MUScoop
MUScoop => The Superbar => Topic started by: Herman Cain on July 18, 2018, 11:21:59 PM
-
Tiger is primed and ready to finally break through and win another major. The Swing looks good . Was just watching the Golf Channel and they said Tiger intends to use his 2 iron frequently and has the degree of loft changed from 20 to 17 degrees.
Looking forward to an outstanding tournament.
-
Tiger is primed and ready to finally break through and win another major. The Swing looks good . Was just watching the Golf Channel and they said Tiger intends to use his 2 iron frequently and has the degree of loft changed from 20 to 17 degrees.
Looking forward to an outstanding tournament.
Announcers just stated the avg winner's age for the last 8 OPEN tournaments was 35 as opposed to high20s for the other 3 majors...this stat, plus his love for links golf and very firm fairways (hence, his wild driver stays in bag) bodes well for him. He recently added a new, heavier and "hotter" putter to help him deal with these slower greens, which has been his Achilles heel over the years {among other things ;-) }. After tiring of the constant Tiger talk, even when he's out of contention, I must say that the game could use him making a run or two at the majors. He's paid his dues and appreciates his fans more than ever. I'm rooting for him.
-
LOL, we're doing this again? Its nice that Tiger is healthy-ish, and seems to be less of an a**hole than in the past, but come on. He hasn't contended since the Valspar for anything. Non-factor at the Masters, MC at the US Open, decent finish at the Players, but again, wasn't anywhere close to the leader, same at the National a few weeks back and that was a soft field. To say he is primed and ready is ignoring both the last decade, as well as the even more relevant recent history.
Carnoustie is playing pretty wild, so it should be an interesting tournament regardless.
-
ok blokes-"i have a tip that can take 5 strokes off anyone's game-it's called an eraser"
arnold palmer
ok, even though i don't drink anymore-what would be some over-used, often stated golf terms heard during a round that'll keep the less than casual fan in the game- i'll start-
he's got plenty of green to work with
left himself with a lot of work to do
he got away with one
that's not gonna hurt him
here's a couple more goofy ones- a yassar arafat-uglu and in the sand
an o.j. simpson-he got away with that one
my favorites-rickie fowler, paterick reed, henry stenson
my sleepers-paul casey, nicolas coelsaerts, retief goosen
-
The Open.
-
LOL, we're doing this again? Its nice that Tiger is healthy-ish, and seems to be less of an a**hole than in the past, but come on. He hasn't contended since the Valspar for anything. Non-factor at the Masters, MC at the US Open, decent finish at the Players, but again, wasn't anywhere close to the leader, same at the National a few weeks back and that was a soft field. To say he is primed and ready is ignoring both the last decade, as well as the even more relevant recent history.
Carnoustie is playing pretty wild, so it should be an interesting tournament regardless.
Wether he's in it on Sunday or not, Tiger brings in viewers. I know I probably wouldn't be watching The Open if Tiger wasn't participating.
-
Wether he's in it on Sunday or not, Tiger brings in viewers. I know I probably wouldn't be watching The Open if Tiger wasn't participating.
While I think it’s silly, I understand that. But there’s a difference with that and people continually suggesting he’s gonna be a contender or favorite EVERY major. Cause of the golfer he was a decade and countless surgeries ago
-
Rocket - Coelsaerts is a really fun sleeper pick. I remember him tearing it up a couple years ago, then didn't hear from him again. Has he just been playing in the Euro/Asian tour events? Always a couple of those guys that do well at the Open but just don't play a lot in the States.
I picked Fleetwood in my Open pool - he seems to hang in there well on courses that play crazy and can really score when the course is giving the players a few strokes. I also think Paddy Harrington might surprise and be a fringy leaderboard guy over the weekend.
-
Tiger is primed and ready to finally break through and win another major. The Swing looks good . Was just watching the Golf Channel and they said Tiger intends to use his 2 iron frequently and has the degree of loft changed from 20 to 17 degrees.
Looking forward to an outstanding tournament.
Tied for 32nd, 5 strokes off the pace. He'll probably make the weekend this time.
-
Rocket - Coelsaerts is a really fun sleeper pick. I remember him tearing it up a couple years ago, then didn't hear from him again. Has he just been playing in the Euro/Asian tour events? Always a couple of those guys that do well at the Open but just don't play a lot in the States.
I picked Fleetwood in my Open pool - he seems to hang in there well on courses that play crazy and can really score when the course is giving the players a few strokes. I also think Paddy Harrington might surprise and be a fringy leaderboard guy over the weekend.
ABSOLUTELY! i watched him sneak up and "pants" us at the ryder cup at medinah. his putting just took the wind out of us. it was like-who is this guy??
i have fleetwood teamed up with colsaerts, casey, goosen, dj and charl in my fav draft kings line up-not so good after round 1. i thought i had a golden lineup
-
Tiger was 2-under through 4 when I left home ... to go play golf.
If y'all are interested, I struggled on the front 9 in my first round in 3 months, but I parred 4 of the 6 holes I played on the back before leaving to meet a coupla friends for some beers.
I probably won't make the cut, though.
-
Tiger was 2-under through 4 when I left home ... to go play golf.
If y'all are interested, I struggled on the front 9 in my first round in 3 months, but I parred 4 of the 6 holes I played on the back before leaving to meet a coupla friends for some beers.
I probably won't make the cut, though.
MU82’s swing looks great, primed to break through. Heavier putter and better exit velocities on his lofted wedges. Played contending golf down the stretch this afternoon. Def a contender for the Senior British Open. 8-)
-
MU82’s swing looks great, primed to break through. Heavier putter and better exit velocities on his lofted wedges. Played contending golf down the stretch this afternoon. Def a contender for the Senior British Open. 8-)
Shows what you know ... my swing blows!
But I do drive it pretty well and I'm a good putter.
-
Tiger was 2-under through 4 when I left home ... to go play golf.
If y'all are interested, I struggled on the front 9 in my first round in 3 months, but I parred 4 of the 6 holes I played on the back before leaving to meet a coupla friends for some beers.
I probably won't make the cut, though.
those windmill holes are a bitch eyn'a? plus the stimp's gotta be like 18 or so...like putting on concrete...wait... ;)
-
those windmill holes are a bitch
How the hell did you know I was playing in Holland?!?!?
-
Tiger even par after 36 holes . He is in good position to win. Hitting the ball well with the 2 iron. Needs two solidly under par rounds this weekend.
-
Tiger even par after 36 holes . He is in good position to win. Hitting the ball well with the 2 iron. Needs two solidly under par rounds this weekend.
He's six back with tremendous talent in front of him. He's done enough to make the weekend, but like the Players, he's likely too far back already.
-
Tiger even par after 36 holes . He is in good position to win. Hitting the ball well with the 2 iron. Needs two solidly under par rounds this weekend.
He made the cut.
He is not in any more "good position to win" than dozens of other golfers, including many who have actually ... well ... won something in the last decade.
I'm glad he made the weekend. Golf is more interesting when that's the case. He won't win.
-
Neck is increasin' in girth doe, hey?
-
Tiger has never won a major without being in the top 5 after 36 holes.
-
If Tiger can go out early and post 68 or better Saturday the players ahead of him will likely falter as they did in his prime. Then it will be anyone’s tourney on Sunday . Tiger will stick with his conservative strategy and grind out the win ,Nicklaus style ,by being the last guy standing.
-
careful of kooooch and zach
-
If Tiger can go out early and post 68 or better Saturday the players ahead of him will likely falter as they did in his prime. Then it will be anyone’s tourney on Sunday . Tiger will stick with his conservative strategy and grind out the win ,Nicklaus style ,by being the last guy standing.
Like in his prime? Tiger has never mounted a comeback you're describing in a major win before.
I want only a few things more than a Tiger win, but let's stay realistic.
-
Like in his prime? Tiger has never mounted a comeback you're describing in a major win before.
I want only a few things more than a Tiger win, but let's stay realistic.
Some of these putts are vintage Tiger.
-
How are some of your tree limbs feeling this morning? A little weaker than yesterday? :)
-
That was a helluva round by Tiger. He won't win but still props for a great day. A top 10 would constitute a great Open for him.
-
It was a good day for Eldrick. I again flash back to my youth when Arnie would have a good round only to come up short. Tiger is where Arnie was in 1974 and Jack in the 80's. Jack had one last transcendent 9 hole run left in him at the right time. Perhaps Tiger will, too.
-
Well, to no one's surprise except Herman, the rest of the field isn't folding even with tiger having a great round
-
Well, to no one's surprise except Herman, the rest of the field isn't folding even with tiger having a great round
Speith is an animal. Tiger can go shoot 66 again and still potentially be 3-4 strokes back depending how the course plays tomorrow. Molinari has sneaky been playing great golf lately
-
Tiger has never won a major without being in the top 5 after 36 holes.
Has he ever won one that he didn't lead through 54?
-
Tiger in a strong position to win. He needs to post 69 or better Sunday and the Claret Jug will be his . Weather supposed to be windy and Tiger will be back to the 2 iron which is working well. I see the wheels coming off the wagon of the guys ahead of him and Tiger being the best of the rest.
-
Tiger in a strong position to win. He needs to post 69 or better Sunday and the Claret Jug will be his . Weather supposed to be windy and Tiger will be back to the 2 iron which is working well. I see the wheels coming off the wagon of the guys ahead of him and Tiger being the best of the rest.
The Kostas of golf.
-
It is possible, but not where I would put my money.
-
The Kostas of golf.
he golfs?
-
Tiger in a strong position to win. He needs to post 69 or better Sunday and the Claret Jug will be his . Weather supposed to be windy and Tiger will be back to the 2 iron which is working well. I see the wheels coming off the wagon of the guys ahead of him and Tiger being the best of the rest.
Tiger does not win with a 69 tomorrow, that's keyboard diarrhea.
The 2 iron he pulled once today? Yeah, must be working great.
TW had nothing but good fortune today, played 16 of 18 holes with the tide. Leaders came out against the tide and didn't face the same birdie fest he did.
-
Has he ever won one that he didn't lead through 54?
I think you know the answer, but no. Tiger has never won a major from behind on Sunday. I think the closest he got was the PGA at Hazeltine in 2003.
-
My heart wants Kuchar after last year. My head says that Spieth closes the deal.
-
I think you know the answer, but no. Tiger has never won a major from behind on Sunday.
Yeah, that was my point to Herman. He thinks Tiger is in "great shape" 4 shots back. But even when Tiger was the GOAT, he was only in "great shape" on the lead.
-
Tiger in a strong position to win. He needs to post 69 or better Sunday and the Claret Jug will be his . Weather supposed to be windy and Tiger will be back to the 2 iron which is working well. I see the wheels coming off the wagon of the guys ahead of him and Tiger being the best of the rest.
Silliness.
Tiger had an awesome round today, which was great. And so did a bunch of other guys. It was a day to score, and a couple dozen did. Among those who scored as well as or better than Tiger: Spieth, Molinari, Rose, Miyazato, Wood, An.
There is no reason to believe the wheels are more likely to come off any of a dozen guys but not come off Tiger, who hasn't won a major in a freakin' decade and has barely contended in any during that span.
Could he win? Sure. So could Molinari and Noren, but I don't think they will, either.
Tiger obviously is still capable of fine golf on occasion. The intimidation factor is long gone. Spieth, Rose, McIlroy, Simpson, Johnson, Scott, etc, have accomplished way more than Eldrick has since he was TIGER.
And the idea that Tiger can shoot 2-under and win this thing? Silliness.
-
Tiger in a strong position to win. He needs to post 69 or better Sunday and the Claret Jug will be his . Weather supposed to be windy and Tiger will be back to the 2 iron which is working well. I see the wheels coming off the wagon of the guys ahead of him and Tiger being the best of the rest.
$500 says if tiger posts a 68 or better, he doesn't win. Accept?
-
I'd guess he'd need another 66 to have any chance.
-
Silliness.
Tiger had an awesome round today, which was great. And so did a bunch of other guys. It was a day to score, and a couple dozen did. Among those who scored as well as or better than Tiger: Spieth, Molinari, Rose, Miyazato, Wood, An.
There is no reason to believe the wheels are more likely to come off any of a dozen guys but not come off Tiger, who hasn't won a major in a freakin' decade and has barely contended in any during that span.
Could he win? Sure. So could Molinari and Noren, but I don't think they will, either.
Tiger obviously is still capable of fine golf on occasion. The intimidation factor is long gone. Spieth, Rose, McIlroy, Simpson, Johnson, Scott, etc, have accomplished way more than Eldrick has since he was TIGER.
And the idea that Tiger can shoot 2-under and win this thing? Silliness.
Best I could come up to explain why this is silly....90% of the group who's wheels would have to come off(like Spieth) were kids the last time Tiger was winning majors. They have no concept of how "scary" he is so why would just having Tiger on the leaderboard do anything?
-
Best I could come up to explain why this is silly....90% of the group who's wheels would have to come off(like Spieth) were kids the last time Tiger was winning majors. They have no concept of how "scary" he is so why would just having Tiger on the leaderboard do anything?
Tiger isn't scary Tiger anymore. He's not the T-2000 Terminator. He's been friendly, he's having fun. Rick, JT and others play with him regularly at Medalist.
I really wish Rick was in contention, because that Fu Manchu is fire.
-
In this wind, a 68 by Tigger would put at - 8, right? That might do it.
-
https://twitter.com/DataGolf/status/1020750072617693185?s=19
-
Damn you Herman for making me enjoy this less than I should be.
-
Not going to be a winner. Going to be the last man standing.
-
What a final 36 for Rose. From the brink of elimination to the clubhouse leader.
-
Wow. In the cradle of golf and someone has to be a complete ahole. >:(
-
I don't think the guy who yelled in Tiger's backswing on 18 should be punched in the face. A series of elbows to the rib cage by everyone who passes him and a pint or two dumped on his head...yeah I'm okay with that.
-
I don't think the guy who yelled in Tiger's backswing on 18 should be punched in the face. A series of elbows to the rib cage by everyone who passes him and a pint or two dumped on his head...yeah I'm okay with that.
And then the toddler parked three feet behind Schauffele? For real?
-
And then the toddler parked three feet behind Schauffele? For real?
I was physically cringing during his practice swings thinking the kid was going to scream. And I thought the parents at mass this morning waited too long to take their crying kid out of church...
-
Molanari’s last four starts:
Win in Europe, believe BMW
Win at Tigers PGA
Second at John Deere
Win at The Open
That’s an awesome streak and good for golf being first from Italy to win a major. Tour players call him Frankie and guess he is well liked.
-
Great performance by Molinari. The Champion Golfer of the Year.
-
I don't think the guy who yelled in Tiger's backswing on 18 should be punched in the face. A series of elbows to the rib cage by everyone who passes him and a pint or two dumped on his head...yeah I'm okay with that.
Bush league move, but Johnny Miller correctly said if Woods given a chance to rehit no way he would. That was a good drive.
-
Tiger took the outright lead on Sunday. And no one folded. Good call
-
Great performance by Molinari. The Champion Golfer of the Year.
His father would have been proud.
(https://cimg.tvgcdn.net/i/r/2015/10/31/27257073-a5d3-4241-a15b-eb55c38e6c3d/resize/700x1018/2746f2cd8fd5a07a9c84d699bf4d4bd9/151030-news-al-molinaro-copy.jpg)
-
The most enjoyable finish to a major in quite some time.
Kudos to Molinari, who had many, many, many chances to fold but refused to do it. Even on the very last hole, if he gets a bogey and Tiger gets a birdie, it's pandemonium. But, as many of us said, the Tiger Intimidation Factor, once 100, is now about 3. Molinari stared him down, made better shots, got the birdie while Tiger could only par, and clinched the championship. Impressive.
Kudos to Tiger. He played very well and if I were a Tiger fan (and I am!), I would be encouraged by this. Still, Tiger has given himself an impossible standard in that nothing other than major championships matter. So going 10 years without one, and falling apart for a couple holes after he briefly took the lead in this one, I'm sure he's thinking about the "one that got away."
Kudos to Justin Rose. An amazing final 36 holes for one of the great battlers in golf (and one of the great golfers in golf, too).
Kinda kudos to Rory. That eagle on 14 was absolutely thrilling, and for a second I thought he was gonna win it. Like Tiger, he has given himself a very difficult standard, so not finishing strongly after the eagle can only be judged a failure. But the guy has just incredible talent.
I'd say kudos to 9-9-9, as well, because he wasn't that far off on saying if Tiger shot a 69 he would win. But ultimately, 9-9-9 was wrong despite trying to sound so sure of himself. And Tiger's wheels were the ones that fell off. Maybe next time!
Self-evaluation: I also was wrong because I said: "Could he win? Sure. So could Molinari and Noren, but I don't think they will, either." Molinari proved me wrong (although I didn't say it with total certainty, like 9-9-9 did about Tiger), and it was fun watching him do it!
-
Kudos to the R&A. Cut the greens to 10 and played the course as it was. Fairways firmer and faster than the greens. Erratic fescue. Relatively benign conditions. And yet the winning score was only 5 shots lower than the grind that was Shinnecock. 276-281 Can you imagine what the winning score might have been if the wind had blown all 4 days like it did today? It would be dumber than dirt to take Carnoustie out of the rota. As much as I dream of playing it, the Old Course is the one that doesn't stand up to the modern golfer, unless there are gales. I wonder what the old guys will shoot there next week.
-
Eddie Pepperell, my new favorite golfer.
Pepperell was another Sunday charger, teeing off before midday and shooting a 67, only to admit later he wasn't exactly feeling his best.
"I was a little hungover," Pepperell said. "I won't lie. I had too much to drink last night."
-
Tiger took the outright lead on Sunday. And no one folded. Good call
Molinari had a great, consistent weekend and did a great job of keeping composure as fans rallied around Tiger. The 2 pairings that teed off after them as Tiger and Molinari crept up or stayed at the top of the leaderboard all shot their worst rounds of the weekend and averaged a 74.25.
-
Eddie Pepperell, my new favorite golfer.
Pepperell was another Sunday charger, teeing off before midday and shooting a 67, only to admit later he wasn't exactly feeling his best.
"I was a little hungover," Pepperell said. "I won't lie. I had too much to drink last night."
Something to that. Loaded up on ibuprofen. The edge is off. Lethargic. Mind is fogged and calmed. Assuming a normal swing is possible, just hit the ball, find it, hit again, not really give a crap, and presto.
-
MU82
I am a big, big, big time Tiger fan and found the last two rounds to be very encouraging. I feel more confident that he can a very successful second career on the PGA tour. Definitely enjoyed watching all weekend long. I spent far too much time in front of the TV, but it was a fun final round to watch.
-
Networks excited to have him back. Best overnight rating since 2000 and tied with rating from 2006. Tiger won both those years. Ratings also up 38% from last year.
-
MU82
I am a big, big, big time Tiger fan and found the last two rounds to be very encouraging. I feel more confident that he can a very successful second career on the PGA tour. Definitely enjoyed watching all weekend long. I spent far too much time in front of the TV, but it was a fun final round to watch.
I also was encouraged by the showing (and said so earlier in this thread).
I didn't see Tiger's interview immediately after the round but I did see it later on SportsCenter. His first words were that he was "pissed" at himself for screwing up - which also is encouraging in its own way.
He had been mostly shrugging his shoulders and being happy to simply be playing again, but now the uber-competitive Tiger is back and that's very good for golf!
-
no sooner than the open had ended(or possibly before), tiger came out as the favorite to win the pga at bellerive - 16/1
not only is tiger good for the game, but he gives me hope that i can get my game back from before i was injured :D
-
The PGA at Bellerive shouldn't even be a major.
-
no sooner than the open had ended(or possibly before), tiger came out as the favorite to win the pga at bellerive - 16/1
not only is tiger good for the game, but he gives me hope that i can get my game back from before i was injured :D
Will Tiger be able to hit irons off the tee and putt slow flat greens?
-
Will Tiger be able to hit irons off the tee and putt slow flat greens?
Bellerive is tight fairways surrounded by bunkers. It was uninspired at best when created and the always formulamatic Rees Jones added water, jacked up the green complexes and tightened up all the edges. The exact same renovation formula that killed Dubsdread at Cog Hill.
If Tiger isn't pulling driver, he's in trouble. A baked out STL course in August? Big hitters should come out. This isn't a championship course.
PS - I've really been obsessed in course design lately. If I could go back 10 years ago, I would've selected this direction after college.
-
I get the love of golf architecture. I appreciate creative design.
-
I get the love of golf architecture. I appreciate creative design.
Bellrieve claims their use of coloring in the concrete to repave their cart paths as one of the creative and innovative highlights of their renovations. Ooooookay.
-
When it comes to hosting majors, the course is only one factor. Surrounding infrastructure, ability to accommodate hospitality tents, move 100K fans every day, nearby accommodations. I was surprised Erin Hills pulled it off. Merion struggled with it. Arcadia Bluffs would be a great course to host a tourney from a purely golf standpoint, but it could not handle the rest. Bellrieve can.
-
no sooner than the open had ended(or possibly before), tiger came out as the favorite to win the pga at bellerive - 16/1
not only is tiger good for the game, but he gives me hope that i can get my game back from before i was injured :D
Tiger WAS good, more like incredible, for the game. I would argue he is only good for network ratings now. Golf is strongest when there is a crop of great players that fans are interested in and follow and appreciate. The Tiger obsession, when its very obvious its not 2005 anymore, hurts golf overall more than it helps it. I'm sure plenty will disagree with me, but unless he starts winning consistently again, he's just a sideshow that ruins a lot of golf coverage.
-
When it comes to hosting majors, the course is only one factor. Surrounding infrastructure, ability to accommodate hospitality tents, move 100K fans every day, nearby accommodations. I was surprised Erin Hills pulled it off. Merion struggled with it. Arcadia Bluffs would be a great course to host a tourney from a purely golf standpoint, but it could not handle the rest. Bellrieve can.
It can, but doesn't mean it should. Plenty of better courses than offer the same, if not more.
I'd like to see the PGA start sticking to a rotation. East coast, Midwest, West coast.
For example a 9-year rotation could look like Bethpage, Straits, Oakland Hills, Oak Hill, Medinah, Harding Park, Baltrusol, Valhalla, Olympic Club.
West coast is a struggle for sites, east coast is stacked. Midwest is deep enough where Bellerive can be forgotten.
-
Oakland hills is closing for two years. With the PGA moving to May, the Midwest is going to be tricky, as will the northeast. Whistling straits in May? Hazeltine? Eek.
-
Tower
I agree Whistling might be on outside looking in. It really is unfortunate because I believe Whistling is a far greater challenge in May versus August. I am sure the PGA does not want to roll the dice on iffy weather, but I think a cool, windy Whistling would be fun to watch.
-
When it comes to hosting majors, the course is only one factor. Surrounding infrastructure, ability to accommodate hospitality tents, move 100K fans every day, nearby accommodations. I was surprised Erin Hills pulled it off. Merion struggled with it. Arcadia Bluffs would be a great course to host a tourney from a purely golf standpoint, but it could not handle the rest. Bellrieve can.
those are a few of the reasons why, i believe, sentry world hasn't hosted more stuff
-
Oakland hills is closing for two years. With the PGA moving to May, the Midwest is going to be tricky, as will the northeast. Whistling straits in May? Hazeltine? Eek.
Absolute ace point there. Never really thought about how the May move in regards to weather. Like Goose says, I think Straits needs to be played regardless. Hazeltine might be in a bit of trouble.
I think it's criminal that the Chicago/Milwaukee market goes this season without a PGA stop.
-
Absolute ace point there. Never really thought about how the May move in regards to weather. Like Goose says, I think Straits needs to be played regardless. Hazeltine might be in a bit of trouble.
I think it's criminal that the Chicago/Milwaukee market goes this season without a PGA stop.
Des Moines, Columbus, Akron. PGA tour stops. The seniors and the ladies are far more frequently in the Midwest.
-
Des Moines, Columbus, Akron. PGA tour stops. The seniors and the ladies are far more frequently in the Midwest.
I knew you would counter with seniors and ladies! Don't forget about the senior ladies though.
-
I volunteered at an LPGA event a few years ago. Educational, both from watching the logistics of making an event come together, and figuring out how the lady professionals hit the ball so far. (timing, tempo, hitting the center of the club face). I volunteered years before that at a Senior PGA event. Grumpy old men. Who hit amazing shots that I can only dream of.
-
Tiger WAS good, more like incredible, for the game. I would argue he is only good for network ratings now. Golf is strongest when there is a crop of great players that fans are interested in and follow and appreciate. The Tiger obsession, when its very obvious its not 2005 anymore, hurts golf overall more than it helps it. I'm sure plenty will disagree with me, but unless he starts winning consistently again, he's just a sideshow that ruins a lot of golf coverage.
I think I agree with your overall thesis, but Tiger doesn't have to be 2005 Tiger any more to make his mark legitimately.
He just has to seriously contend on the weekends to be more than a sideshow. I mean, he certainly wasn't just a sideshow at the British.
-
I think I agree with your overall thesis, but Tiger doesn't have to be 2005 Tiger any more to make his mark legitimately.
He just has to seriously contend on the weekends to be more than a sideshow. I mean, he certainly wasn't just a sideshow at the British.
Agreed. He was in the hunt/in the lead on the weekend. I was speaking more to the lead up as well as coverage during the US Open and Masters where he was never a factor.
-
Just having tiger in the hunt, in the conversations on saturdays and sundays is Good for the game. It’s also good for humanity showing us that there is forgiveness left in parts,of our society. Tiger is much much more approachable, accessible, more at ease and humble. His past is his past. Actions mean something. Doing the next right thing means something and it’s showing and it’s paying off.
Some of the guys who’ve golfed with tiger are in awe that of how he handles the pressure and the crowds. Specifically the constant noise or even anticipation of it during a golf swing. His level of concentration has got to be amazing. They’ve remarked many times, how many strokes the crowd actually costs him
-
Some of the guys who’ve golfed with tiger are in awe that of how he handles the pressure and the crowds. Specifically the constant noise or even anticipation of it during a golf swing. His level of concentration has got to be amazing. They’ve remarked many times, how many strokes the crowd actually costs him
I was in awe of how well Molinari handled the crowds Sunday. You know they were going nuts when Tiger took the lead and again when he birdied 14. Molinari just went about his business and made every single shot he had to make. It was a very impressive display of clutch golf.
-
AP's Doug Ferguson, one of the best golf writers in the world has an interesting take on Tiger's place in today's PGA landscape:
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/article/OP/20180724/SPORTS/180729863
Disclosure: Doug is a friend of mine. But despite that, he usually has good judgment!
-
AP's Doug Ferguson, one of the best golf writers in the world has an interesting take on Tiger's place in today's PGA landscape:
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/article/OP/20180724/SPORTS/180729863
Disclosure: Doug is a friend of mine. But despite that, he usually has good judgment!
Fantastic article. Totally agree. He's Jordan on the Wizards at this point. He can still play and has ability, but he's not putting the fear of god in anyone anymore, and there are plenty of people who are his equals, and multiple better than him. If he goes on a run and wins a couple tournaments, it might start to creep back.
-
MU82
I have heard the Jordan/Wizard comparison several times over the past month or so. At this point, I think it is way to early to call anything on where he is going from here. Jordan was not going to will himself a crown in DC, but way too early to know what Tiger can or cannot do.
IMO, the Tiger comeback has surpassed all expectations I had for this year. He very well might have more in the tank than Jordan in DC. Once again, this season he only played the best courses and best fields and fared extremely well. I would not be a bit surprised if he was top ten in the world a year from now.
-
A lot of people think Jordan was a total failure with the Wizards.
At the midway point of his first season, he was legitimately being talked about as an MVP candidate. But he got old fast, his body betrayed him like never before, and it didn't end very well.
Golf isn't basketball. Tiger has many years left as a top competitor. Frankly, I'd be surprised if he DOESN'T win another major or two.
He just isn't the best in the world any more, that's all. And he never will be the best again. Too many players with more game than he has, and they do not quake in their boots over the thought of him.
-
Another major or two? He’s 42 years old. He’d be in the top 10 of oldest major winners since 1960 if he won now.
I’d be surprised if he won another. Shocked if more that that.
-
A lot of people think Jordan was a total failure with the Wizards.
At the midway point of his first season, he was legitimately being talked about as an MVP candidate. But he got old fast, his body betrayed him like never before, and it didn't end very well.
Golf isn't basketball. Tiger has many years left as a top competitor. Frankly, I'd be surprised if he DOESN'T win another major or two.
He just isn't the best in the world any more, that's all. And he never will be the best again. Too many players with more game than he has, and they do not quake in their boots over the thought of him.
Honestly, I think part of the issue is there aren't enough dominant players in the game. There was just something so mesmerizing about watching Tiger dominate on Sundays to the point of other players collapsing. Its largely a crap shoot these days who's going to be in contention and like it or not the casual viewer needs to have 2 or 3 players that are always in it to be interested.
I mean Speith had a great run but hasn't been consistent since DJ can dominate a major, if it's just the right course, Rory and Ricky are flash without substance, etc etc. I appreciate Molinari winning the Open and the golf he played but the viewers they need to bring in want big names to win frequently
-
Honestly, I think part of the issue is there aren't enough dominant players in the game. There was just something so mesmerizing about watching Tiger dominate on Sundays to the point of other players collapsing. Its largely a crap shoot these days who's going to be in contention and like it or not the casual viewer needs to have 2 or 3 players that are always in it to be interested.
I mean Speith had a great run but hasn't been consistent since DJ can dominate a major, if it's just the right course, Rory and Ricky are flash without substance, etc etc. I appreciate Molinari winning the Open and the golf he played but the viewers they need to bring in want big names to win frequently
Not only that but Tiger was flash AND substance. He pumped his fist. He swung hard without remorse. Let’s face it - he looked different. I remember watching him for the first time at the US Amateur and thinking “well this is different.” In an era of white guys laying up and barely showing emotion, he stood out.
The biggest problem is that golf didn’t take advantage of his popularity. The game could have taken steps to be more accessible like when Arnie was popular. Instead it went the other way.
-
The biggest problem is that golf didn’t take advantage of his popularity. The game could have taken steps to be more accessible like when Arnie was popular. Instead it went the other way.
THIS. Golf looked at what Tiger was doing/opening doors for and said no thanks we want to keep things the way they are and now they are paying for it (interestingly Adam Sandler of all people got it i.e. Happy Gilmore).
Golf needs to find a way to make the game more enjoyable/accessible for people to play for fun while also making their stars more interesting/dominating in the sport.
-
THIS. Golf looked at what Tiger was doing/opening doors for and said no thanks we want to keep things the way they are and now they are paying for it (interestingly Adam Sandler of all people got it i.e. Happy Gilmore).
I don't think those who ruled golf were intentionally exclusive. I just think that course developers all shot for the high end. The brought in the big names to design. They made the courses long (which requires good equipment) and expensive. Of course it got over-saturated and a bunch of these places went under.
Very little was done on the lower end. I do know a guy who opened up a par 30 course in the early 90s, and his business is still humming along. It's not going to win any awards and it's geared more toward the duffers, but it's a viable business.
I still think there are a lot of munis that are overlooked as well. Milwaukee County's courses are pretty decent, but the fees are getting up there.
-
Honestly, I think part of the issue is there aren't enough dominant players in the game. There was just something so mesmerizing about watching Tiger dominate on Sundays to the point of other players collapsing. Its largely a crap shoot these days who's going to be in contention and like it or not the casual viewer needs to have 2 or 3 players that are always in it to be interested.
I mean Speith had a great run but hasn't been consistent since DJ can dominate a major, if it's just the right course, Rory and Ricky are flash without substance, etc etc. I appreciate Molinari winning the Open and the golf he played but the viewers they need to bring in want big names to win frequently
I guess it's true that there aren't enough dominant players in the game, but at the same time there are so very many great, great, great players now that it would be difficult to do what Tiger did. He was great, but who were his main "foils"? Even Mickelson ... the two of them just about never went at it like Jack and Arnie did (with Player, Trevino and others back then, too). Sergio was supposed to be Tiger's rival for the ages ... but then became a choker and whiner.
I do think it would help golf if Speith or Rory or somebody else would become dominant -- and then lock horns with other near-dominant players. And yes, it would be nice if they had some pizzazz, too.
-
Another major or two? He’s 42 years old. He’d be in the top 10 of oldest major winners since 1960 if he won now.
I’d be surprised if he won another. Shocked if more that that.
Today's 42 isn't what it was in Nicklaus' day. These guys are physical. They train hard. They aren't fat. They don't smoke. The top pros have personal trainers, personal chiropractors, personal masseuses. They travel in luxury.
If he stays healthy - perhaps a big "if" for somebody with his health history - Tiger definitely has the game to win majors. He showed it not only in the Open but in other events this year.
I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if he wins another major. If he stays healthy, I expect him to.
Two ... I admit that's asking a lot. But hell, Zach Johnson - who is 42 like Tiger - has won two majors and has contended for several others, including last week's British.
-
Another major or two? He’s 42 years old. He’d be in the top 10 of oldest major winners since 1960 if he won now.
I’d be surprised if he won another. Shocked if more that that.
Today's 42 isn't what it was in Nicklaus' day. These guys are physical. They train hard. They aren't fat. They don't smoke. The top pros have personal trainers, personal chiropractors, personal masseuses. They travel in luxury.
If he stays healthy - perhaps a big "if" for somebody with his health history - Tiger definitely has the game to win majors. He showed it not only in the Open but in other events this year.
I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if he wins another major. If he stays healthy, I expect him to.
Two ... I admit that's asking a lot. But hell, Zach Johnson - who is 42 like Tiger - has won two majors and has contended for several others, including last week's British.
Adding to that...If he stays healthy (I know, I know), I personally see no reason to be surprised to see Tiger be "top 10" in something. Hasn't he been top 10 in pretty much everything he's ever done in golf? Why wouldn't be be top 10 in oldest majors winners?
-
Honestly, I think part of the issue is there aren't enough dominant players in the game. There was just something so mesmerizing about watching Tiger dominate on Sundays to the point of other players collapsing. Its largely a crap shoot these days who's going to be in contention and like it or not the casual viewer needs to have 2 or 3 players that are always in it to be interested.
I mean Speith had a great run but hasn't been consistent since DJ can dominate a major, if it's just the right course, Rory and Ricky are flash without substance, etc etc. I appreciate Molinari winning the Open and the golf he played but the viewers they need to bring in want big names to win frequently
Jordan Spieth won the 2017 Open Championship. He finished top 30 at the 2017 PGA. He finished third in the 2018 Masters. He missed the cut at the 2018 US Open. He finished ninth at the 2018 Open Championship. There are, literally, hundreds and hundreds of professional golfers who would sell their soul for this kind of inconsistency.
Rory McIlroy is 29 with four majors amongst his 20-odd tournament titles, a multiple Ryder Cup champion, has been player of the year in both America and Europe, and has won the money title in both America and Europe. There are, literally, thousands and thousands of professional golfers who would sell their soul for this kind of substance-less career.
-
I think the biggest thing to keep in my mind is how difficult it is to be the best player in the world for a long period of time. If Tiger can get back to top 10 player in the world and stay there for 3-4 years, he could be the best player in the world over those 3-4 years. Guys hit #1 and then last a very short period of time.
I do not believe Tiger will ever see the dominance he once had, but if healthy, I do believe he can get back to being the best in the game. Again, if healthy, I think he does have 1-2, maybe more, majors in him.
-
Jordan Spieth won the 2017 Open Championship. He finished top 30 at the 2017 PGA. He finished third in the 2018 Masters. He missed the cut at the 2018 US Open. He finished ninth at the 2018 Open Championship. There are, literally, hundreds and hundreds of professional golfers who would sell their soul for this kind of inconsistency.
Rory McIlroy is 29 with four majors amongst his 20-odd tournament titles, a multiple Ryder Cup champion, has been player of the year in both America and Europe, and has won the money title in both America and Europe. There are, literally, thousands and thousands of professional golfers who would sell their soul for this kind of substance-less career.
To add Rickie is a top 10 machine, guy just can't win. If we didn't value wins so much, lots of players would love his career.
-
To add Rickie is a top 10 machine, guy just can't win. If we didn't value wins so much, lots of players would love his career.
For fun, look at Rickie as a comparison to Phil. At this stage in their career, 9 seasons on Tour, Rickie has 9 Major Top 10s, Phil had 14. However, if you look at Top 5s...all of Rickie's 9 are actually Top 5s, whereas Phil only had 6 at the same stage in the career.
Phil was also a much more accomplished amateur golfer, turned pro older (He was 31 in his 9th season, Rickie is 29, they actually would be tied at 9 at age 29), and played on a much less competitive PGA tour.
So lot of time for Rickie to change his whole legacy profoundly like Phil did.
If you gave me the choice of Tiger winning 2 more majors, or Rory AND Spieth both tying Arnie/Snead at 7 majors (4 and 3 currently, respectively)...I'll take the latter
-
Today's 42 isn't what it was in Nicklaus' day. These guys are physical. They train hard. They aren't fat. They don't smoke. The top pros have personal trainers, personal chiropractors, personal masseuses. They travel in luxury.
And so do the younger guys.
-
Jordan Spieth won the 2017 Open Championship. He finished top 30 at the 2017 PGA. He finished third in the 2018 Masters. He missed the cut at the 2018 US Open. He finished ninth at the 2018 Open Championship. There are, literally, hundreds and hundreds of professional golfers who would sell their soul for this kind of inconsistency.
Rory McIlroy is 29 with four majors amongst his 20-odd tournament titles, a multiple Ryder Cup champion, has been player of the year in both America and Europe, and has won the money title in both America and Europe. There are, literally, thousands and thousands of professional golfers who would sell their soul for this kind of substance-less career.
Don't disagree at all about the career.....very good to great career. I speaking merely from a casual viewing public who by and large are only going to tune in for stars and the majors. The fact that Rory has missed the cut in at least one major each of the last three seasons represents inconsistency for the casual fan. What I mean by consistency is in contention on Sundays, no missed cuts for majors, win 3 non-majors, and 1 major a season.....that is dominant for the casual fan.
Just to be clear, you and I know they are great golfers, but the general public doesn't recognize it compared to the Tiger dominance of the 90s and early 2000s.....which, quite frankly, where most of the casual fans came from in the first place.
-
Between the 1963 British Open and the 1985 US Open, Jack Nicklaus missed two cuts in majors. He also missed the 1983 Masters due to injury.
-
And so do the younger guys.
Nobody said any different.