The two reasons for Tiger Woods to use a heavily rusty wedge

Modified Dec 09, 2024 00:14 GMT

Hero World Challenge 2024 - Final Round - Source: Getty — Tiger Woods during the Hero World Challenge 2024 [Image via Getty]

American golf legend Tiger Woods hasn't been very active in the professional golf circuit this year. However, whenever Woods has played, it's been noticed that the 15-time Major championship winner has used wedges that seem to be extremely rusty.

This choice made by the legendary golfer has confused many as they wonder why someone like Woods would use rusty wedges. The answer to this question is that Woods uses rusty wedges for two reasons: performance and aesthetics. Let us dive deep into both these reasons.

As per a recent article from Golf Digest, a rusty wedge adds an extra layer of surface roughness to the face. While this addition isn't game-changing, golf at the highest level is extremely challenging, and even the smallest advantage could lead to a better outcome for the golfer.

Now, coming to aesthetic reasons, having a rusty wedge prevents the glare from a sunny day that would usually come on a chrome-plated wedge. Apart from this, a rusty wedge looks cool because many fans assume it has a story behind it, and in a way, it also shows the experience of a golfer.

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Hence, these are the two reasons why someone like Tiger Woods probably uses rusty wedges despite being at the stage he is in. However, Woods hasn't been seen using these wedges since he last played at The Open Championship earlier this year.

Tiger Woods isn't playing at the Hero World Challenge

Since Tiger Woods hasn't played since missing the cut at The Open Championship, many fans hoped he would return to play at the Hero World Challenge, an event he hosts. However, that wasn't the case, as Woods isn't participating in the tournament.

In a press conference before the tournament, Woods revealed the reason why he isn't taking part in the 2024 Hero World Challenge. As per the American golfer, currently, he isn't where he wants to be, especially given he would have to compete against a strong field at the Hero World Challenge.

Woods said:

"Still not there. These are 20 of the best players in the world and I'm not sharp enough to compete against them. So when I'm ready to compete and play at this level, then I will... I am disappointed. I'm not physically ready yet to compete at this level. I still need to keep training to give myself the best chance into next year and the events ahead."

It's worth noting that in September, Tiger Woods announced he had successfully undergone surgery related to his back. Woods' exclusion from the tournament meant the Hero World Challenge had a 20-man field highlighted by names like Scottie Scheffler, who also won the event.