Michael Collins on The Tiger Slam, 25 Years Later | 04.07

In this special 'Time Machine Tuesday' episode of *The Right Time*, host Bomani Jones revisits the legendary Tiger Slam of 2000–2001 with guest Michael Collins, ESPN’s golf correspondent and former caddy. The conversation dives deep into Tiger Woods’ unprecedented dominance during that era, beginning with his 1997 Masters victory that shocked the golf world and set the stage for a historic run. Collins recounts the psychological intensity of caddying for elite players like Jumbo Elliott and Daniel Chopra, illustrating the raw, emotional dynamics behind the scenes. He then chronicles Tiger’s 2000 U.S. Open triumph at Pebble Beach—where Woods won by 15 shots and effectively 'beat the game'—followed by a dominant Open Championship win at St. Andrews, where he shot 19-under and beat the field by eight. The episode highlights the surreal nature of the Tiger Slam, culminating in a dramatic playoff win at the 2001 PGA Championship against Bob May, a moment that added narrative depth to the story. Collins reflects on the cultural impact of the era, the unique atmosphere at Augusta National, and how Tiger’s dominance redefined what was possible in golf. The discussion also touches on the lasting legacy of the Tiger Slam, the physical and mental toll of sustained excellence, and the emotional weight of witnessing a once-in-a-generation athlete at his peak—especially as the world now watches him from a different vantage point. Key takeaways include: Tiger Woods’ 2000–2001 run was not just a string of wins but a transformation of the game itself; his ability to master vastly different courses—from the precision of the U.S. Open to the low-running shots of the Open Championship—showed a level of adaptability few have matched; the psychological impact on rivals like Ernie Els and Phil Mickelson, who openly admitted they played for second; the cultural phenomenon of the 2001 Masters, which drew non-golf fans into the sport; and the enduring mythos of the Tiger Slam as a benchmark for greatness in sports. Collins emphasizes that while Tiger didn’t surpass Jack Nicklaus’ major record, his dominance during those two years was so transcendent that it redefined the concept of 'greatness' in golf.