In what's usually the least dramatic major, it's the best final round of the year. Koepka suddenly becomes the best player in golf, rankings be damned?
Hes been one of the best players in the world for a few years. Hes just been hurt.
Prior to this season he had two wins on tour. In the last two months HRs doubled that total by winning two major. I'd call that a sudden ascension to the top of the golf world but May be I'm wrong.
I root for him because I root for greatness, and he was the second greatest golfer I've ever seen, and the best ever for a stretch. But I just don't see it. His irons were tremendous today; they bailed him out time and again. And he putted a lot better than he has most of the year, something that has also been below his old standards, and which I expect to stay that way.
Still, fantastic determination and unreal scrambling today. It was fun to see.
My dislike for Tiger is well known among golf fans here.
I root for anyone but Tiger. Awful human being, among the least fan friendly guys in golf history, so I see no reason to pull for him. But I give credit where credit is due. Hes closer than I ever thought he would be. If he putted like his old self, he would have won this one.
missed every fairway on the front nine and was still two under. That can be fixed. His iron play was phenomenal, and his putting was very good. He finished with a 64. He's really close, and the next major is the Masters, a course he has conquered many times.
and I had to double check. He was actually three under: four birdies, one bogey. Back nine was the same; eight birdies, eight pars, two bogies on the day.
I can see why he is not everybody's cup of tea but to say that he is not fan-friendly is absurd. He generates the Palmer-like reaction from the enormous galleries because he conveys that he is playing for that reaction.
He was slapping hands in a fan tunnel on the front nine.
One day in 1995, I had the opportunity to follow him around in a low key college event on the Stanford course. Just a few people who could stand a few feet away and take in the volume of the skinny kid's swing.
Shyster, hes trying to be fan friendlier now, because he wants...
to change his image, but he has never been good to fans until now. Notoriously unfriendly and downright nasty to fans. Ive seen it in person. I saw him swear at a kid who asked for his autograph after his round. So your assertion that hes been fan friendly is way off.
Hes been one of the best players in the world for a few years. Hes just been hurt.
Prior to this season he had two wins on tour. In the last two months HRs doubled that total by winning two major. I'd call that a sudden ascension to the top of the golf world but May be I'm wrong.
If you just want to look at strictly wins, then yes I suppose one could say that. But those that follow golf on a weekly basis and track young and upcoming talent have been talking about Koepka for years. If he wasnt derailed by injuries, he wouldve been doing this a lot sooner.
RE: Shyster, hes trying to be fan friendlier now, because he wants...
to change his image, but he has never been good to fans until now. Notoriously unfriendly and downright nasty to fans. Ive seen it in person. I saw him swear at a kid who asked for his autograph after his round. So your assertion that hes been fan friendly is way off.
I don't really see the image-change angle. When he was angry about his tee shot on 17, he let it show. There was also an audible "goddamn it" at one point. At the British Open, he had a very visible reaction to a fan yelling during his swing.
Other big name athletes have had the "He was mean to a kid asking for an autograph" accusation thrown at them and I don't question what you may have seen.
In big picture, again, I think it should be acknowledged that TW is fan-friendly in the most pertinent sense: he conveys to fans that he plays for their appreciation and they reciprocate.
By contrast, Koepka went out of his way on the final hole to deprive the gallery of the opportunity to show an appropriate appreciation for his victory. Faldo was appalled.
That's a guy who may need an image change.
RE: RE: Shyster, hes trying to be fan friendlier now, because he wants...
to change his image, but he has never been good to fans until now. Notoriously unfriendly and downright nasty to fans. Ive seen it in person. I saw him swear at a kid who asked for his autograph after his round. So your assertion that hes been fan friendly is way off.
I don't really see the image-change angle. When he was angry about his tee shot on 17, he let it show. There was also an audible "goddamn it" at one point. At the British Open, he had a very visible reaction to a fan yelling during his swing.
Other big name athletes have had the "He was mean to a kid asking for an autograph" accusation thrown at them and I don't question what you may have seen.
In big picture, again, I think it should be acknowledged that TW is fan-friendly in the most pertinent sense: he conveys to fans that he plays for their appreciation and they reciprocate.
By contrast, Koepka went out of his way on the final hole to deprive the gallery of the opportunity to show an appropriate appreciation for his victory. Faldo was appalled.
That's a guy who may need an image change.
This. Tiger haters are gonna find ways to keep hating him. Hes always been a fan favorite. Some people just cant accept that.
on a too easy course for these guys (rain softened course helps). It was really good theater all day today watching which is what majors should be. Why not just enjoy them display their talents without the judgment of character?
Look for your role models outside of sport and entertainment.
Congrats to Koepka who is turning into a monster, and Tiger for making it exciting too watch...
Fan favorite and fan friendly is not the same thing.
People like him in spite of his crappy treatment of fans. Some guys get it, some dont. You NEVER saw Tiger interact with fans in a friendly way, or sign an autograph. He just didnt do it. And he wasnt just indifferent, he was nasty about it. I saw a12 year old kid ask him for an autograph at Bethpage during the Open in 2002. He was finished with his round and on his way to hit balls at the range. Tiger looked at the kid and said Are you shitting me? and walked away. My 12 year old son, who idolized Tiger looked at the kid and then looked at me likeWTF?
That was the end of my respect for the guy. That and when he blamed banging cocktail waitresses on a sex addiction instead of manning up. I get that that people are in awe of his talent and I admire his fire, but I just wont root for him.
My best friend happened to get an autograph from Tiger in Atlanta
in 2003 at the World Golf Championship. He signed a bunch on the way to the range the day we were there and he did it with some appreciation to the fans that were asking.
I don't and never did look at Tiger as a role model or idolize him. And i specifically tell my children that they should look for role models in people other than athletes and entertainers for good reason. Enjoy their talents but end it there.
Just sayin'...
RE: Fan favorite and fan friendly is not the same thing.
People like him in spite of his crappy treatment of fans. Some guys get it, some dont. You NEVER saw Tiger interact with fans in a friendly way, or sign an autograph. He just didnt do it. And he wasnt just indifferent, he was nasty about it. I saw a12 year old kid ask him for an autograph at Bethpage during the Open in 2002. He was finished with his round and on his way to hit balls at the range. Tiger looked at the kid and said Are you shitting me? and walked away. My 12 year old son, who idolized Tiger looked at the kid and then looked at me likeWTF?
That was the end of my respect for the guy. That and when he blamed banging cocktail waitresses on a sex addiction instead of manning up. I get that that people are in awe of his talent and I admire his fire, but I just wont root for him.
But Mickelson is a-okay because he signs autographs? Even though he's a degenerate gambler, insider trader, cheats on his wife and all around phony? Got it.
brings up Phil. Yeah, I like Phil better. Assuming hes as big a scumbag as you always assert he is, at least he doesnt treat fans like shit. Im sorry I dont like your hero.
RE: I love that every time I mention why I dont like Tiger, GG ....
brings up Phil. Yeah, I like Phil better. Assuming hes as big a scumbag as you always assert he is, at least he doesnt treat fans like shit. Im sorry I dont like your hero.
I bring up your hero because its a little hypocritical to praise him when hes just as big of a scumbag as you claim Tiger to be.
In addition, I can away with a great appreciation for Brooks game. Guy was money on the greens and never showed any signs of faltering. Even with the birdie misses, he never waivered.
For all the Tiger haters, you have to think the PGA TV numbers are going to be through the roof.
Theres no way you can keep Tiger off the Ryder Cup team now.
Ideally you want the players that are playing at the top of their games RIGHT NOW. There arent many players out there that arent qualified already playing as well as Tiger currently.
RE: I love that every time I mention why I dont like Tiger, GG ....
brings up Phil. Yeah, I like Phil better. Assuming hes as big a scumbag as you always assert he is, at least he doesnt treat fans like shit. Im sorry I dont like your hero.
Not for nothing if I read you correctly, you saw him once brush off a kid. I think you are right that he was not fan friendly earlier. I do think he has decided to be fan friendlier now because he almost lost his ability to play. His interviews are much more contrite now and happy. It is startling, quite frankly.
As far as autographs, these guys have a job, and their routine is paramount to what they do especially before a round. Also, cons send kids to get autographs to sell at auctions. He and others have seen kids get an autograph, run to a guy, who hands the kid another hat, glove, whatever and send the kid back to get another. He's not the only one who has said this.
FWIW, a friend played at a Pro-Am with Tiger earlier this year and said he could not have been nicer. It was Tiger that actually started talking. He also said he heard stuff yelled at Tiger that he could not believe and I'm sure it was worse earlier in his career than it is now.
But you have the right to like or dislike whomever you want and that is fine.
I could detail the many things Ive seen Phil do for fans...
at tournaments, but youve heard me recount them before. And I could tell you more things about Tiger recounted to me by a friend who knows him and his parents, but theres no point. You like him regardless of his character. I like Phil, (less so now since the bullshit he pulled hitting his moving ball), regardless of his and were not going to change each others mind. So, we can just agree to disagree.
crowds because he's Tiger and people are looking to see greatness again, and when he was great, they were looking to watch domination:
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I can see why he is not everybody's cup of tea but to say that he is not fan-friendly is absurd. He generates the Palmer-like reaction from the enormous galleries because he conveys that he is playing for that reaction.
But don't confuse big crowds with being fan friendly. He's never been fan friendly and if he is now - it is more to rebuild a reputation that has become one of the worst in the sports world. Arnold Palmer was the first golfer to be a man of the people. He welcomed the attention and the crowds and he interacted with them.
Tiger has never been taht way. He used to berate people looking for autographs, including kids. He kept his inner circle small and kept everyone else out and when pressed on it, he said he's an insular guy. Nicklaus was insular too - which is why Palmer was looked at as his foil by the crowds, but Nicklaus was gracious off the course. He was particularly friendly to kids.
I'm not a Tiger hater, but let's not create falsehoods to prop him up. It was always his play that got people interested and that's the way it will continue to be. He's never been a guy known as friendly or with a sunny disposition. Now that he's been seen as a colossal asshole in his public meltdown - he's wisely trying to change that a bit.
I guess all those charity events that Tiger ran for kids ovr the years
thought process that he's too old to win a major, has there ever been a golfer as fit as Tiger. The only one I can think of is Bernhard Langer. He's in his 60s and still kicking ass. I'm not sure any of the younger guys are as fit as Tiger.
The only thing keeping him from being in contention is his back. Nobody will outwork him. He's improved his irons to where they were before. His putting is close as is his chipping and putting. He is over swinging the driver right now, and like Phil, he has always been sloppy with it. He will need to decide whether a few yards shorter with a smoother swing is more important than the 8 to 10 yards gained by a hard swing.
He may never win another major again, but it won't be from age in the next 5 to 7 years. Remember Tom Watson had the Open won and lost it because he did not listen to his caddy on the 72nd hole and he was 59.
If youre going to bring charitable works into the discussion...
thought process that he's too old to win a major, has there ever been a golfer as fit as Tiger. The only one I can think of is Bernhard Langer. He's in his 60s and still kicking ass. I'm not sure any of the younger guys are as fit as Tiger.
The only thing keeping him from being in contention is his back. Nobody will outwork him. He's improved his irons to where they were before. His putting is close as is his chipping and putting. He is over swinging the driver right now, and like Phil, he has always been sloppy with it. He will need to decide whether a few yards shorter with a smoother swing is more important than the 8 to 10 yards gained by a hard swing.
He may never win another major again, but it won't be from age in the next 5 to 7 years. Remember Tom Watson had the Open won and lost it because he did not listen to his caddy on the 72nd hole and he was 59.
Yes, I can think of probably 10-15 guys on tour currently that are definitively in better shape than Tiger. Thats it. The way he was hitting his irons yesterday, if he puts just 3 of those tee shots on the front 9 in the fairway, hes probably PGA champion again.
thought process that he's too old to win a major, has there ever been a golfer as fit as Tiger. The only one I can think of is Bernhard Langer. He's in his 60s and still kicking ass. I'm not sure any of the younger guys are as fit as Tiger.
The only thing keeping him from being in contention is his back. Nobody will outwork him. He's improved his irons to where they were before. His putting is close as is his chipping and putting. He is over swinging the driver right now, and like Phil, he has always been sloppy with it. He will need to decide whether a few yards shorter with a smoother swing is more important than the 8 to 10 yards gained by a hard swing.
He may never win another major again, but it won't be from age in the next 5 to 7 years. Remember Tom Watson had the Open won and lost it because he did not listen to his caddy on the 72nd hole and he was 59.
Yes, I can think of probably 10-15 guys on tour currently that are definitively in better shape than Tiger. Thats it. The way he was hitting his irons yesterday, if he puts just 3 of those tee shots on the front 9 in the fairway, hes probably PGA champion again.
And if 2 of those go out of bounds or into the stream, he doesnt finish top 10. Works both ways.
thought process that he's too old to win a major, has there ever been a golfer as fit as Tiger. The only one I can think of is Bernhard Langer. He's in his 60s and still kicking ass. I'm not sure any of the younger guys are as fit as Tiger.
The only thing keeping him from being in contention is his back. Nobody will outwork him. He's improved his irons to where they were before. His putting is close as is his chipping and putting. He is over swinging the driver right now, and like Phil, he has always been sloppy with it. He will need to decide whether a few yards shorter with a smoother swing is more important than the 8 to 10 yards gained by a hard swing.
He may never win another major again, but it won't be from age in the next 5 to 7 years. Remember Tom Watson had the Open won and lost it because he did not listen to his caddy on the 72nd hole and he was 59.
Yes, I can think of probably 10-15 guys on tour currently that are definitively in better shape than Tiger. Thats it. The way he was hitting his irons yesterday, if he puts just 3 of those tee shots on the front 9 in the fairway, hes probably PGA champion again.
And if 2 of those go out of bounds or into the stream, he doesnt finish top 10. Works both ways.
Possibly. My point was stressing about how his iron game was laser accurate, and he put on a scrambling clinic yesterday though. The way his round went, its more likely he still scrambles his way to overcome it.
and didn't hit one fairway on the front 9, so if he hit maybe 4 or 5 more fairways what do you think he shoots?
He probably birdies at least 1 or 2 more holes. Puts more pressure on Koepka...you never know.
So a 62? two more birdies gives him a 62. and don't forget the Noonan he had and the birdie attempt that lipped out.
If he hit some fairways he could have been looking at a 60 or even a 59 (of course shots could have went the other way too and we can play the could have game forever, but it was a realistic chance).
and didn't hit one fairway on the front 9, so if he hit maybe 4 or 5 more fairways what do you think he shoots?
He probably birdies at least 1 or 2 more holes. Puts more pressure on Koepka...you never know.
So a 62? two more birdies gives him a 62. and don't forget the Noonan he had and the birdie attempt that lipped out.
If he hit some fairways he could have been looking at a 60 or even a 59 (of course shots could have went the other way too and we can play the could have game forever, but it was a realistic chance).
The golf course giveth and it taketh away....Yeah, you could do this all day long on a dozen shots..Koepka was the best player in the tournament last week.
and didn't hit one fairway on the front 9, so if he hit maybe 4 or 5 more fairways what do you think he shoots?
He probably birdies at least 1 or 2 more holes. Puts more pressure on Koepka...you never know.
So a 62? two more birdies gives him a 62. and don't forget the Noonan he had and the birdie attempt that lipped out.
If he hit some fairways he could have been looking at a 60 or even a 59 (of course shots could have went the other way too and we can play the could have game forever, but it was a realistic chance).
Absolutely. Taking out the driver on the front 9, his ball striking was phenomenal.
in better shape? And what do you mean - are you taking off points for his back? Maybe more equally outstanding shape is a better term..
Koepka
DJ
Rory (if not suffering a hangover)
Stenson
Beef (ok I kid)
Off the top of my head Id put Day and Rose on that list, Adam Scott.
I thought of Rose and Scott, especially Scott. Day's back is every bit as balky as Woods.
I've actually thought Tiger was a bit to bulked up and his cardio was a bit lacking because he seemed to run out of gas on the back nine on Sat and Sun. I also think he dropped weight after the Masters or Players.
its about pain management and fatigue from trying to keep loose. Once you have a back injury your body gets super tense when its stressed which heavily effects mechanics.
its about pain management and fatigue from trying to keep loose. Once you have a back injury your body gets super tense when its stressed which heavily effects mechanics.
Good point on tension. He does say he is pain free (maybe relatively pain free).
but tension is next. If he gets into a routine where his body gets used to the stress, hat can only be a good thing for him.
I dont care much about his age and what history says. Golf isnt what it was 50 or even 20 years ago. A 40 year old Tiger is still in better shape than many players in their 20s. His irons and putting can keep him in any tournament so I really dont see why he couldnt win another major, it almost happened yesterday.
Im also fine anointing Koepka the best on tour. He seems like hes got the mental game to go with his long ball, really doesnt falter. For that reason I like him better than Dustin Johnson.
thought process that he's too old to win a major, has there ever been a golfer as fit as Tiger. The only one I can think of is Bernhard Langer. He's in his 60s and still kicking ass. I'm not sure any of the younger guys are as fit as Tiger.
The only thing keeping him from being in contention is his back. Nobody will outwork him. He's improved his irons to where they were before. His putting is close as is his chipping and putting. He is over swinging the driver right now, and like Phil, he has always been sloppy with it. He will need to decide whether a few yards shorter with a smoother swing is more important than the 8 to 10 yards gained by a hard swing.
He may never win another major again, but it won't be from age in the next 5 to 7 years. Remember Tom Watson had the Open won and lost it because he did not listen to his caddy on the 72nd hole and he was 59.
Yes, I can think of probably 10-15 guys on tour currently that are definitively in better shape than Tiger. Thats it. The way he was hitting his irons yesterday, if he puts just 3 of those tee shots on the front 9 in the fairway, hes probably PGA champion again.
Hell, in spite of missing so many fairways, he came within a couple of inches total of sinking those putts on 1, 11, and 14. If he sinks those, he shoots a 61.
I know if is the key word there but all three of those looked like they were in with two of them lipping out and the other somehow stopping dead 1/4 turn from going in.
..and Tiger in the hunt made it that more exciting.
Thing that ruins it for me, though, is the crowd.
Do they need to start hooting and hollering immediately after a shot is hit? Here's an idea...watch the play develop then cheer? It's almost like a contest.
I'd really like to see some shout "STFU and watch the sport!" a few seconds after these idiots spout off........
..and Tiger in the hunt made it that more exciting.
Thing that ruins it for me, though, is the crowd.
Do they need to start hooting and hollering immediately after a shot is hit? Here's an idea...watch the play develop then cheer? It's almost like a contest.
I'd really like to see some shout "STFU and watch the sport!" a few seconds after these idiots spout off........
Just escort them off the property. Six beers in and trying to time some stupid scream is annoying.
Tiger definitely brings in eyeballs. I can't stand the man, but I was riveted just like everyone else.
As for Tiger the person, he leaves a lot to be desired.
We get it, you dont like him. What exactly do you expect to happen if you keep pointing out that you hate him?
Its just strange. I hate a lot of athletes for a wide array of reasons, but I dont see the point in beating a dead horse about it.
As for Tiger, hes clearly a different person now. Wont get into a debate about why anyone should root for him, but he seems to have turned a page in his age and fall from grace. Good for him.
Tiger definitely brings in eyeballs. I can't stand the man, but I was riveted just like everyone else.
As for Tiger the person, he leaves a lot to be desired.
We get it, you dont like him. What exactly do you expect to happen if you keep pointing out that you hate him?
Its just strange. I hate a lot of athletes for a wide array of reasons, but I dont see the point in beating a dead horse about it.
As for Tiger, hes clearly a different person now. Wont get into a debate about why anyone should root for him, but he seems to have turned a page in his age and fall from grace. Good for him.
Dude. Chill. You really shouldn't get that worked up what I posted.
youve stated like 5 times how much you hate him. Just strange. If you cant see how thats weird, but I need to chill for saying 1 comment about it, you are the one in denial.
As for Greg, the next time you enjoy something will be the first.
youve stated like 5 times how much you hate him. Just strange. If you cant see how thats weird, but I need to chill for saying 1 comment about it, you are the one in denial.
As for Greg, the next time you enjoy something will be the first.
ha-ha-ha.....there are some negative Nancys on here. But I enjoy the personalities.
People like him in spite of his crappy treatment of fans. Some guys get it, some dont. You NEVER saw Tiger interact with fans in a friendly way, or sign an autograph. He just didnt do it. And he wasnt just indifferent, he was nasty about it. I saw a12 year old kid ask him for an autograph at Bethpage during the Open in 2002. He was finished with his round and on his way to hit balls at the range. Tiger looked at the kid and said Are you shitting me? and walked away. My 12 year old son, who idolized Tiger looked at the kid and then looked at me likeWTF?
That was the end of my respect for the guy. That and when he blamed banging cocktail waitresses on a sex addiction instead of manning up. I get that that people are in awe of his talent and I admire his fire, but I just wont root for him.
I saw the same thing with my daughter at Bethpage and Shinnecock Hills. We went on the final practice days (Wednesday).
Prior to this season he had two wins on tour. In the last two months HRs doubled that total by winning two major. I'd call that a sudden ascension to the top of the golf world but May be I'm wrong.
Nope.
Tiger's performance was equally incredible. He can definitely win a major again. At this point, I'd be surprised if he didn't.
I root for him because I root for greatness, and he was the second greatest golfer I've ever seen, and the best ever for a stretch. But I just don't see it. His irons were tremendous today; they bailed him out time and again. And he putted a lot better than he has most of the year, something that has also been below his old standards, and which I expect to stay that way.
Still, fantastic determination and unreal scrambling today. It was fun to see.
I can see why he is not everybody's cup of tea but to say that he is not fan-friendly is absurd. He generates the Palmer-like reaction from the enormous galleries because he conveys that he is playing for that reaction.
He was slapping hands in a fan tunnel on the front nine.
One day in 1995, I had the opportunity to follow him around in a low key college event on the Stanford course. Just a few people who could stand a few feet away and take in the volume of the skinny kid's swing.
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Hes been one of the best players in the world for a few years. Hes just been hurt.
Prior to this season he had two wins on tour. In the last two months HRs doubled that total by winning two major. I'd call that a sudden ascension to the top of the golf world but May be I'm wrong.
If you just want to look at strictly wins, then yes I suppose one could say that. But those that follow golf on a weekly basis and track young and upcoming talent have been talking about Koepka for years. If he wasnt derailed by injuries, he wouldve been doing this a lot sooner.
I don't really see the image-change angle. When he was angry about his tee shot on 17, he let it show. There was also an audible "goddamn it" at one point. At the British Open, he had a very visible reaction to a fan yelling during his swing.
Other big name athletes have had the "He was mean to a kid asking for an autograph" accusation thrown at them and I don't question what you may have seen.
In big picture, again, I think it should be acknowledged that TW is fan-friendly in the most pertinent sense: he conveys to fans that he plays for their appreciation and they reciprocate.
By contrast, Koepka went out of his way on the final hole to deprive the gallery of the opportunity to show an appropriate appreciation for his victory. Faldo was appalled.
That's a guy who may need an image change.
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to change his image, but he has never been good to fans until now. Notoriously unfriendly and downright nasty to fans. Ive seen it in person. I saw him swear at a kid who asked for his autograph after his round. So your assertion that hes been fan friendly is way off.
I don't really see the image-change angle. When he was angry about his tee shot on 17, he let it show. There was also an audible "goddamn it" at one point. At the British Open, he had a very visible reaction to a fan yelling during his swing.
Other big name athletes have had the "He was mean to a kid asking for an autograph" accusation thrown at them and I don't question what you may have seen.
In big picture, again, I think it should be acknowledged that TW is fan-friendly in the most pertinent sense: he conveys to fans that he plays for their appreciation and they reciprocate.
By contrast, Koepka went out of his way on the final hole to deprive the gallery of the opportunity to show an appropriate appreciation for his victory. Faldo was appalled.
That's a guy who may need an image change.
This. Tiger haters are gonna find ways to keep hating him. Hes always been a fan favorite. Some people just cant accept that.
KMOV
Verified account @KMOV
Aug 11
Before and after of @TigerWoods showing up on the 18th green. We call it the Tiger effect. 🐯 #PGAChamp
Look for your role models outside of sport and entertainment.
Congrats to Koepka who is turning into a monster, and Tiger for making it exciting too watch...
That was the end of my respect for the guy. That and when he blamed banging cocktail waitresses on a sex addiction instead of manning up. I get that that people are in awe of his talent and I admire his fire, but I just wont root for him.
I don't and never did look at Tiger as a role model or idolize him. And i specifically tell my children that they should look for role models in people other than athletes and entertainers for good reason. Enjoy their talents but end it there.
Just sayin'...
That was the end of my respect for the guy. That and when he blamed banging cocktail waitresses on a sex addiction instead of manning up. I get that that people are in awe of his talent and I admire his fire, but I just wont root for him.
But Mickelson is a-okay because he signs autographs? Even though he's a degenerate gambler, insider trader, cheats on his wife and all around phony? Got it.
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perhaps his Major drought comes to an end in 2019?
Nope.
Stan is just mad he lost 5 pounds sweating out the thought of Tiger winning this one.
IGAWA!!!!
I bring up your hero because its a little hypocritical to praise him when hes just as big of a scumbag as you claim Tiger to be.
Just being fair.
In addition, I can away with a great appreciation for Brooks game. Guy was money on the greens and never showed any signs of faltering. Even with the birdie misses, he never waivered.
For all the Tiger haters, you have to think the PGA TV numbers are going to be through the roof.
Not for nothing if I read you correctly, you saw him once brush off a kid. I think you are right that he was not fan friendly earlier. I do think he has decided to be fan friendlier now because he almost lost his ability to play. His interviews are much more contrite now and happy. It is startling, quite frankly.
As far as autographs, these guys have a job, and their routine is paramount to what they do especially before a round. Also, cons send kids to get autographs to sell at auctions. He and others have seen kids get an autograph, run to a guy, who hands the kid another hat, glove, whatever and send the kid back to get another. He's not the only one who has said this.
FWIW, a friend played at a Pro-Am with Tiger earlier this year and said he could not have been nicer. It was Tiger that actually started talking. He also said he heard stuff yelled at Tiger that he could not believe and I'm sure it was worse earlier in his career than it is now.
But you have the right to like or dislike whomever you want and that is fine.
But don't confuse big crowds with being fan friendly. He's never been fan friendly and if he is now - it is more to rebuild a reputation that has become one of the worst in the sports world. Arnold Palmer was the first golfer to be a man of the people. He welcomed the attention and the crowds and he interacted with them.
Tiger has never been taht way. He used to berate people looking for autographs, including kids. He kept his inner circle small and kept everyone else out and when pressed on it, he said he's an insular guy. Nicklaus was insular too - which is why Palmer was looked at as his foil by the crowds, but Nicklaus was gracious off the course. He was particularly friendly to kids.
I'm not a Tiger hater, but let's not create falsehoods to prop him up. It was always his play that got people interested and that's the way it will continue to be. He's never been a guy known as friendly or with a sunny disposition. Now that he's been seen as a colossal asshole in his public meltdown - he's wisely trying to change that a bit.
Cool.
Yeah, sainthood isn't in his future. I get it.
The only thing keeping him from being in contention is his back. Nobody will outwork him. He's improved his irons to where they were before. His putting is close as is his chipping and putting. He is over swinging the driver right now, and like Phil, he has always been sloppy with it. He will need to decide whether a few yards shorter with a smoother swing is more important than the 8 to 10 yards gained by a hard swing.
He may never win another major again, but it won't be from age in the next 5 to 7 years. Remember Tom Watson had the Open won and lost it because he did not listen to his caddy on the 72nd hole and he was 59.
Im retracting nothing.
The only thing keeping him from being in contention is his back. Nobody will outwork him. He's improved his irons to where they were before. His putting is close as is his chipping and putting. He is over swinging the driver right now, and like Phil, he has always been sloppy with it. He will need to decide whether a few yards shorter with a smoother swing is more important than the 8 to 10 yards gained by a hard swing.
He may never win another major again, but it won't be from age in the next 5 to 7 years. Remember Tom Watson had the Open won and lost it because he did not listen to his caddy on the 72nd hole and he was 59.
Yes, I can think of probably 10-15 guys on tour currently that are definitively in better shape than Tiger. Thats it. The way he was hitting his irons yesterday, if he puts just 3 of those tee shots on the front 9 in the fairway, hes probably PGA champion again.
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thought process that he's too old to win a major, has there ever been a golfer as fit as Tiger. The only one I can think of is Bernhard Langer. He's in his 60s and still kicking ass. I'm not sure any of the younger guys are as fit as Tiger.
The only thing keeping him from being in contention is his back. Nobody will outwork him. He's improved his irons to where they were before. His putting is close as is his chipping and putting. He is over swinging the driver right now, and like Phil, he has always been sloppy with it. He will need to decide whether a few yards shorter with a smoother swing is more important than the 8 to 10 yards gained by a hard swing.
He may never win another major again, but it won't be from age in the next 5 to 7 years. Remember Tom Watson had the Open won and lost it because he did not listen to his caddy on the 72nd hole and he was 59.
Yes, I can think of probably 10-15 guys on tour currently that are definitively in better shape than Tiger. Thats it. The way he was hitting his irons yesterday, if he puts just 3 of those tee shots on the front 9 in the fairway, hes probably PGA champion again.
And if 2 of those go out of bounds or into the stream, he doesnt finish top 10. Works both ways.
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In comment 14037682 section125 said:
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thought process that he's too old to win a major, has there ever been a golfer as fit as Tiger. The only one I can think of is Bernhard Langer. He's in his 60s and still kicking ass. I'm not sure any of the younger guys are as fit as Tiger.
The only thing keeping him from being in contention is his back. Nobody will outwork him. He's improved his irons to where they were before. His putting is close as is his chipping and putting. He is over swinging the driver right now, and like Phil, he has always been sloppy with it. He will need to decide whether a few yards shorter with a smoother swing is more important than the 8 to 10 yards gained by a hard swing.
He may never win another major again, but it won't be from age in the next 5 to 7 years. Remember Tom Watson had the Open won and lost it because he did not listen to his caddy on the 72nd hole and he was 59.
Yes, I can think of probably 10-15 guys on tour currently that are definitively in better shape than Tiger. Thats it. The way he was hitting his irons yesterday, if he puts just 3 of those tee shots on the front 9 in the fairway, hes probably PGA champion again.
And if 2 of those go out of bounds or into the stream, he doesnt finish top 10. Works both ways.
Possibly. My point was stressing about how his iron game was laser accurate, and he put on a scrambling clinic yesterday though. The way his round went, its more likely he still scrambles his way to overcome it.
He probably birdies at least 1 or 2 more holes. Puts more pressure on Koepka...you never know.
Koepka
DJ
Rory (if not suffering a hangover)
Stenson
Beef (ok I kid)
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and didn't hit one fairway on the front 9, so if he hit maybe 4 or 5 more fairways what do you think he shoots?
He probably birdies at least 1 or 2 more holes. Puts more pressure on Koepka...you never know.
So a 62? two more birdies gives him a 62. and don't forget the Noonan he had and the birdie attempt that lipped out.
If he hit some fairways he could have been looking at a 60 or even a 59 (of course shots could have went the other way too and we can play the could have game forever, but it was a realistic chance).
Yeah, Tony is in great shape..but not quite Greek.
Not sure where this is coming from...
Koepka
DJ
Rory (if not suffering a hangover)
Stenson
Beef (ok I kid)
Off the top of my head Id put Day and Rose on that list, Adam Scott.
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In comment 14037736 pjcas18 said:
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and didn't hit one fairway on the front 9, so if he hit maybe 4 or 5 more fairways what do you think he shoots?
He probably birdies at least 1 or 2 more holes. Puts more pressure on Koepka...you never know.
So a 62? two more birdies gives him a 62. and don't forget the Noonan he had and the birdie attempt that lipped out.
If he hit some fairways he could have been looking at a 60 or even a 59 (of course shots could have went the other way too and we can play the could have game forever, but it was a realistic chance).
The golf course giveth and it taketh away....Yeah, you could do this all day long on a dozen shots..Koepka was the best player in the tournament last week.
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In comment 14037736 pjcas18 said:
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and didn't hit one fairway on the front 9, so if he hit maybe 4 or 5 more fairways what do you think he shoots?
He probably birdies at least 1 or 2 more holes. Puts more pressure on Koepka...you never know.
So a 62? two more birdies gives him a 62. and don't forget the Noonan he had and the birdie attempt that lipped out.
If he hit some fairways he could have been looking at a 60 or even a 59 (of course shots could have went the other way too and we can play the could have game forever, but it was a realistic chance).
Absolutely. Taking out the driver on the front 9, his ball striking was phenomenal.
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in better shape? And what do you mean - are you taking off points for his back? Maybe more equally outstanding shape is a better term..
Koepka
DJ
Rory (if not suffering a hangover)
Stenson
Beef (ok I kid)
Off the top of my head Id put Day and Rose on that list, Adam Scott.
I thought of Rose and Scott, especially Scott. Day's back is every bit as balky as Woods.
I've actually thought Tiger was a bit to bulked up and his cardio was a bit lacking because he seemed to run out of gas on the back nine on Sat and Sun. I also think he dropped weight after the Masters or Players.
Good point on tension. He does say he is pain free (maybe relatively pain free).
I dont care much about his age and what history says. Golf isnt what it was 50 or even 20 years ago. A 40 year old Tiger is still in better shape than many players in their 20s. His irons and putting can keep him in any tournament so I really dont see why he couldnt win another major, it almost happened yesterday.
Im also fine anointing Koepka the best on tour. He seems like hes got the mental game to go with his long ball, really doesnt falter. For that reason I like him better than Dustin Johnson.
Thing is, even if you are a Tiger hater, you are tuning in.
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thought process that he's too old to win a major, has there ever been a golfer as fit as Tiger. The only one I can think of is Bernhard Langer. He's in his 60s and still kicking ass. I'm not sure any of the younger guys are as fit as Tiger.
The only thing keeping him from being in contention is his back. Nobody will outwork him. He's improved his irons to where they were before. His putting is close as is his chipping and putting. He is over swinging the driver right now, and like Phil, he has always been sloppy with it. He will need to decide whether a few yards shorter with a smoother swing is more important than the 8 to 10 yards gained by a hard swing.
He may never win another major again, but it won't be from age in the next 5 to 7 years. Remember Tom Watson had the Open won and lost it because he did not listen to his caddy on the 72nd hole and he was 59.
Yes, I can think of probably 10-15 guys on tour currently that are definitively in better shape than Tiger. Thats it. The way he was hitting his irons yesterday, if he puts just 3 of those tee shots on the front 9 in the fairway, hes probably PGA champion again.
Hell, in spite of missing so many fairways, he came within a couple of inches total of sinking those putts on 1, 11, and 14. If he sinks those, he shoots a 61.
I know if is the key word there but all three of those looked like they were in with two of them lipping out and the other somehow stopping dead 1/4 turn from going in.
Thing that ruins it for me, though, is the crowd.
Do they need to start hooting and hollering immediately after a shot is hit? Here's an idea...watch the play develop then cheer? It's almost like a contest.
I'd really like to see some shout "STFU and watch the sport!" a few seconds after these idiots spout off........
Tiger's performance was equally incredible. He can definitely win a major again. At this point, I'd be surprised if he didn't.
The dude is really cool as ice...........
As for Tiger the person, he leaves a lot to be desired.
Thing that ruins it for me, though, is the crowd.
Do they need to start hooting and hollering immediately after a shot is hit? Here's an idea...watch the play develop then cheer? It's almost like a contest.
I'd really like to see some shout "STFU and watch the sport!" a few seconds after these idiots spout off........
Just escort them off the property. Six beers in and trying to time some stupid scream is annoying.
As for Tiger the person, he leaves a lot to be desired.
We get it, you dont like him. What exactly do you expect to happen if you keep pointing out that you hate him?
Its just strange. I hate a lot of athletes for a wide array of reasons, but I dont see the point in beating a dead horse about it.
As for Tiger, hes clearly a different person now. Wont get into a debate about why anyone should root for him, but he seems to have turned a page in his age and fall from grace. Good for him.
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Tiger definitely brings in eyeballs. I can't stand the man, but I was riveted just like everyone else.
As for Tiger the person, he leaves a lot to be desired.
We get it, you dont like him. What exactly do you expect to happen if you keep pointing out that you hate him?
Its just strange. I hate a lot of athletes for a wide array of reasons, but I dont see the point in beating a dead horse about it.
As for Tiger, hes clearly a different person now. Wont get into a debate about why anyone should root for him, but he seems to have turned a page in his age and fall from grace. Good for him.
Dude. Chill. You really shouldn't get that worked up what I posted.
As for Greg, the next time you enjoy something will be the first.
As for Greg, the next time you enjoy something will be the first.
ha-ha-ha.....there are some negative Nancys on here. But I enjoy the personalities.
That was the end of my respect for the guy. That and when he blamed banging cocktail waitresses on a sex addiction instead of manning up. I get that that people are in awe of his talent and I admire his fire, but I just wont root for him.
I saw the same thing with my daughter at Bethpage and Shinnecock Hills. We went on the final practice days (Wednesday).
What did you say?
Thats weird, I heard hes quite fond of you.