Tiger will miss the rest of the season
Posted at 12:27 PM by Anne Szeker | Categories:
Tiger Woods
The World's No. 1 player announced on his Web site Wednesday that he will miss the rest of the season because of surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left knee. He has been dealing with the injury for the last 10 months, during which time he won nine of 12 tournaments.
Click on the comment button below to tell us what you think about this announcement. What does this say about his major victory at the U.S. Open? And what does this mean for the rest of the golf season?
Posted by: Roger Thomas | Aug 26, 2008 4:34:30 PM
I went to the Tour Championship here in Atlanta in 2005. What a TERRIBLE experience. No wonder they are having trouble selling tickets this year.
1. Had a HUGE hassle trying to park. Very expensive, took FOREVER to get to the course.
2. Once we arrive at the course, they tell us we can't bring in cameras. I was more than pissed off at that point.
3. Finally we are in watching the players and I swear they think they are God's gift to humanity. They NEVER acknowledge the fans at all and just walk around (INSIDE ROPES BTW), like they are inside some sort of bubble.
4. It didn't use to be like this. I went to tournaments in 1988 and 1997 that were very enjoyable. Not now.
They can shove their prima-donna players where the sun don't shine. I'll never pay to watch these people EVER again.
Posted by: NJ | Jun 25, 2008 8:13:32 PM
I agree that at this time, Tiger is the best golfer and intimidator. Alll he has to do is show up and the other golfers fade and basiclly give him the golf game. Yes, he'll go down in history as winning the PGA on a bum leg.
Dumb move as far as I'm concerned. He may pay dearly for doing so. Pushing to win the almighty PGA with a torn ACL that is now in worse condition than it would have been. Stupid move for Tiger to make. I really thought he would bow out and play it smart.
Oh, by the way, it might even make for a more interesting golf tournament during his time off. The winner will be up for grabs...a mystery, not a given. I lean more towards the mystery, the unknown. Let's face it, when Tiger is on the course, it's a given he will be on top.
Hate to say it, but; he just may have pushed himself too far this time. Not even Tiger is invincible!
Posted by: Jony Foreman | Jun 25, 2008 5:40:23 PM
People-stop dogging on Phil Mickelson. I heard one person describe him as a rich snotty kid! That's not right. He's one of the most generous, sincere, caring people out on the tour. Stop talking about things you don't know. Rocco Mediate, as well, a great guy and a great competitor. Just because they look small in comparison with Tiger's shadow doesn't make them any less- they are still great golfers. I love Phil and Tiger, I love golf. That's all there is to it, but I'd like people to start showing a little bit more respect towards the PGA tour- those guys are good. In the meantime, get well Tiger, and go Phil!
Posted by: Tim G | Jun 25, 2008 2:31:53 AM
Firstly , I knew there was no way that he was going to let Rocco steal that Open from him . He has more determination than any pro athlete past or present . If he needs a birdie , he GETS a birdie. Secondly there was discussion as to whether the surgery might slow down his pursuit for Nicklaus" record 18 majors. I predict he'll win 4 of the first 6 he enters . He is like a machine . Anything from 8 feet in is as good as a "gimme", and if it has to be made , he makes it ! I must say that I don't care for the fans he has brought to the game (screaming "Go in the hole" when he is teeing off on a par 5) But his sheer determination , his refusal to give up , and just his overall under-pressure shot-making prove that he is the tops when it comes to detrmination ,playing under pressure , and his refuse-to-lose attitude. Good luck Tiger - take your time and come back 100% healthy.
Posted by: Sam V. | Jun 24, 2008 1:43:09 PM
Tiger winning the toughest major golf tournament in the world with, essentially, one leg--well, there are no adequate words in the language to describe how magnificent an achievement that was. I have always said that the rest of the PGA field must say to themselves,"Hmmm...how mmuch does second place pay?" whenever they see Mr. Woods' name among the competitors. Now, I think that with Tiger's absence, the confidence level will rise among all the remaining golfers--we'll even see golfers take aim at more tournaments that they might otherwise take off. This will be good for golf overall--sure, we will all miss Tiger on the prowl, but I think a few of the other cats will make some big noise--look for Sergio, Adam Scott, and some of the other young lions to try to claw their way to the top. Of course, Mickelson, Singh, Goosen, Els, Furyk, Cink (congratulations!), and the like will not go down without a fight. Get well soon, Tiger--we miss you already!
Posted by: David Young | Jun 24, 2008 1:19:52 PM
Tiger is one of the most;Sorry, Tiger is the best golf player ever, in my opinion, and he will come back better than he was. He can win a major, when other players can't win a tournament with 2 good knees.
Posted by: Billy Griner | Jun 24, 2008 12:40:20 PM
If Tiger has been playing with this problem for the past year, imagine what he will be like back at 100%. This is only a temporary set back for him. Tiger is too much of a competitor for this to get to him. He is one of the most focused athletes I have ever seen. I wish I had 10% of the concentration and focus he has on the course. He will come back as good, if not better, when he recovers.
Posted by: IJS | Jun 24, 2008 12:37:09 PM
I JUST WANT TO THANK TIGER FOR ALL THE SUNDAY THRILLS HES GIVEN ME AND MY FAMILY.MY DAUGHTER JUST NAMED MY GRANDSON AFTER HIM AND I JUST HOPE HE GROWS UP TO BE AS FINE A MAN AS HIS NAMESAKE.
Posted by: Gustavo Millan | Jun 22, 2008 8:42:44 AM
En el resto del mundo, no somos racistas como sí lo son en USA. TIGER WOODS es el atleta más grande que la historia del deporte ha dado. Felicitaciones a ROCO por su caballerocidad y sinceridad cuando reconoce la grandeza de TIGER!
Posted by: obi | Jun 22, 2008 1:57:55 AM
Top althete playing hurts is not that unusual. What's hard is the ability to make adjustment and win. What sets Tiger apart is how well he knows the game of golf at major. Every body made doubles and triples but none have the mindset to play catch-up. Others have bad holes than they gave up. Tiger had double first 3 rounds but he knows his game and the mentality of major to stay in the game. An eagle here and a birdie there and he is in play. You very seldom see him making big numbers. Just that alone set him way apart from the like of Phil and Garcia.
Posted by: Tim | Jun 21, 2008 6:29:01 PM
First of all, now knowing what we do, Woods wins this season is even more remarkable and it hasn't anything to do with money but heart and determination.
What outrages me are the 2 things: 1) the comments made here behind the secrecy of SN which border or racism and slander and 2) except for a few pros, most were elated because they now thought they could win a tournament. Instead of expressing as sympathy, they talked about themselves and that's self-absorbed.
As far as this BS about performance enhancing drugs which may apply to Phil M. because of his dramatic change, Woods strength comes the old fashioned way which is to work hard and prepare.
All the players except Mediate showed that all of them together don't have the class of a Woods.
So now golf is left with a sexist and borderline ethnic racist (Singh) and a bunch of classless low-life.
No player has given more back to the under-privilege in our society than Woods.
I strongly suggest that those that are not racist and can truly appreciate what Woods has accomplished boycott watching any golf on any channel and send an email expressing outrage at the players’ reaction.
I wish Tiger Woods a healthy recovery and look forward to his return and he kicks these classless bunch of PGA pros butt.
Posted by: Michael | Jun 21, 2008 5:30:26 PM
Perfect time to leave for the year. They will begin testing for HGH next year I hear. Jason Gore has opened up the door.
Posted by: VC Lindsey | Jun 20, 2008 7:59:00 PM
Boy, a body can get pretty dizzy reading all these comments back and forth.
We all know how silent he is about his private life, so here's my take.
Last year Tiger was quite close to winning the Open, but he missed the last putt that would have created a playoff with Angel. We'll never know, but my thought on last year (and this year) is this -
Noone but Tiger knew that his wife had entered the hospital that Saturday night in labor. Tiger tried so hard to win the Open outright on Sunday but at the end it came to sinking the putt, which meant having to stay there through Monday for an 18 hole playoff, or missing the putt and get home to support his wife and be there for the birth of his first child. His daughter was born that Sunday night.
I think all of that last year caused him to be driven to capture the Open this year, when the only fear and disappointment would be him personally suffering through the pain and maybe not winning.
Posted by: june chun | Jun 20, 2008 6:29:30 PM
Rick, we know that you won't be contributing to this great golf after Tiger is gone,otherwise, you'd be practicing instead of bashing Tiger!
Posted by: Rob P. | Jun 20, 2008 5:22:16 PM
anthony connor, high school coach isn't the proud standard bearer of honesty it was, maybe in the 1950's.
How many players graduate from high school to steroid use immediately?
It seems a lot of high school coaches are not represented in your argument, and you are one of the few 'clean' ones.
Arguing that Tiger should 'come clean' about the needle is stupid.
Some unkind things have been said about Tiger over the years, even by other Tour Players, but nobody has ever accused him of trying to get an unfair advantage.
If anything, it's the opposite.
Posted by: Ken | Jun 20, 2008 2:27:40 PM
There was great golf before Tiger, there was better golf with Tiger. There is no question he has inspired players to play better, be better in shape physically etc.
Posted by: Rick | Jun 20, 2008 1:01:27 PM
THere was great golf before Tiger, there will be great golf after Tiger - get over it.
Posted by: Rick | Jun 20, 2008 1:01:22 PM
THere was great golf before Tiger, there will be great golf after Tiger - get over it.
Posted by: Rick | Jun 20, 2008 1:00:30 PM
THere was great golf before Tiger, there will be great golf after Tiger - get over it.
Posted by: Judith | Jun 20, 2008 11:00:25 AM
I earnestly hope Tiger gets multiple opinions and seeks out Doctors who will be honest and set expectations for the outcome of ACL surgery. I know his health is his number one concern but the plain fact is that Doctors lie, they make promises they cannot keep, and repairing a torn ACL is tricky and the recovery time and rehab needed are extensive. I hope Tiger is talking NOT just to "sports" specialists, but rather KNEE specialists. As someone who started with a torn ACL and ended with a total knee replacement I would encourage Tiger to talk to the people who are experts on KNEES and not just famour sports doctors. He should check out the people who are inventing and creating the materials used in the most recent and modern knee surgery techniques. I hope he doesn't just have a bunch of a#@ kissers convincing him they can "FIX" his knee without having the credentials to actually fix it. I know you will think I'm crazy to think he would NOT have the best doctors, but having been there, it's just a word of warning. I wish him all the best and a speedy recovery. I'm a huge fan and I want him back in top form.
Posted by: nick ginex | Jun 20, 2008 10:06:07 AM
there go the ratings on the tv coverage...
Posted by: Lazlo | Jun 19, 2008 2:44:37 PM
Tiger's injury is like his own golf handicap to even things out and make it more competitive for the rest of the field. And boy was it ever entertaining.
Posted by: Richard Morgan | Jun 19, 2008 2:13:25 PM
Time for Tiger Haters to start hating on Nicklaus since he's obviously laughing at them too.
http://sports.yahoo.com/golf/pga/news?slug=ap-woods-nicklaus&prov=ap&type=lgns
Posted by: Scott in Houston | Jun 19, 2008 1:59:00 PM
Tim,
My thoughts exactly. This time off gives him time to dry out.
The upcoming surgery may or may not actually happen, though a doctor for the last surgery released a statement so that seemed legit. We need to wait for the next one for a doctor’s statement as a “Tiger Woods spokesman” or “agent says” won’t satisfy me in regards to his upcoming surgery being a success.
The lack of information up to the US Open and shortly after leads me to believe that some of what we’re getting is misinformation.
As to Scott in Denver, Tiger being an advocate FOR drug testing may have just been a smokescreen.
Get well soon Tiger.
Posted by: tiger-sycophant | Jun 19, 2008 1:58:24 PM
Greatest player of our era. Why?
14 majors, 65 PGA wins to date. Plays at least 16 times a year out of 35+ events on official PGA tour schedule. Nearest challenger is half of his World Ranking average away.
Comparing to Nicklaus and Hogan or any other past great golfer who played in different times with different equipment is irrelevant and a pointless argument. Nicklaus and Hogan had their competitors who used equipment from the same period they played.
Tiger is playing with the same blades for over 5 years now. The only change is his driver and woods from time to time. His competitors are using new technology just like him and change more frequently I suspect. And yet he stills wins more frequently. Another thing is golf courses have been made longer and narrower to come in line with the new equipment these days.
Compare all you want to pass golfers but do it with reason. All these great golfers including Tiger all have similar characteristics that made them winners, huge amount of talent, consistency, determination and mindset of a champion. Which one is the greatest in this respect is definitely open for debate? I think once Tiger surpasses Nicklaus and Snead you'll have your answer whether you agree or not. You can't argue the numbers then.
Don't knock the man either for doing what he loves doing even if you think he made a foolhardy decision to play on a bum knee. It's his choice no one elses. What you saw this past weekend was guts and glory. That's what competition is all about to him - winning no matter what the stakes. Not once did he make an excuse for having a sore knee.
He's stepping up and sharing his personal glories with the public no matter what state of body or mind he's in. What's wrong with appreciating this modern legend without criticising the mans choices?
People find it too easy to criticize others when it's not them making the tough decisions.
Golf will survive but everyone will be thinking of Tiger and when he will be back.
Posted by: Louis | Jun 19, 2008 1:13:43 PM
Call me a fair weather fan, but I think one phrase sums up the rest of the season (for me at least):
Like kissing your sister.
The only thing that could keep me off the course or playing with my kids on the weekend was watching Tiger make history. My wife (like many wives I expect) got to work expanding their "honey-do lists" as soon as they heard the news.
Posted by: Eric | Jun 19, 2008 12:46:38 PM
Who cares? Golf is for rich people.
Posted by: Mark Riley (Scotland) | Jun 19, 2008 12:21:17 PM
Hey Scott
Just in case you hadn't noticed, there's a big world outside the USofA. and a lot more golfers outside than inside. What is it? 90+% of you don't own passports and therefore couldn't actually visit another country at this precise moment.
Oh and you don't have to belittle the European Tour because, while you Yanks were sleeping, it became the World Tour and is doing fine, just hasn't changed its name yet. They visit China, where one third of the world's population lives, Asia, South Africa, Australasia and the Middle East as well as Europe.
When it grows further and as the purses and world exposure continue to grow, Els, Garcia, Goosen, Singh, Weir, Choi, Scott, Ogilvy, all those Sweedes and young Brits playing the USPGA Tour, if or when they switch to the World Tour, can leave you to enjoy Phil beating? What are those names again - oh yes, Howell III and Tryon - I think they have both been touted as the next best thing - or any one of those other memorable winners from on tour over there this year. You could even re-name the tour. I know, 'The Nationwide' sounds a good name
Don't bothet to reply - I'm just having a bit of fun and fantasy.
The point is everyone has benefited from the emergence of Tiger and no more so than the US Tour. His absence will leave a huge void. Bet you no single individual wins more than one of the next six majors.
Posted by: Scott in Denver | Jun 19, 2008 11:42:06 AM
I'm curious...SO WHAT if Tiger DID receive a cortisone shot in his knee before he played that day (I'm not saying he did...)? SO WHAT if Tiger DID take a couple of 800 MG Ibuprofen before his round to "dull" the pain (which 2 800 MG would do...it wouldn't stop the pain, but it WOULD dull it).
For you to group Woods together with Bonds and McGwire and the others is SUCH a stupid a** comment.
And I guess I just don't get your argument...what was "self absorbed" about Tiger's actions? Are you saying that Tiger shouldn't have played because GOLF needs him? Are you saying that Tiger did this for success and fame? Seriously...is that the argument you are trying to make?
Posted by: Scott in Denver | Jun 19, 2008 11:31:20 AM
Tim...you are a fool...an absolute fool for that statement.
Yeah...Tiger is having his surgery now so that he won't be drug tested. Right. Just in case you didn't know, Tiger has been one of the key proponents advocating FOR Drug Testing in golf.
Posted by: anthony connor | Jun 19, 2008 11:27:52 AM
Well, Tiger has proven that even though he is the preeminent golfer of his time, he also proved he is just another self-absorbed modern athlete who will do anything for success and fame. The TV pundits are genuflecting as fast as possible in awe of his win at the Open. I know Roger Maltbie was repeating the company line about "over the counter" pain meds making the difference on Sunday and Monday. However, the old adage of "you can fool the spectators but not the players" applies. Anyone who has experienced the "fun" of a major orthopaedic injury has to scoff at the idea that a few Advil enabled the heroic completion of the tourney. Come clean Tiger! Admit that like so many other athletes you were able to play because of the "needle." His accomplishment was remarkable but foolish in the extreme. As a high school coach for over 20 years in SC, I know when people are tempted to kill the pain for success. Don't be like Bonds, Sosa, and McGuire to let the truth dribble out. Admit that you used legal pain killers to get by now. I won't tarnish your feat and may prove valuable to youngsters who choose to foolishly take a similar route with catastrophic results.
Posted by: Scott in Denver | Jun 19, 2008 11:20:47 AM
Ummm...the BMW Championship is a European PGA tour event. Why use that as an example? That's like listing the leaderboard at the current Nationwide Tour event. I'm not trying to belittle the Euro Tour, but it's definitely more of a proving ground for the PGA Tour.
I will miss Tiger. Being a scratch golfer, it amazes me what he can do with a golf ball. However, I think golf will survive just fine. Granted, I'm sure everyone, including the media, wants to see Tiger in their field, but it will be nice seeing Phil fight off Sergio and Ernie down the stretch (or vice-versa).
Posted by: Will Mc | Jun 19, 2008 10:55:56 AM
Tiger haters of the world. Anyone who points to Tiger’s equipment as the reason for his success is just a hater or uneducated about golf. The top golfers in the world are making millions each year, but the haters would have us believe that they are buying their clubs at K-Mart. Oh, and ask Calloway our other club manufactures about who’s clubs are better. You probably think Roger Federer is the best tennis player because of his racquet, or a golden glove baseball player is only great because of their glove. Haters, GET REAL (real smart).
My favorite haters are the ones who suggest that Tiger is taking steroids. I think Tiger won his first tournament 3 days after he was born (steroids then too right). And, if you could please explain to me how steroids help your putting (I think Tiger does ok at that). I would love to see Tiger on steroids, but Tiger would never (his father is watching and he doesn’t need them).
If you like to cheer for the underdog, then cheer and support them. It’s not necessary to invent criticisms of winners. If Tiger drop his bag while Phil was teeing off, then I’m with you.
To be honest, I was hoping Rocco would win. What was he, 72 years old and 726th in the world or something? We will have years to see Tiger winning.
Posted by: Mark Riley (Scotland) | Jun 19, 2008 10:45:41 AM
Well said Scott!
Here is the leaderboard from the BMW Championships in Munich from just a few minutes ago:
These are the names at the currently at the top:
Lynn, O'Malley, Haig, Mamat, Echenique, Vancsik, Aitken, Foster and Noren.
How many can correctly provide chritian names for three of those people, off the top of their heads?
Now ask how important in the Name Tiger?
Answers on the back of a $100 bill please
Posted by: Scott | Jun 19, 2008 10:35:48 AM
First, I admire Eldrick for winning the US Open with those physical conditions.
Second, he's a fool, at least in part. He is so overly-focused on beating Nicklaus' record that he risked everything at Torrey Pines. He played against medical advice, and before I knew the extent of his injuries I wondered aloud to my 11-year old son if he wasn't risking permanent damage. He will now miss at least 2 majors and who knows if his swing will be the same again? I certainly take what his website says about recovery with a grain of salt, since his team was oddly silent about things until after the Open (it's not as if it's a contact sport where your opponent can take a shot at your injury).
Finally, while we can all admit he's a stellar athlete and one of the best golfers ever, can people please be somewhat objective? All this junk about how golf won't be the same now is rubbish; the sport has been fine for 500 years; it will survive this injury and his eventual retirement, whenever that occurs. He may or may not be the best ever; he is of a different generation than others worthy of the same title, and when you count (as one example) Nicklaus' first and seconds in majors Eldrick has a long way to go, especially when you consider the relative caliber of competition each faced, before he is the undisputed best. It would be much more enjoyable to read about golf without the hype and butt-kissing from Tiger sycophants...just because he's rich and famous doesn't make him smart, as some here allege, it just makes others, including the media, stupid. Let's just enjoy the sport regardless of who is playing!
Posted by: Richard Morgan | Jun 19, 2008 9:48:45 AM
Well, Kevin, Woods is obviously a lot smarter than you. How much do you make? How many people will pay to watch you work? LOL
Posted by: Richard Morgan | Jun 19, 2008 9:45:27 AM
Losers frequently point to steroids to explain away their loss and/or the loss of their favorite golfers. LOL Wake up! If anyone is doing steroids, it's the losers, who need something extra because they're nowhere near Woods in terms of skill.
Posted by: j. | Jun 19, 2008 9:40:02 AM
No one truly knows what Tiger's fate is with respect to his knee and future career as golf's preeminent star (ever), however, if there is one athlete on this planet who has shown sufficent mental and physical strength and determination to overcome the injuries which we now (perhaps only partially) understand are his, it is this man.
Posted by: Mike | Jun 19, 2008 9:29:12 AM
A lot of you are mixing up his injuries.
The main one which hurt him so much this US open, and effectively stopped him for the next two months, was the double stress fracture. This has no long term effects on his golf, but is painful at certain angles-which is why he only showed the pain on certian shots. He'll need to rest 3-5 weeks to let that strengthen.
I surmise that it was caused as Shipnuck says-Tiger did over strenuous rehab coming back from the operation, and his leg wasn't balanced, so he put too much stress on the tibia.
His other injuries won't stop him plating another 5-8 years, but after 40 I bet we won't see him much. The other injuries are to the ligament and cartilage, and will need the operation and time to strengthen, and maybe more care to not over flex the knee on impact.
He's amazing to play through the dull pain of a knee injury, and sharp pain of the fractures. However, it was a smart and logical move to play, because he knew that the main pain was in the tibia, and it wouldn't do any long term damage.
Posted by: Mark Riley (Scotland) | Jun 19, 2008 9:20:49 AM
This could turn out to be a 'watershed week' for golf.
First the injury. 'Reconstructive anterior cruciate ligament surgery' means the following: grafting ligament either from the hamstring or the patella tendon connecting the knee cap to the shinbone, or taking donor tissue from a cadaver. Recovery from this type of operation will be long - at least nine months. In addition, a double stress fracture (cracks) of the tibia will require considerable rest. The golf swing requires that the player stretches, twists, contacts, turns and also thrusts the forward leading leg for correct execution. Hence the requirement for the modern pro to be in top physical condition to consistently perform at the very heights of the game. Recovery from the type of surgery Tiger requires is not guaranteed and Tiger may be restricted in the future in the amount that he can do this and he will have a high risk of developing arthritis. Tiger should not even think about competition before the 2009 Open Championship in Scotland and he should not be encouraged to hurry back by anxious sponsors. (Els knee injury has never been fully detailed, he was playing again within six months and has yet to perform at his previous level.)
Secondly, who will now step up to the plate and be the 'flagship player', that keeps world interest in our game on the boil. Nobody appears to stand out from the rest at the moment and who wants to go and see Hamlet without the Prince. The problem for world golf is that without it's star player and with the world facing a global financial crisis to correct the excesses of the last decade, sponsors may take Tiger's absence as the chance to adjust their financial involvement and therefore prize money downwards, with a knock-on effect that would be felt by every tour player. When a company looks to cut back the first thing to get hit is the marketing budget.
Finally, we may have to face the fact that, post recuperation, Tiger may have to limit his competative appearances, as did Hogan, post the car accident. Doctors will be full of encouragement, they always are, they speak of no reason why there won't be a full recovery, you never take away a patient's hope but the reality is, that even with the best in the world at his disposal, Tiger will never (can never) be as fit again - there never is a full recovery from his type of injury.
I hope he does come back but only when he feels ready and that he has many successes to come - but as I said, we may look back on this week as the moment when something very real changed in the world of professional golf.
Posted by: Ernest Reed | Jun 19, 2008 8:52:50 AM
When asked why he would go against doctors orders to not play at the US Open, Woods replied because he just plays. There is a very fine line between stubborn pride and plain and simple stupidity. Woods just crossed that line. Why anyone would not heed the advice of their surgeon and more importantly, their own body...Now that one makes me seriously question Woods intelligence.
Posted by: mxp | Jun 19, 2008 7:52:23 AM
I was really looking forward to the British Open. Well see you next year PGA tour.
Posted by: Sam Bharath | Jun 19, 2008 7:46:46 AM
Some times it is better to be smart than stupid. Tiger should have listened to his doctors, He played very well in US open but was lucky enough to win it. When I was watching with my son I kept on saying "Tiger whould withdraw, He is jeopardising his career or atleast the rest of the season". But the media was just creating a hype of how strong and determined Tiger is. He is the best to watch hope we don't loose him for good.
Posted by: Grumpy | Jun 19, 2008 5:46:07 AM
I don't think T will be the same after the recoup; this may make the field more intereting. I just hope this does not finish his career.
Posted by: Keith Moore | Jun 19, 2008 4:10:55 AM
First, get-well Tiger and all the best to you and your family. I am not that big of a golf fan but I do enjoy watching Tiger, Phil, Vijay and other Pro Golfers play golf from time to time but the head trips posted here are just too-too much.
Hey folks its just a game with a big sales job behind it based around Tiger and other Pro Golfers and thats it. You don't want to get so caught up in Tiger haters, Tiger worshipers or Tiger playing and health decisions good or bad. There is really not much anyone else can do about any of it anyway other than Tiger, so why trip? For now, he will have his knee surgery, take time to heal and return next year. Other Pro golfers will continue to play out the season, ratings will fall a bit, less dollars will be made by networks and sponsors (sponsors who have no intentions what-so-ever of cutting Tiger even though they my trip a bit) and the beat will go on.
I will tune in golf tournaments as much as I did when Tiger was well and playing at the top of the game and still see other pro golf players play well and bad, win and lose and hopefully I will still enjoy watching the game of golf... Thats all!
Keith
Posted by: Marco Vucenovich, ON | Jun 19, 2008 2:51:02 AM
Sorry to make scary hypothesis, but reading what the doctor was saying about inconsistencies hard to explain join with the initial diagnosis for the first surgery (that if I remember was a tumor) let me really scared. We want him back ASAP. G-d bless
Posted by: Tim | Jun 19, 2008 2:49:17 AM
I'm sure Tiger taking off the rest of the year has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that the PGA will start testing for steroids and other performance enhancing drugs starting July 1st. Absolutely coincidental.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12176_3616081,00.html
Posted by: mike | Jun 19, 2008 2:30:39 AM
alright Tom | June 18, 2008 at 10:55 PM
ok your argument about equipment is horrible and you should be embarrassed to talk like your such a golf know-it-all. If your saying the equipment hogan palmer and nicklaus used makes a difference you have to think about their competition. All of the golfers competition used the same type of equipment that the superstars did. You say tigers technological advantage is soooooo great but his competition has the same technology available to them. also Nicklaus's competition had the same technology he did, so you can't say that technology is what makes tiger good. Don't get me wrong these were the best players to ever play, but your argument is weak and well to put it bluntly...wrong.
Posted by: Globey-La Costa | Jun 19, 2008 1:55:48 AM
Debating with a pal--What's more prestigious--
MASTERS WIN or US OPEN WIN???
Posted by: Maria Eldrick, Hong Kong | Jun 19, 2008 1:07:30 AM
I am a huge Tiger fan and golf this summer is not the same without him. Congratulations, my man! Take your time and heal nicely. You are being missed already.
Posted by: Kevin | Jun 18, 2008 11:10:44 PM
couple of things:
(1) before shipnuck goes around pronouncing that the best is yet to come for tiger, he should probably read his pal garrity's column, in which one of the world's leading orthopedists notes that there's really no way to know just how serious tiger's injury is since he's been so unforthcoming about the extent of the injury to begin with. this doctor as much as says that the woods camp is lying when it described one of his injuries as a double stress fracture, saying that such an injury is practically unheard of.
(2) even tiger conceded that he may have made his injuries worse by playing in the open against his doctors' advice. and they talk about how smart he is?
Posted by: Tom | Jun 18, 2008 10:55:06 PM
First, my congratulations to Tiger on a historical victory that will go down in the record books as one of the best. Rocco, you put up a great fight, and I am glad to see your game back to your potential.
In regard to Tiger's season ending surgery to repair the knee. I think that is the right thing to do. Tiger's doctors know what is best for him - and, I am glad to hear that he is finally listening to them. Watching Tiger on Sunday and Monday I kept scratching my head wondering what in the world is Tiger thinking with some of his club and shot selections. It appeared that his knee hurt the most on tee shots. Why didn't he flare open his left foot a little more than usual and just play a cut shot to alleviate the stress on the turn and follow through? Also, Tiger attempted some impossible shots...I am suprised caddie Steve did not play a larger role in settling Tiger down on some of those poor club and shot choices.
Posted by: EM | Jun 18, 2008 10:54:41 PM
let's see him play like he does with the equipment Bobby Jones used, or Sam Snead, or Ben Hogan, or Arnold Palmer or even Jack. He benefits so greatly from modern technology. Without his advanced golf ball and the groves on today's wedges he would be dead. Palmer use to hit 300+ drives with a persimmon wood! Hogan's golf balls weren't even round sometimes! Woods is the best of the last 15 years but not nearly the greatest of all time. Jones, Hogan, Nelson had to travel by train...Woods gets a private jet. Hogan had to wrap his legs to take the pain...Woods admitted to taking "a little something" to deal with the pain at Torrey. He probably shot up his knee with steroids or cortisone. There is life for golf after Woods.
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Okay, so the rest of the golfers don't benefit from the new technology as well? I imagine if Tiger was suddenly forced to play with 1960's equipment he would adapt his game to it and still be a great player...its tough to campare greats like Tiger and Nicklaus because they played at different times in different eras and certainly with vastly different equipment
Posted by: steve_r | Jun 18, 2008 10:30:00 PM
It is wack to draw parallels between sports and politics. But I will do it in any case.
Some folks like to comment that Barack Obama is an inspirational figure of our times. But having done nothing to prove that,
I say, nah.
Tiger is the inspiration of our times. He truly puts the rest of the field to shame. He could lose every single tournament he plays and people will still think of him as a winning champion.
Rocco is also a champion. His semantic 'loss' does not take anything away from him. He was almost able to dog Tiger, and that will be remembered as a feat for a long time.
But Tiger just upped the ante. They should redesign tiger proofing to be something like giving free shots to his competitors, or mandatory no look shots for Tiger or free cart rides for everyone else.
All the Tiger haters should re-evaluate their lives.
Posted by: Robbyst | Jun 18, 2008 9:02:26 PM
First of all, Tiger,great performance. Get well, soon. Second, for E.V. Martin--Man, you need to get a grip. I hope you feel better getting your pathetic tirade off your chest. You and Bob, the Moron need to get together and smack each other around. Finally, Bob, you show up on a sports blog and then criticize people for discussing golf. You think you would bring up a sport blog and find us discussing world events. What the hell are you doing on the blog in the first place? Go out and help put up a levee. Bless the people up and down the Mississippi. Then again, bless the people who choose to deal with the war in Afghanistan, the war in Iraq, the men and women of our armed services who return home with shattered bodies, the men and women and the suffering families who don't return from defending our freedoms (you know the same men and women who preserve the right for idiots like you and me to express our stupid opinions), bless the folks whose homes are in foreclosure, the people who can't afford to put gas in their car, the folks who can't put food on the table because they lost their jobs in this economy, or the sick and shut in because they can't afford health care. We may be morons but we get up each morning and find joy in life in the things we find joys in. Look in the mirror and then look up "moron" in a dictionary and let us know if you see the uncanny resemblance. Moron!!!
Beside it all, its not "God bless America" it's God has blessed America.
Posted by: John B | Jun 18, 2008 9:01:07 PM
Looking at some of these angry comments from some solipsistic angry people leaves me shaking my head in wonder. One does not have to be a "Tiger sycophant" to simply appreciate that talent like his only comes along very rarely. Yes, the man is blessed and you can be upset that he wins the majority of the time. However, when one considers how difficult the sport is where the rubric are people such as A. Palmer and J. Nicklaus who won approx 8-12% of the tournaments they entered and Tiger wins more than 27% over his career, is simply remarkable. As of late the man is winning more than 50% of the tournaments he enters. In view of the daunting difficulty of golf, why not just sit back and enjoy the experience? Michael Jordan, Roger Federer and many others are also examples of extreme talent in other sport venues. Should we also be angry because there have been many gifted intellects such as A. Einstein, I. Newton or S. Hawking, just to name a few, in the world? I hope the man comes back and we can again see him work his magic on the golf course. Don't be angry or jealous, appreciate what we are witnessing.
Posted by: D FM | Jun 18, 2008 8:53:15 PM
First off, I am a golfer and Tiger fan.
I found it sad that there were so many negative comments on a sportsman who is indeed currently the best in the world at his sport.
I don't think that Tiger is arrogant nor is he egotistical. I have never heard of him speaking badly of his fellow competitors whilst there are certainly quite a few competitors who have made remarks about Tiger that reflected their arrogance and egos.
Let us also not forget the amount of time and money he dedicates to his foundation work and charitable events. He does care because he wants to make a difference for others off the course too, especially for children.
He is a fierce competitor whose focus on what he does on the course is miles beyond any other player on the PGA Tour. This focus I am sure can be taken for being aloof or cold on the course. But let me ask you how many players have so clearly shown the level of grief he had on the course after winning the Open after his father passed away.
I feel that his accomplishment at last weeks US Open shows how locked down he can make his mind over his body. He wanted to win this tournament because that is quite simply what he is - a winner, champion and a leader. He knows better than anyone else what he can push his body to do.
So good luck Tiger, god bless. I pray that your knee and any other injuries will have healed by the time you have your appointment at Augusta next year.
Posted by: Lazlo | Jun 18, 2008 8:35:47 PM
I thought that Rocco had a fair amount of press coverage compared to Tiger. Maybe if Tiger stops winning the press will stop talking about him. That makes a lot makes a lot of sense to me.
Posted by: Rob P. | Jun 18, 2008 8:31:20 PM
My thinking exactly Jay.
Everyone else looks like a puffed up amateur next to him.
So everyone should stop putting Tiger down. He plays, they lose. It's been that way for 10 years, an extraordinarily long time for any player to be at the top of his game.
Perhaps Tiger treats the game as a professional, while the others pretend to play like gentlemen.
I remember when Tiger first put on the green jacket.....and the world of golf changed forever, but the other players thought it was still all about polite play. Tiger will win until the others train to his standard.
Posted by: june chun | Jun 18, 2008 8:28:10 PM
EVMartin, honey, have you taken your meds? Get a grip.
Posted by: Jay | Jun 18, 2008 8:24:49 PM
Tiger doesn't play for 2 months. He never hits more than 50 balls per day. He plays no golf He has knee surgery. Yet, he wins the U.S. Open with a bum knee and 2 stress fractures. The rest of the players on the PGA tour can't beat him under these conditions?
Posted by: E.V.Martin | Jun 18, 2008 8:22:30 PM
Why don't you just SHUT DOWN golf until Tigress comes back.It's really sickening every time golf comes on "that" is the first and last individual you HAVE to hear about.Last time I watched there were a lot more players than him out there.Hopefully this will make Golf a better game AGAIN!!!!!! I know now that I will start watching again..Until the return of "THE CHOSEN ONE".
Posted by: Lazlo | Jun 18, 2008 8:20:35 PM
All the Tiger haters who call us all bandwagoners will be on the bandwagon in 15 years or less and they will all say they were there from the beginning. "Yeah I remember Woods at Torrey Pines US Open, 2008...Incredible."
Posted by: YG | Jun 18, 2008 8:19:21 PM
I am not wishing Tiger bad personally but I must say I am glad I won't see his arrogant mug on my TV screen for a while. And I won't hear Johnny Miller going crazy because Tiger is in the lead. I'll start watching golf again.
Posted by: Don Hunt | Jun 18, 2008 8:09:11 PM
What a fantastic example of perseverence and toughness shown by Tiger Woods. His efforts are right up there with Bobby Orr in the 76 Canada Cup and Curt Schilling in the world Series. He is a great role model for young athletes.
Posted by: Cathy | Jun 18, 2008 8:00:18 PM
No one finer than Tiger in golf! Congratulations on the U.S. Open win! Hang in there Tiger, and listen to your doctor! We will be watching for you way down the road at other majors because you need to take good care of yourself. Go Tiger!!!
Posted by: TigerMike | Jun 18, 2008 7:58:51 PM
With it now known that Tiger ruptured his ACL after the Open Championship 11 months ago, and given his record between then and now, his detractors and critics have to come to the grips with the fact that the 160-or-so best golfers in the world basically had their butts handed to them by a guy playing on one good leg. I'd say "Get Well Soon" to Tiger, but I think it's better to say, "Get Well Completely, recover your top level of play, and continue to devastate the field!" Who knows--maybe with two completely good legs, he might come up with victory margins like he did in 2000. Scary Good to think about!!
Posted by: Rob P. | Jun 18, 2008 7:53:55 PM
bob, I know it sounds crass, but someplace in the US is always facing a crisis.
Meanwhile, people go to their jobs, buy groceries, get laid, or whatever.
Maybe the levees should have been built higher. Blame that on your government. And take 3 strokes for not posting in the right blog.
And yeah, I hope the people of Iowa are ok.
Posted by: Bob Hartwig | Jun 18, 2008 7:36:02 PM
I just glad he's a Tiger and not a horse.
Posted by: Ken | Jun 18, 2008 7:35:40 PM
Ditto Jeff Hajduk
Posted by: Jeff Hajduk | Jun 18, 2008 7:26:03 PM
Just a few random observations:
-It's an absolutely amazing feat to have won without being able to shift weight to the front (left) leg on the downswing. You can keep your weight back on the right side w/ shorter shots and get away with it, but that may explain why he was off target more often w/ the long irons & woods.
-I used to like and respect Retief Goosen, but comments like his will do nothing but further impair his marketability (which wasn't very high to start with given he is so quiet (read "without personality"). To those at Taylor Made / Adidas, if you're smart, you move his golf bag to the back of the line in those advertisements with the lineup of golf bags lining the fairway. Just like Sabbatini, if you open up your mouth and garbage comes out, then be prepared to get hit in the pocketbook, because companies will not want people like you representing their product.
-You couldn't pay me any amount of money to be working for the PGA tour right now. Every sponsor, tournament board, TV network involved in the remaining tournaments this year must have said a collective "Oh S*** ! What the **** are we going to do now!" because they will be hard pressed to pull more than 50% of the normal ratings, unless someone marketable and popular (Mickelson, Villegas, Couples) absoulutely sets the world on fire over the next 3 months. Tiger's injury may very well hasten the answer to the question "What will happen to TV contracts, purses, etc. once Tiger stops playing?" Tim Finchem and his staff will have their hands full for the next several years just to keep all of the current tournaments and huge purses as the economy continues to flounder, and sponsors cannot count on Tiger to participate in their tournament.
-Don't be surprised if Tiger pulls a Bobby Jones sooner rather than later, playing only in the majors and maybe 3 or 4 other tournaments a year, break Jack's major record, and call it a career. Money will be no issue (it never has been), as he could continue golf course design for any developer willing to shell out $10 million + to put Tiger's name on their new course. Even if he stopped playing today, he will have no problem earning $50 million per year for the next 20-30 years.
-Good luck with your rehab, Tiger, we wish you a full recovery and look forward to next year's Masters more than ever!
Posted by: Gary | Jun 18, 2008 7:18:29 PM
Tiger so intimidates other players it is pitiful. Rocco let the fact it was Tiger he was competing against get in his head. Rocco had a putt to win...had that been Tiger that thing would have been dead center. Vijay trains as hard physically, but no one has the same mental game as Tiger. He just doesn't make mistakes...often. He wasn't even close to winning the Masters...until the others came back to him. The pressure just got to them. He drives me crazy!
Posted by: bob | Jun 18, 2008 7:16:49 PM
Who cares? All you no good talentless middle-aged idiots. You need heroes to make your existence bearable?? C'mon, Golf is a hobby. Iowa is facing a crisis! Morons.
Posted by: RC | Jun 18, 2008 7:13:40 PM
Too all the armchair generals and the monday morning quarterbacks, forget golf for a second, if it was something most dearest to you, will you listen to the doctors and not do that, especially if the injury is just a knee injury, I will. Tiger is not dumb, in fact beyond golf at this young age he has proven to be quite a sucessful human being, looking at his behavior, decisions, financials on and off course, very few 32 years old can achieve that even. He played Torry, becuase that was that important to him, money he has enough, not to mention being on target for Jack's record. According to him he just simply couldn' t let the people of where he grew up down. He will be back, he will back as a stonger and a better player, look at Rocco, his back injury almost ended his career too, so stop speculating and just wish the man well.
Posted by: Rob P. | Jun 18, 2008 7:08:55 PM
Wow Rob P...you are an angry person. When you call someone the greatest of all time...as many do call Tiger...you have to compare them to players from the past. As someone who has watched golf for many years and have studied the great players of the past it is my opinion, and others, that Tiger is not the best of all time...the best of his generation without a doubt, but not since the beginning of golf as a profession. Why you bring up other sports on Golf.com is beyond me...we were talking about golf, not if Magic was better than Jerry West or if Barry Bonds is better than Hank Aaron.
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So now you backtrack.
I never said that Tiger was the best of all time, and my bringing up other sports was a way of shutting down a useless argument about Mr. Micklaus defeating Mr. Woods when both were 30 years old, with suitable equipment.
I also never called Tiger the best of all time, or even the best of his generation. You assumed I was a fan of Tiger, when I said no such thing.
Above all else, I respect his play. He can make shots nobody else can, and WHAT I SAID was others try to beat Tiger, rather than try to beat the course.
You or I could be playing with Tiger, and he wouldn't care. He would still play to beat the course, not us.
Peacefully, I say, I don't think you are stupid or a moron Gary, just a person with a different opinion.
Tiger does seem to win all the important battles though. As a teaser, type 'Tiger Woods Cheats' in Google and see what comes up.
I guarantee that NO other player has the physical or mental regimen to earn wins like Tiger.
Cheers. :) And yes, no personal offense. This is golf after all. We are all allowed to get huffy once in a while.......hehehehe.
Posted by: Gary | Jun 18, 2008 6:53:30 PM
Wow Rob P...you are an angry person. When you call someone the greatest of all time...as many do call Tiger...you have to compare them to players from the past. As someone who has watched golf for many years and have studied the great players of the past it is my opinion, and others, that Tiger is not the best of all time...the best of his generation without a doubt, but not since the beginning of golf as a profession. Why you bring up other sports on Golf.com is beyond me...we were talking about golf, not if Magic was better than Jerry West or if Barry Bonds is better than Hank Aaron.
Posted by: Steve Bass | Jun 18, 2008 6:46:02 PM
As someone who has had five knees operations including an ACL and a total joint replacement I am in awe of what Tiger has accomplished. The pain he experienced would have put most people out for the count. Here's hoping he can successfully complete rehab (and that's a LOT of work) and come back next season prepared to continue his march to number 19
Posted by: Ken | Jun 18, 2008 6:39:16 PM
I am curious about Retief Goosen comment about Tiger faking it. Why would he say something like that? Did he honestly believe that all those grants and mourns he had were all for show as he puts it. And more surprising that someone would actually go to that extent to fake an injury? Its as if he was trying to cheapen the fight that went on during the Open or Tiger's win. And whats the deal with the South African players in the tour. From Rory (tiger is as beatable as ever), to Gary players comment about knowing a steriod user that he does not want to rat out and now this. Boy I hope Trevor or Els don't end up talking without thinking like their fellow countrymen.
Posted by: Rob P. | Jun 18, 2008 6:36:27 PM
Richard, I'm also surprised at the number of people who want to put Tiger down.
Maybe it's necessary for him to take a year off, so fans of cheaters like VJ and Sergio can get some too.
And yes, VJ has been caught cheating
Posted by: Richard Morgan | Jun 18, 2008 6:31:13 PM
Why so many angry folks? Perhaps those who are angry would prefer it if Tiger wasn't allowed to play? LOL
Posted by: Rob P. | Jun 18, 2008 6:22:54 PM
Rob P. I know a lot more about golf than you do. I am talking about comparing Tiger to the past greats and saying he is better than them, not his contemparies, you fool. If Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, Byron Nelson, Arnold Palmer or Jack Niclaus could be brought to our time in their prime and allowed to use modern equipment Woods would not dominate them or maybe not even beat them. Those guys are some of the best ball strikers of all time and could do things with the worse piece of crap equipment around. Tiger wins today because he is the best and mentally tougher than all of them. He plays 4 good rounds..they play 1, 2 or 3. So try to stop making personal attacks because my lips are not attached to Tiger's butt like everyone else who watches golf.
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Your argument is spurious because one could say the same about any sport. Try to play 2008 baseball with 1947 equipment. It's a stupid argument. The game was different then, but everyone in 1947 played with 1947 equipment. SO STOP YOUR TIME TRAVEL. Or the drugs.....
Hockey fans love the old NHL when there were few teams and real rivalries, and players were loyal to their franchise.
Same with NFL fans. But quadruple the teams and you get chaos and every once in a while a player will rise to the top (remember Magic Johnson).
You DO NOT know more about golf than I do, you have already proven yourself an IDIOT and a MORON in attempting to do so.
BTW, calling someone a fool is a fairly large insult, and the fact that you did so at the end of a sentence, after a comma, leads me to believe that you had run out of ideas at the time, yet felt it necessary to say more, but was unable to develop an idea worthy of reflection.
Now reflect, wonder, and stop. When you comment on the proprietorship that is the top level PGA player again, I hope you understand the dynamic between playing to win the pot, endorsements, and sports politics.
Tiger wins on all counts.
Posted by: Gary | Jun 18, 2008 6:17:33 PM
Only Rocco played well...Phil played like crap and Lee WEstwood melted under the pressure. Rocco had several chances to win this whole thing. I wanted him to win because this would have meant EVERYTHING to him and his golf career. For Tiger, in the end, it will be just another highlight.
Posted by: Gary | Jun 18, 2008 6:14:52 PM
Like Tiger needed any guarantee for endorsements? Are you kidding? He could quit now and not play golf for the rest of his life and he could get any kind of endorsement he wanted. He is the most recognizable sports figure in the world and doesn't need to do ANYTHING to guarantee an endorsement. He played because of his pride and wanting to win at a course that was close to his heart in his home state.
Posted by: Kurt | Jun 18, 2008 6:13:47 PM
Tiger winning the U.S. Open with a bad knee and stress fractures was amazing. But, it doesn't say much for his competition. The rest of the field in San Diego should be embarrassed.
Posted by: Gary | Jun 18, 2008 6:09:06 PM
Rob P. I know a lot more about golf than you do. I am talking about comparing Tiger to the past greats and saying he is better than them, not his contemparies, you fool. If Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, Byron Nelson, Arnold Palmer or Jack Niclaus could be brought to our time in their prime and allowed to use modern equipment Woods would not dominate them or maybe not even beat them. Those guys are some of the best ball strikers of all time and could do things with the worse piece of crap equipment around. Tiger wins today because he is the best and mentally tougher than all of them. He plays 4 good rounds..they play 1, 2 or 3. So try to stop making personal attacks because my lips are not attached to Tiger's butt like everyone else who watches golf.
Posted by: Rob P. | Jun 18, 2008 6:08:49 PM
So Rob P. we are going to call others names? I called Tiger and idiot...obviously you are too. It takes an idiot to risk future winnings (which over the years could be as much as $200M)to win 1 tournament and $1.35M. He didn't win a $100M you moron. And I do get off the couch and hack the ball. I never said I didn't think he was a great player...he is amazing.. I just said I thought it was a dumb decision.
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$100M per year in endorsements.
$1.2M for winning the tournament.
So I guess you can call me a moron, or maybe you can try to think about why he played with his injuries.
He played and won the most important tournament of the year for his domestic endorsement deals. His health and recovery will be big news for the rest of the year, and he will still be able to do some commercials for Buick.
Before you jump to calling someone a moron in your first sentence, I suggest you try to look at this from Tiger's perspective.
He gets a year off, plus he makes some money. The US Open was the battle he needed to win to guarantee his contracts for the rest of the year.
Now shut up doof. Stop pretending you know anything about the business of golf.
Posted by: Gary | Jun 18, 2008 6:02:30 PM
So Rob P. we are going to call others names? I called Tiger and idiot...obviously you are too. It takes an idiot to risk future winnings (which over the years could be as much as $200M)to win 1 tournament and $1.35M. He didn't win a $100M you moron. And I do get off the couch and hack the ball. I never said I didn't think he was a great player...he is amazing.. I just said I thought it was a dumb decision.
Posted by: Rob P. | Jun 18, 2008 5:58:59 PM
Maybe the reason Tiger is standoffish is because of the potential mines (non-fans) in the crowd. Do you think he is unaware of how often his name is mentioned in the sportsmedia? Or that he is made out to be some GOD of golf, when all he does is prove that the top level of golf has sucked for a long time?
Or maybe it's because he was trained to focus on the job at hand, rather than handing out trinkets.
Suggesting that he play with equipment from 50 years ago does no good, unless everyone played with the same equipment.
He enjoys to technological advantage over his rivals, or better training or practice. To suggest such is idiotic. ALL top level players have the same advantages, but must make choices about which equipment they use. Tiger obviously makes better choices.
Gary Moody, you don't really know anything about golf.
I have often wondered why Tiger dominates, even if he doesn't always win. He has won the mind game with the rest of the field. They think they have to beat him, when what they really need to beat is the course.
Posted by: Gary | Jun 18, 2008 5:52:11 PM
No june chun, when my knees hurt I don't play, when my doctor says not to do something I don't do it for fear of making it worse. Anybody that ignores the warnings doctors and your body are giving you are foolish...he was foolish.
Posted by: Ken | Jun 18, 2008 5:51:43 PM
I wouldn't say that I am a Tiger fan but I am puzzled by what you mean 'phony'. But as far as him playing with a bad knee I find it odd that people criticize his decision to play. It really up to him and I think I wouldn't be the only one to say that we all enjoyed watching the tournament as a result. Phil played with a messed up wrist at last years open and most people admired him for it. In any case its really up to the players to ultimately decide how to threat their bodies. I have to thank Tiger and Rocco for the incredible show they put up for us. It was one for the ages.
Posted by: Rob P. | Jun 18, 2008 5:49:00 PM
Gary Moody, so he played for the extra $100M he'll get in endorsements. Why is that a bad decision? And why would it be a shame for him? He is already the richest gamer in history.
If he has a few injuries, does that mean Tiger should sit out a few tournaments every time he feels a bit of pain, the same way a lot of baseball players do, or play through it, because he is the professional athlete. He played, knowing what it would cost him physically.
No whining basketball player here whining about a sore back or a strained ligament. He played with torn and fractured bones and ligaments. Why does that give you an excuse to put him down?
Playing 91 holes of golf in four days would be tough for everyone who is healthy. Now add an injury.
I hope your wife nodded silently and said nothing, while secretly thinking you were the biggest idiot on earth. And also wonder as you drink your 'lite' beer why you don't try to compete once in a while.
I would play hurt too if I could make an extra $100M. Your wife would not put you down for playing injured in that scenario, even if it meant lifelong retirement.
And what is this bandwagon you are talking about? Tiger proves that impossible shots are possible, and he is so far above the rest of the field he makes them look like amateurs.
Get off the couch. Try to play like Tiger. I can't do it. Nobody can.
So stop putting him down for his favourite win, the win he really wanted. (3X).
Posted by: Gary Moody | Jun 18, 2008 5:48:14 PM
To say that Tiger is arrogant or phony is not bs. Phil talks to his fans, takes time to smile and wave at his fans, gives kids Super Bowl tickets while he is playing...he is genuine. Woods does everything to get people to like him yet at tournaments he totally is aloof and stand offish and ignores his fans. He thinks the game of golf owes him something, as shown by the fact he said that golf should pay him a percentage of everything because they make the money because of him. Well golf has been around for 100s of years and will be around long after he is gone. And he being the greatest of all time?... let's see him play like he does with the equipment Bobby Jones used, or Sam Snead, or Ben Hogan, or Arnold Palmer or even Jack. He benefits so greatly from modern technology. Without his advanced golf ball and the groves on today's wedges he would be dead. Palmer use to hit 300+ drives with a persimmon wood! Hogan's golf balls weren't even round sometimes! Woods is the best of the last 15 years but not nearly the greatest of all time. Jones, Hogan, Nelson had to travel by train...Woods gets a private jet. Hogan had to wrap his legs to take the pain...Woods admitted to taking "a little something" to deal with the pain at Torrey. He probably shot up his knee with steroids or cortisone. There is life for golf after Woods.
Posted by: JD | Jun 18, 2008 5:47:25 PM
Greg H - I don't hate Tiger, I just don't worship him like a lot of you seem to. Athletes and movie stars put their pants on one leg at a time - just like you and I. I try to keep stuff like that in perspective. I recognize and respect his talent, but - like I said - perspective. He jeopordized his entire career for one tournament - that was a bonehead move - even if his name is Tiger Woods.
He's just a 32-year old guy, albeit a superbly talented one. It's not like he contracted Lou Gherig's Disease - it's just knee surgery. Don't worry - he'll be back. And Nike, Gatorade, and Buick, et al will keep paying him, so don't start mailing him your paycheck just yet.
In the meantime, maybe we'll get to see a few other golfers who deserve recognition.
Enjoy it, if you do.
I know I will.
Posted by: Tom Smith | Jun 18, 2008 5:47:25 PM
Bravo Tiger playing hurt I am glad there still are sports heroes left. Not primadonnas
Posted by: june chun | Jun 18, 2008 5:43:53 PM
You guys can't be serious. Calling Tiger arrogant,stupid,egotistical,greedy and foolish! Sounds as if you are describing yourselves!
Posted by: Albabru | Jun 18, 2008 5:41:46 PM
I'm coming up for 80 years old and have just had arthroscopic surgery and I say God bless you Tiger, what a show of courage. I'm still in pain.I would like to know if it's true that Goosen is quoted as saying he did not believe Tiger was in pain but faking it? What a rotten thing to say, if it's true. Tiger will be back.
Posted by: Dave Harding | Jun 18, 2008 5:39:17 PM
While fare from a Tiger fan myself, you can't really compare Tiger & Jack. 2 different times and fields of competitors.
jack was the best golfer of his time and Tiger, his.
Posted by: higo | Jun 18, 2008 5:36:45 PM
A torn ligament hurts when it happens and after that is "pain free." It weakens the area it supports be it the knee, ankle or whatever joint it is attached to but there is no pain associated with the injury. The stress fractures are similar to shin splints. Painful but no lasting damage. The decision to play caused no permanent damage but did affect his ability to play at 100% of his capabilities. To say that Tiger is "arrogant and a phony" is pure bs.
Posted by: Sneak | Jun 18, 2008 5:36:04 PM
Yeah Tiger is arrogant, but I am sure all of you would be with his record. He plays a sport people, and isn't winning the point of playing. He's already there why stop now, he's tough, it's sad when I see all these other players in other sports go on the DL list because of minor injuries. I know a man who ran for 4 weeks and escaped the khmer rouge with 4 bullet wounds, you know what I wish people were a little tougher and not cry everytime any little thing hurts. I am proud of Tiger for playing through the pain and still winning. This is his livelyhood he finished a game that he started no matter what. That is impressive and even more so he won.
Okay mind you I would never push anyone to play hurt but to continue to on your own accord is admorable, and shows some toughness that alot of society now lacks.
Posted by: Jake | Jun 18, 2008 5:34:37 PM
I think the question is, if you had Tiger Woods go head to head against Jack Nicklaus in his prime, who would win more often? I have a very hard time thinking that Jack would beat Tiger more often. And I don't agree that once Tiger gets to 19 major victories he magically becomes the greatest golfer ever.