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Fancourt - It will only be a matter of time before Tiger Woods is back to his winning ways, nine-time Major champion Gary Player said at Fancourt, in George, this week.
"The golfing world needs Tiger to play well. When he plays more people watch and when he's in contention people who don't normally even follow the game become interested," Player said on Thursday at the launch of his invitational golf tournament being held next month.
Woods has battled with his game this season, failing to win a single tournament for the first time in his career.
"Contrary to what everybody thinks, I don't think it's all the external matters that are affecting his game; it's purely a matter of feel," Player said.
"It's a technical matter, and for Tiger battling with his swing, it's just a case of spending enough time trying to get his swing plane back on line."
Player believes Woods is going through a slump similar to that he experienced early on in his career.
"After people started saying Tiger is in a slump, he came back stronger than ever before," he said.
Woods, 34, has not won a Major since the 2008 US Open.
"Tiger is one of the few golfers to mesmerise his fellow competitors," said Player.
"In his last Major victory at the US Open at Torrey Pines in 2008 he mesmerised Padraig Harrington to come from behind and snatch the victory with his unbelievable recovery shots.
"He's a genius, he really is. It's fascinating, he's the most fascinating player that ever lived. He's definitely the most talented person to put two hands on a golf club in the history of the game, and he will be back."
PGA Tour and Champions Tour players will play alongside businessmen and celebrities in the Gary Player Invitational, which takes place at Fancourt from November 18-21. Last year, the event raised R4.5 million for charity.
