New Bedford’s Connection to Tiger Woods [PHIL-OSOPHY]

I'm praying for golf legend Tiger Woods to heal from his serious injuries, and in time, return to wellness. Tiger has had some bad breaks in his life, but this time, the godawful break goes beyond tough luck after his single-car accident.

His doctors confirmed that Woods suffered multiple fractures in his leg, and a rod was inserted during the surgery. A number of screws and pins were also put in place to hold his ankle together. Law enforcement reported that Woods did not appear to be impaired and they're investigating whether or not speeding could have been a factor.

I have immense respect for the golf prodigy, who has inspired me with his life's emotion-charged story. However, the story I'm about to share with you is one of surprise with an unexpected twist.

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Tiger has an appreciation for New Bedford, Acushnet and the SouthCoast because of his many to-and-fro secret visits here because of Acushnet Company, a world-class producer of golf equipment and clothing for brands like Titleist.

There was a time when a lot of golfers cared what equipment Tiger Woods used when their golf swings looked nothing like Tiger's swing. Fans do this all the time. Aficionados of Michael Jordan, for instance, look at his sneakers and want the same thing. However, unlike with Jordan, whose sneakers sell to the public at retail; the exact golf clubs that Woods uses have been shrouded in mystery because they're often prototypes made specifically for him.

Woods had to fly back here often to have important adjustments made often, whether to his 43.5-inch steel-shafted driver, his Titleist 975D with 7.5 degrees loft, Titleist forged blades, wedges and irons, or his Titleist Scotty Cameron Newport 2 GSS putter that helped him win 13 of his 14 major titles.

Because of his frequent need for club modifications, Tiger often flew in and out of EWB – that's the International Air Transport Association's code for the New Bedford Municipal Airport.

Tiger Woods is a role model by transforming history with his determined and revolutionary accomplishments. Godspeed to Tiger Woods, who is also a hero of sorts for overcoming the barriers in golf and in life.

Phil Paleologos is the host of The Phil Paleologos Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Contact him at phil@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @PhilPaleologos. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.