Dear Tiger: Wearing red on Sundays

Hey Tiger, I'm 11 and was wondering what handicap you were playing off when you were 11, and why do you always wear red on the last day of a tournament? I am your No. 1 fan!
— Luke from Dublin

Hi, Luke. I wear red on Sundays because my mom thinks that that's my power color, and you know you should always listen to your mom. Don't worry about your handicap right now -- just try to improve. When you hit balls, be sure to practice with a purpose. Work on the shots that are giving you trouble. And most of all, remember to have fun. It's great to be 11 years old.

No question -- just a comment. I have been watching you since your inception into the PGA Tour and have always enjoyed your play. But the Memorial was something really special. I have never seen you as "on" before. Great entertainment! Now, if I could just convince you to come to Texas and play, so I could see it in person.
— John from Galveston, Texas

Thanks, John. As a golfer, you know that some days you have it, and some days you don't. When you're playing well, you hit every shot flush, and you think you can make every putt. On the "other" days, I try to simplify my game and hang on until, hopefully, things improve. It's been a little over a year now, but I hope some things are back to normal after Hurricane Ike. That was a terrible storm.

Hi, Tiger, I am a woman in her 30s, and I have to tell you -- I have never seen my husband so happy when you win. It's entertainment in itself watching him clap and yell at the television! Keep up the good work!
— Caroline from Carrollton, Pa.

Caroline, I think your husband and I just get into the moment. In 2008, I made a putt at No. 18 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational to win and threw my hat. Or at least that's what they told me, because I don't remember doing it. At the U.S. Open last year, I celebrated making the putt on the last hole to tie Rocco, but I don't recall that either. I can definitely empathize with your husband, but at least we're entertaining.

Tiger, I was just wondering if you will have any new signed items up on the Upper Deck Web site anytime soon. Also, is there any other place I can purchase autographed items from you?
— Tommy from Portland, Maine

How's everything in Maine, Tommy? I hope this year it's going to be a mild winter. Upper Deck is definitely the place to buy my memorabilia. UD authenticates every item that I sign, so you know you're really getting my autograph. I'll be signing some new items for Upper Deck next year, and hopefully there will be something you'll like.

I am glad to see that you are adjusting to your post-surgery conditions. It is a terrific transition for any athlete to go from a painful condition to a repaired condition (surgery), rehabilitation and training to do what you used to do more easily. I wanted to congratulate you on your children and your life. You are an inspiration to all the golfers of the world!
— Merele from Redwood City, Calif.

Merele, I'll be in California next week for The Presidents Cup, mid-October for my Block Party -- an event that benefits my Foundation -- and then early December for the Chevron World Challenge. I always enjoy returning to my home state. When I started this year at the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship, I had a feeling of great uncertainty. How would my knee respond to competition? How much swelling would I have? Would my explosion return? All this while trying to get my feel back since I was away from the PGA Tour for eight months. How I feel today compared to February is like night and day. While I didn't win a major in 2009, I was very happy with my consistency.