Courtesy: Virginmedia

When Pete Sampras retired from the game of tennis in 2002, he left the game behind and took up golf. Played every day for nearly 3 years. And decided that wasn't for him.

"That's what you do when you're 60", he says, "not when you're 34."

So now he's back playing competitive tennis on the senior circuit.

What has this got to do with the game of golf, other than the fact Sampras plays?

Directly, not much.

But, indirectly, Sampras' story after his retirement is one that many athletes tell, including professional golfers.

In essence, it comes down to replacing a life of discipline, practice, routine, travel and playing with something that doesn't turn into a vacuum - empty and unfulfilling.

Professional golfers can always go into the design business or wait it out and hit the well-developed seniors tour. But there are plenty of golf designers and the seniors tour never quite lasts. It's more of the same - what the professional wants to leave behind.

If Tiger Woods' knee doesn't return to form, if his swing isn't irreparably damaged by his time away from the game, he too may be forced to consider another life entirely.

There is a fascinating look at Pete Sampras in a story published in today's Sunday Times. Well worth the time to absorb.