Why did Tiger's Masters dominance turn to drought?

Tiger Woods will win more Masters than Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer combined. That's what Nicklaus said after playing a practice round with Woods in 1995. Nicklaus' prediction was a tall order — he and Palmer combined for 10 Masters titles — but based on what soon followed, it didn't seem that crazy. Woods dominated in 1997 as a 21-year-old, then won in 2001-02 and again in '05, securing four green jackets by the age of 29. MEMORABLE SHOTS: Jack Nicklaus, 'Yes, sir!' Eight years later, Woods is still stuck on four, and Nicklaus might need to demand a recount. PLAYERS TO WATCH: Bubba Watson And for Woods, the Masters drought isn't the only one. He has been stuck on 14 majors since the 2008 U.S. Open, and the more important number associated with Nicklaus is his record of 18. "I still think (Woods) can do it," Nicklaus said recently of the overall majors record. "But that said, he has still got to do it. He hasn't won one in five years. He had better get with it if he's going to." What happened? •For one, Phil Mickelson happened. The perennial runner-up broke through in 2004 and leads Woods 3-1 in green jackets in the last nine years. •The course has changed over the years, certainly. Rough was added, and it was lengthened significantly — the so-called Tiger-proofing. Woods did win after the first couple of major changes but not after the one that came after 2005, 155 yards added to four holes. •In 2007 and 2008, cold, windy conditions worked against everyone. •Woods also has struggled with injuries, baggage following his infidelity scandal in 2009, and, perhaps, a lack of confidence. •He's not as accurate off the tee as he was when he was at his best. •His putter has not been as reliable. •He has a new coach and another swing change, which was still evolving as of last year. •And the talent level around him has never been better. Even for the best player of his generation, the margins at majors are so narrow. Add all of these together, and you get 0-for-7 at Augusta. GALLERY: TIGER WOODS' 77 PGA TOUR VICTORIES Tiger Woods has won 77 times on the PGA Tour, five short of the all-time record held by Sam Snead. Here, on June 15, 2008, Woods makes a birdie on the 18th green to force an 18-hole playoff with Rocco Mediate at the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines. Woods won that playoff the next day for his 65th victory and 14th major. Now, take a look back at all 77 of Woods' victories. Tiger Woods has won 77 times on the PGA Tour, five short of the all-time record held by Sam Snead. Here, on June 15, 2008, Woods makes a birdie on the 18th green to force an 18-hole playoff with Rocco Mediate at the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines. Woods won that playoff the next day for his 65th victory and 14th major. Now, take a look back at all 77 of Woods' victories. Gary A. Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Tiger Woods has won 77 times on the PGA Tour, five short of the all-time record held by Sam Snead. Here, on June 15, 2008, Woods makes a birdie on the 18th green to force an 18-hole playoff with Rocco Mediate at the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines. Woods won that playoff the next day for his 65th victory and 14th major. Now, take a look back at all 77 of Woods' victories. Victory No. 1: 1996 Las Vegas Invitational. Oct-3-6, 1996. Victory No. 2: 1996 Walt Disney World/Oldsmobile Classic. Oct. 17-20, 1996. Victory No. 3: 1997 Mercedes Championship, Carlsbad, Calif. Jan. 9-12, 1997. Victory No. 4: 1997 Masters at Augusta National. April 10-13, 1997. (Woods gets help with his first green jacket from Nick Faldo. Woods, at 21, set scoring records and won by 12 shots.) Victory No. 5: The 1997 Byron Nelson Classic in Irving, Texas. May 15-18, 1997. Victory No. 6: 1997 Motorola Western Open at Cog Hill Golf & Country Club in Lemont, Ill. July 3-6, 1997. Victory No. 7: The 1998 BellSouth Classic in Duluth, Ga. May 7-10, 1998. Victory No. 8: 1999 Buick Invitational at Torrey Pines in San Diego. Feb. 11-14, 1999. (Woods, with Corey Pavin, Davis Love III and caddies in the first round on the North Course.) Victory No. 9: 1999 Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village golf Club in Dublin, Ohio. June 3-6, 1999. Victory No. 10: 1999 Motorola Western Open at Cog Hill in Lemont, Ill. July 1-4, 1999. Victory No. 11: 1999 PGA Championship at Medinah Country Club in Medinah, Ill. Aug. 12-15, 1999. (Woods shakes hands with Sergio Garcia, who chased him to the wire.) Victory No. 12: 1999 WGC-NEC Invitational at Firestone Country Club in Akron Ohio. Aug. 26-29, 1999. (Woods and his swing coach at the time, Butch Harmon.) Victory No. 13: 1999 National Car Rental Golf Classic at Disney in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Oct. 21-24, 1999. Victory No. 14: 1999 Tour Championship at Champions Golf Club in Houston. Oct. 28-31, 1999. Victory No. 15: 1999 WGC-American Express Championship at Valderrama, Spain. Nov. 4-7, 1999. Victory No. 16: 2000 Mercedes Championships, Plantation Course in Kapalua, Hawaii. Jan. 6-9, 2000. (Els and Woods both made eagle putts on 18 to force a playoff, which was won by Woods.) Victory No. 17: 2000 Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, Pebble Beach Golf Links, Pebble Beach, Calif. Feb. 3-7, 2000 (Monday finish). (Woods and Clint Eastwood.) Victory No. 18: 2000 Bay Hill Invitational in Orlando. March 16-19, 2000. Victory No. 19: 2000 Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club, Dublin, Ohio. May 25-29, 2000 (Monday finish). Victory No. 20: 2000 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links, Pebble Beach, Calif. June 15-18, 2000. Victory No. 21: 2000 British Open at the Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland. July 20-23, 2000. Victory No. 22: 2000 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville. Aug. 17-20, 2000. (Woods embraces Bob May, who he defeated in a playoff.) Victory No. 23: 2000 WGC-NEC Invitational at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio. Aug. 24-27, 2000. Victory No. 24: 2000 Bell Canadian Open at Glen Abbey in Oakville, Ontario. Sept. 7-10, 2000. Victory No. 25: 2001 Bay Hill Invitational in Orlando. March 15-18, 2001. (Woods gets some help from the King.) Victory No. 26: 2001 Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. March 22-25, 2001. Victory No. 27: 2001 Masters, Augusta National. April 5-8, 2001. (2000 winner Vijay Singh helps Woods into his second green jacket. It was the fourth consecutive major title for Woods, the so-called Tiger Slam.) Victory No. 28: 2001 Memorial Tournament, Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio. May 31- June 3, 2001. Victory No. 29: 2001 WGC-NEC Invitational, Firestone Country Club, Akron, Ohio. Aug. 23-26, 2001. Victory No. 30: 2002 Bay Hill Invitational in Orlando. March 14-17, 2002 Victory No. 31: 2002 Masters, Augusta National. April 11-14, 2002. Victory No. 32: 2002 U.S. Open, Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, N.Y. June 13-16, 2002. Victory No. 33: 2002 Buick Open, Warwick Hills in Grand Blanc, Mich. Aug. 8-11, 2002. Victory No. 34: WGC-American Express Championship, Mount Juliet Golf Course, Thomastown, Ireland. Sept. 19-22, 2002. Victory No. 35: 2003 Buick Invitational at Torrey Pines in San Diego.Feb. 13-16, 2003. (Woods watches Phil Mickelson putt on the ninth green in the final round. Mickelson was part of the chase pack that day.) Victory No. 36: 2003 WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship, La Costa Resort in Carlsbad, Calif. Feb. 26-March 2, 2003. Victory No. 37: 2003 Bay Hill Invitational in Orlando. March 20-23, 2003. Victory No. 38: 2003 Western Open at Cog Hill Golf and Country Club in Lemont, Ill. July 3-5, 2003. Victory No. 39: 2003 WGC-American Express Championship, Capital City Club in Woodstock, Ga. Oct. 2-5, 2003. (Woods competes against with then-Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick at the American Express Presents Tiger In The Park exhibition before the tournament.) Victory No. 40: 2004 WGC-Accenture Match Play Champiionship at La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, Calif. Feb. 25-29, 2004. (Woods with Davis Love III, his victim in the championship match.) Victory No. 41: 2005 Buick Invitational, Torrey Pines in San Diego. Jan. 20-23, 2005. Victory No. 42: 2005 Ford Championship at Doral. March 3-6, 2005. Victory No. 43: 2005 Masters at Augustan National. April 7-10, 2005. (2004 champ Phil Mickelson does the honrs with the green jacket.) The chip shot on the 16th green in the final round of the Masters, Woods' 43rd victory. Victory No. 44: 2005 British Open at the Old Course, St. Andrews, Scotland. July 14-17, 2005. Victory No. 45: 2005 WGC-NEC Invitational at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio. Aug. 18-21, 2005. Victory No. 46: 2005 WGC-American Express Championship at Harding Park in San Francisco. Oct. 6-9, 2005. Victory No. 47: 2006 Buick Invitational at Torrey Pines in San Diego. Jan. 25-28, 2006. (Woods shakes hands with Jose Maria Olazabal after defeating him on the second playoff hole.) Victory No. 48: 2006 Ford Championship at Doral. March 2-5, 2006. Victory No. 49: 2006 British Open at Royal Liverpool Golf Course in Hoylake, England. July 20-23, 2006. Victory No. 50: 2006 Buick Open atWarwick Hills Golf and Country Clubin Grand Blanc, Mich. Aug. 3-6, 2006. Victory No. 51: 2006 PGA Championship at Medinah Country Club in Medinah, Ill. Aug. 17-20, 2006. (Woods with Phil Mickelson, one of his playing partners for the first two rounds.) Victory No. 52: 2006 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio. Aug. 24-27, 2006. Victory No. 53: 2006 Deutsche Bank Championship at TPC Boston in Norton, Mass. Sept. 1-4, 2006. Victory No. 54: 2006 WGC-American Express Championship at The Grove in Watford, England. Sept. 28-Oct. 1, 2006. Victory No. 55: 2007 Buick Invitational at Torrey Pines in San Diego. Jan. 25-28, 2007. Victory No. 56: 2007 WGC-CA Championship at Doral Resort and Spa in Doral, Fla. March 22-25, 2007. (Woods walks along the fairway during the pro-am with tennis star Roger Federer.) Victory No. 57: 2007 Wachovia Championship at Quail Hollow Country Club in Charlotte. May 3-6, 2007. (Woods with Michael Jordan in the pro-am before the tournament.) Victory No. 58: 2007 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio. Aug. 2-5, 2007 (Here, Woods for his ball in the crook of the folded arm of spectator Rudy Wittensoldner on the ninth green during the final round. Woods got a free drop and made par.) Victory No. 59: 2007 PGA Championship at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa. Aug. 9-12, 2007. Victory No. 60: The 2007 BMW Championship at Cog Hill Golf and Country Club in Lemont, Ill. Sept. 6-9, 2007. Victory No. 61: The 2007 Tour Championship, East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta. Setp. 13-16, 2007. Victory No. 62: 2008 Buick Invitational at Torrey Pines in San Diego. Jan. 24-27, 2008. (Woods poses with his winner's trophy and children from the Tiger Woods Learning Center.) Victory No. 63: 2008 WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship, The Gallery at Dove Mountain, Marana, Ariz. Feb. 20-24, 2008. Victory No. 64: 2008 Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill in Orlando. March 13-16, 2008. Victory No. 65: 2008 U.S. Open, Torrey Pines in San Diego. June 12-16, 2008. (Woods and Rocco Mediate after Woods won their Monday playoff.) Victory No. 66: 2009 Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill in Orlando. March 26-29, 2009. Victory No. 67: The 2009 Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio. June 4-7, 2009. (Woods and tournament host Jack Nicklaus.) Victory No. 68: 2009 AT&T National, Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md. July 2-5, 2009. (Here, Woods poses with Jessica Simpson and Tony Romo.) Victory No. 69: 2009 Buick Open, Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club in Grand Blanc, Mich. July 30-Aug. 2, 2009. Victory No. 70: 2009 World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio. Aug. 6-9, 2009. (Paidrag Harrington dueled with Woods in the final round.) Victory No. 71: 2009 BMW Championship, Cog Hill Golf & Country Club in Lemont, Ill. Sept. 10-13 2009. Victory No. 72: The 2012 Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill in Orlando. March 22-25, 2012. Victory No. 73: The Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village in Dublin, Ohio. May 31-June 3, 2012. Victory No. 74: 2012 AT&T National, Bethesda, Md. June 28-July 1, 2012. Victory No. 75: The 2013 Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in San Diego. Jan. 24-28. Victory No. 76: World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship, at Doral, Fla. March 7-10. Victory No. 77: 2013 Arnold Palmer Invitational, Orlando. March 21-25, 2013. Next Slide "It's been one of those things where I've been close there so many times on that back nine on Sunday, and I just haven't won," Woods says. "I've been in the mix. I've been right there with just a few holes to go, and it just hasn't happened. Hopefully this year it will be a different story, and I'll put myself there and hopefully have Bubba put the jacket on." Woods has talked all along about continuing the process of getting his game back to where he wants it to be. He thinks he's getting there. He won three of his first five events this year — the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, the WGC-Cadillac Championship at Doral and the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill. All three wins came on courses he loves. Like Augusta. Woods says his game his getting where he wants it to be, and his competition noticed. "He's been playing like this for quite some time," says Mickelson, who tied for third at Doral. "He's pretty strong. He's playing at a very high level week in, week out." Steve Stricker is seeing the same thing. "His attitude and what I saw this week and his belief in himself again looks very similar to when he was, you know, in the early 2000s, or you can pick any year, I guess, when he was playing great," Stricker said. "He just seems in a better place mentally. He seems to be having fun. And he seems to have a lot of confidence in himself and his game." None Tiger Woods celebrates on his way to victory in 2005.(Photo: Jeff Haynes, AFP/Getty Images) Graeme McDowell got an up-close look. He played with Woods in the third and fourth rounds of the Cadillac Championship. "He's got the ball under control now," McDowell said. "He knows exactly what his golf swing is going to produce. His iron play was stunning. Short game, obviously he putted really well this week. He's just playing very, very well." One significant adjustment showed up clearly at Doral and Bay Hill: The putting stroke was true. Woods needed 100 putts, a career low, in his 72 holes at Doral; at Bay Hill he made 12 putts between 10 and 20 feet and needed only 110 putts overall. Woods credited the improvement to a bit of advice he got from Stricker on the putting green on the eve of the Cadillac Championship. "Whatever he says, I'm going to do. He's one of the best putters that has ever lived," said Woods, acknowledging Stricker helped him with his posture. "He can see the things that are off a little bit, because he knows my stroke so well. Did it help me? Yes, it did." Stricker on his tips: "He was talking a little that a couple of putts were bothering him, and you know, I always hate to interject anything with him. But he was open to it, and you know, you don't want to screw a guy up, either. But when I left him, he was really excited and it looked like he was rolling it really good then. So you know, but you never know. You could hurt the guy, giving him a tip or two, or you could help him out." Woods just wants to continue the process of improving. His confidence jumped last year when he won at Bay Hill, Muirfield Village and Congressional. Now with his three wins this year, his confidence is soaring. "I felt that toward the end of last year, that I was heading in the direction where things were becoming better," Woods said. "My short game, game-wise, came around. I thought my swing was getting better. My short irons got better," Woods added. "Lo and behold, I won a few tournaments this year." 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