Tiger Woods, the titan of golf, left Jordan Spieth speechless with a surprising revelation about his training routine, which dates back to the 1990s and early 2000s. During the second episode of the series “Tiger Woods: 30 Years of Influence,” the legendary player confessed that he ran between 30 to 35 miles per week during tournament weeks. The intensity of this routine left Spieth in shock, summarizing his reaction in a single word: “crazy.” This statement is not just a glimpse into Woods’ past, but also a reflection of the evolution of training in golf.
“And so, back then, from ’97 to about ’01, I was running between 30 and 35 miles a week, sometimes a bit more, during tournament weeks,” Woods revealed. This workload is considered exceptional, even by modern standards, and Spieth’s reaction indicates that today’s golf professionals would not dare to follow such an extreme routine.
Currently, no player on the PGA Tour or LIV Golf discloses a training regimen as intense as that of the 82-time PGA Tour winner. The current average is around 4 to 5 miles per day, a significant departure from the gentler “steady-state running” that Woods adopted. The focus now is on high-intensity training, endurance, and explosiveness, prioritizing health and injury reduction under the demands of the sport.
Although no contemporary player matches the intensity of Woods’ routine, some, like Bryson DeChambeau, Rory McIlroy, and Scottie Scheffler, still dedicate considerable effort to physical training. DeChambeau, for example, follows a heavy gym routine, emphasizing lifts such as bench presses and deadlifts, complemented by running and cycling for endurance.
“Not now, no. But it’s different because people have learned. We didn’t know anything. Don’t lift, don’t run, don’t be explosive. Oh, and by the way, don’t jump,” Woods added. What was once considered a flaw in his game—being explosive and jumping—is now seen as the correct approach for modern golf. The fitness philosophy in golf has evolved dramatically, with professionals like DeChambeau and McIlroy training to be explosive, driving balls over 300 yards.
Despite his dedication to fitness, Woods’ health has deteriorated since his accident in 2021, keeping him away from competitive golf for an extended period. The golf icon underwent back surgery in October 2025, his seventh operation, and, despite his visible mobility, he emphasized that he is not rushing his return to competition.
During an event at the SoFi Center, Woods made an enigmatic statement regarding his return to competitive golf, saying: “Playing here? I don’t know. I enjoy watching these guys. As for competitive golf, it will still take some time.” Since his accident, Woods has been seen at various public appearances, including events supporting his son, Charlie Woods, but has yet to confirm plans to return to the professional circuit.
Turning 50 in December 2025, Woods is now eligible to play on the PGA Tour of Champions, and speculation about his possible participation in the senior circuit is growing. The same indomitable mindset that drove him to a “crazy” training routine during his glory days continues to leave contemporary stars like Jordan Spieth speechless.
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