylan’s suspicion, the ultimate question begs to be answered: Can the times be changed back?

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