Tiger, winning or not, is a magnet for comment. Many of our you have joined several members of the media in deciding that the Tiger we once knew is no more, and some of you, like a few Golf World readers, have decided that he's "done."
It is now evident that Tiger's reign as an elite, dominating player is
nearing an end. His demise started nearly two years ago at the 2009 PGA
Championship where his short game and putting woes surfaced. Just like
Palmer and Watson, his short game deterioration comes as he enters his mid
thirties and his continued problems in closing out final rounds with
miscues, etc., are becoming more and more numerous. In fact, ever since the
Masters course was "Tiger-proofed" he has not won there. Whereas one
cannot say he will not win again he is rapidly becoming a middle-of-the
-field golfer and sadly one who will rapidly be sliding out of the top
10 in world rankings, passed by the talented group of young golfers
emerging world wide.
About this time last year Tiger promised to be a kinder, more gentle Tiger, someone who would be more appreciative of the golf fans and control his temper on the course. After watching the first 3 rounds of the Farmer's Insurance Open in San Diego, I would say Tiger has not changed a thing, with the exception of his play. He has gone from a great player to a good player. After Saturday's poor round Tiger once again declined to say a few words to CBS and his loyal fans, yet the media, for whatever reason continues to swing on his privates.
I was all excited to watch the third round of this [last] week's tour stop at Torrey Pines, and CBS Sports has once again done what they've done in the past. I saw too much Tiger when he was not in the hunt--5 to 6 shots out--again struggling with another swing change. I want to see more of Phil, Bubba, and Rickie Fowler. I saw Rickie maybe 4 times in the telecast and he was 4 to 5 shots ahead of Tiger. Rickie is one of our great young players who is exciting to watch. Tiger is done; he messed up and, please, CBS don't keep doing this each golf telecast when there are alot more players in the hunt. Let's show them!!!
Gene Martineau
Roseville, CA
Mark Reinthaler
San Ramon,CA
Christoper Conklin, Head Professional
Nairn Lock Golf Club, Avondale, PA
Gentlemen, there are three facts that work against the idea that Tiger is finished as a dominant player and that the networks will show him less because of it. 1. He is enormously gifted and equally competitive and will win many times again; this writer thinks he'll win one major this year. 2. Ratings continue to soar when Tiger's in the field, and especially when he is in the hunt. 3. His struggles are a bigger story than many players' successes, whether we like that or not.
Bob Carney
Rating
Comments
Post A Comment