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Now we know what went wrong with Tiger Woods: The Curse of the Malocchia

August 21, 2015
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All the analyses of what went wrong with Tiger Woods’ career failed to consider this: A curse was placed on him.

A Norwalk, Conn., man claims responsibility for saddling Woods with the Curse of the Malocchia one year at the Buick Classic at Westchester Country Club.

The Malocchia — also called the Maloik, or evil eye (mal translates to evil, occhio to eye) — is an Italian curse, according to superstition. A wikipedia description called it “a curse believed to be cast by a malevolent glare, usually given to a person when they are unaware. Many cultures believe that receiving the evil eye will cause misfortune or injury.”

There you have it. Misfortune or injury. Maybe both.

At Westchester Country Club one year, Tony Cocchia requested an autograph from him and was snubbed.

“As he walked away, I said, ‘Mr. Woods.’ He turned around and I said, ‘I hope you never win another major,’ and then I gave him the Maloik,” Cocchia told George Albano of the Norwalk-based newspaper the Hour.

Of course, Woods ended up winning six more majors since his last appearance at Westchester, but Cocchia claims we're now seeing the effect of his curse.

“He hasn't won a major in seven years. So now the Maloik really works. Everybody busts my chops. They say, ‘Tony, what (the heck) did you do to Tiger?’”

There are ways to counter the curse, but Woods no doubt is not interested in what they are. Besides, he shot 64 at the Wyndham Championship on Thursday. A couple more of those will break any curse.