The Rabbi Who Cursed Tiger Woods: A Golf Tale

In the world of professional golf, unexpected stories often emerge, and one such tale revolves around a retired rabbi from Long Island, Marc Gellman. Known for his humor and charm, Gellman has made significant contributions to both his community and the sport of golf.

A Pivotal Moment in Golf History

Marc Gellman is not just any ordinary rabbi; he played a key role in bringing the prestigious U.S. Open to the iconic Bethpage Black course in 2002. This public golf course, historically significant yet untouched by national championships, was thrust into the spotlight thanks to Gellman’s efforts. His connections within New York State and his unwavering dedication were instrumental in securing the event, a process that typically takes a decade.

Gellman’s Honorary Role

As a token of appreciation for his contributions, the USGA appointed Gellman as the honorary scorekeeper for the final round of the U.S. Open. This allowed him exclusive access to walk alongside golfers during the last 18 holes. In a memorable moment, Gellman approached Tiger Woods, who was leading by four strokes, asking him to sign hats, flags, and scorecards for a charity auction. Woods, amidst the energy of the tournament, agreed.

However, after an exhilarating round where Woods claimed victory, Gellman faced unexpected challenges in securing those signatures. Despite waiting outside the scoring trailer and later in the parking lot, Tiger Woods missed every opportunity to fulfill his promise.

The Curse of the Rabbi

Frustrated yet persistent, Gellman took his request to Woods once more at his hotel, but again, he was met with indifference. In a moment of sheer exasperation, he declared what has since been known as The Curse of the Rabbi: "Never again, Tiger, will you win another major championship in your life."

In June 2002, Woods had been at the pinnacle of his career, winning six majors in a span of 25 months. However, after Gellman’s curse, Woods found himself struggling.

The Aftermath

• 2002: Woods does not win another major.
• 2003: Still no major championships.
• 2004: Woods continues his drought, failing to secure any majors.
• 33 months: A shocking 0-for-10 streak in major tournaments.

Image: Tiger Woods during the opening round of the 2002 Masters

[Image Credit: Simon M Bruty]

In 2005, Gellman reached out, requesting to share this remarkable tale through a Golf Digest article. However, just weeks before publication, he had a change of heart, believing it might not be in the best interest of his community.

A twist of fate occurred when Tiger Woods’ manager, Mark Steinberg, inquired about the story. Upon learning that the article would not be published, he offered an alternative: Woods would sign the items Gellman had for charity.

Lifting the Curse

Gellman complied, and after signatures were secured, he lifted the curse. Just months later, in April 2005, Tiger Woods reclaimed his glory, winning the Masters. This moment featured one of the most iconic shots in golf history — when his ball rolled into the cup on the 16th hole at Augusta National.

Conclusion

The intricate tale of Marc Gellman and Tiger Woods serves as a reminder that the world of golf is layered with humor, drama, and unexpected twists. The miracle that day belonged not just to Tiger, but also to the retired rabbi who, in a stroke of fate, had a hand in shaping a notable chapter in golfing history.

Related Readings in Golf

• Undercover Pro: Cheaters at High-Stakes Sim Tournaments
• Ageless Golf(er)
• ‘The Best I Ever Did’: How Editor Jerry Tarde Transcended to Golf Evangelist

This remarkable account illustrates how intertwined lives can lead to legendary stories in professional sports, proving that even the most serious of competitions can be influenced by a lighthearted spirit, persistence, and sometimes, a dash of humor.