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The Tiger Woods Thread

24567…85

Comments

  • #32
    Tilikum
    Closed Accounts Posts: 994 ✭✭✭Tilikum


    Letree wrote: »
    The cameras follow everything he does even when he is playing terrible. Its frustrating to watch.

    The cameras follow him because he's the most exciting player in the field. Time and time again he's done the most ridiculous things and gone on to win. He's the most popular golfer on the planet and righty so.


  • #33
    slave1
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 18,641 Mod ✭✭✭✭slave1


    His PGA collection....

    WoodsTrophyRoom3.jpg?resize=625%2C1325

    Myenergi Eddi For Sale in Athlone, Westmeath from slave1 (adverts.ie)



  • #34
    stockdam
    Registered Users Posts: 3,472 ✭✭✭stockdam


    Never really liked him. Yes he was a great golfer but I never warmed to him. I don't follow his every move but what I saw came across as a bit selfish; never saw him take time to say hello or sign autographs (I could be totally wrong). He could do what others couldn't but he didn't inspire me.

    I'd rather see some outsider win a Major than Woods and for me, although I wish him the best, I won't worry if he never wins again.


  • #35
    Potential Underachiever
    Registered Users Posts: 4,989 ✭✭✭Potential Underachiever


    I would be amazed if Woods ever wins another PGA Tour event, never mind a major, he's gone in the head, his driving for years now has been abysmal, I always say to a mate of mine when my driving is bad 'well if woods can't master it then how will I'


  • #36
    midlouth
    Registered Users Posts: 112 ✭✭midlouth


    In 2013 he won 5 PGA competitions, he is making some swing changes and coupled with having surgery on his back last year, the stories of him being finished are premature. He is at a challenging point in his career, something we aren't used to seeing. With time I reckon he'll be back challenging. I'm looking forward to seeing where he can bring his game.


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  • #37
    vienne86
    Registered Users Posts: 17,073 ✭✭✭✭vienne86


    I really don't think he can be written off at all yet. 2013 he had a few wins. He's just back after a long break. We can't say he's finished just on the basis of this week's grim performance.


  • #38
    davo10
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,926 ✭✭✭davo10


    vienne86 wrote: »
    I really don't think he can be written off at all yet. 2013 he had a few wins. He's just back after a long break. We can't say he's finished just on the basis of this week's grim performance.

    I agree that he cannot be written off, but a number of factors are now very much against him. The "fear factor" which caused many of his closest competitors to crumble in the final round is a thing of the past, these young guys never played against him in his pomp and now I think they would relish being paired with him. The game has moved on from what it was 5 years ago, the grooves/technology have changed and the likes of Mcilroy never had the benefit of the wedges which the players could launch the ball at the hole even from the rough, and it would stop dead. Woods is having to adapt now the same way Harrington is, that allows for a much narrower margin of error. His imperious putting prowess, particularly under pressure has deserted him and he does not seem to trust his "line" anymore, that is in the mind and no amount of practice can make up for indecision on the green. He seems to be trying to hit the ball as hard and as far as he used to, to try and keep up with the likes of mcilroy, Watson and Bradley but his body probably cannot tolerate the stresses causing him to hook/slice the ball into the rough off the tee.

    I think the other players are just too good for him now and the mental toughness which should make up for his waning physical condition is sadly also deteriorating. I think this is akin to the slow, painfull deterioration the previous generation saw in the great Seve.

    His decline is not recent, he shone briefly at the Masters two years ago and only for the misfortune of hitting a flag stick and going in the water he might have won. But what happened next is an example of why I am conflicted, he knowingly dropped from the wrong position to gain an advantage and had that been anyone else, he would have been disqualified.

    I know posters will say that what he does on/off course should not make a difference but in my opinion (and obviously in sponsors opinion) that is tosh. I want Tiger the golfer to contend for majors but I think Tiger the golfing personality needs to understand now that golf alone will not sustain his position as an icon for the game. One poster posted that he would like to see him back at Titleist, sponsors love winners, they don't like losers and really don't like losers who generate negative publicity. Time will tell how much longer Nike will stay with him.


  • #39
    Slicemeister
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,526 ✭✭✭Slicemeister


    I suppose it's not common knowledge when his Nike contract is up for renewal?


  • #40
    Wombatman
    Registered Users Posts: 3,337 ✭✭✭Wombatman


    Were ye talking about someone dominating a sport for years and operating on a different level........ and being an A-hole?

    Phil-Taylor-in-action-aga-001.jpg


  • #41
    FixdePitchmark
    Registered Users Posts: 20,710 ✭✭✭✭FixdePitchmark


    games and sport - another days debate.

    Sure is golf a sport.


    Takes coat..................... heads.


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  • #42
    First Up
    Registered Users Posts: 14,822 ✭✭✭✭First Up


    I know its a cliche but nobody should be bigger than the game and aspects of Woods ' career have crossed that line. It wasn't all his fault - America loves a winner and the media and corporate sponsors saw that he could bring a non golf audience to the market. They didn't care if that meant hostility to other players and a general decline in in spectator behaviour. Yes, I know the same was said of Arnies Army but there really isn't any comparison.

    His achievements speak for themselves but too many things leave a bad taste. He didn't like Westchester Country Club (too tight) so he forced Buick to move their event to a course he preferred; getting spectators to move a boulder in Phoenix (how nicely ironic that it was the scene of his humiliation yesterday); losing a ball into the work sheds and getting a free drop because someone said they saw a course worker (who was never found) put a ball in his pocket; watching his entourage march through venues like they owned it; the way media were told that anything other than complete sycophancy would result in a ban. And one I personally witnessed when an errant ball was kicked back into play and those who objected were threatened with violence.

    Yes he has done great things, expanded the game and made a lot of other players a lot richer. But I won't miss him when he's done.


  • #43
    vienne86
    Registered Users Posts: 17,073 ✭✭✭✭vienne86


    First Up wrote: »
    I know its a cliche but nobody should be bigger than the game and aspects of Woods ' career have crossed that line. It wasn't all his fault - America loves a winner and the media and corporate sponsors saw that he could bring a non golf audience to the market. They didn't care if that meant hostility to other players and a general decline in in spectator behaviour. Yes, I know the same was said of Arnies Army but there really isn't any comparison.

    His achievements speak for themselves but too many things leave a bad taste. He didn't like Westchester Country Club (too tight) so he forced Buick to move their event to a course he preferred; getting spectators to move a boulder in Phoenix (how nicely ironic that it was the scene of his humiliation yesterday); losing a ball into the work sheds and getting a free drop because someone said they saw a course worker (who was never found) put a ball in his pocket; watching his entourage march through venues like they owned it; the way media were told that anything other than complete sycophancy would result in a ban. And one I personally witnessed when an errant ball was kicked back into play and those who objected were threatened with violence.

    Yes he has done great things, expanded the game and made a lot of other players a lot richer. But I won't miss him when he's done.

    Now that you mention some of these things......hmmm. Yes, he security detail for one always got up my nose. Mind you, everyone wanted a piece of him.


  • #44
    Tilikum
    Closed Accounts Posts: 994 ✭✭✭Tilikum


    Even Kaymer said today, Tiger is the greatest golfer in the world (in his time)


  • #45
    HighLine
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,378 ✭✭✭HighLine


    First Up wrote: »
    getting spectators to move a boulder in Phoenix (how nicely ironic that it was the scene of his humiliation yesterday)

    Whilst you may disagree with it in principle... it's explicitly stated in the rules. Stupid rule that should have been changed post above mentioned incident.

    23-1/3
    Assistance in Removing Large Loose Impediment

    Q.May spectators, caddies, fellow-competitors, etc. assist a player in removing a large loose impediment?

    A.Yes.


  • #46
    First Up
    Registered Users Posts: 14,822 ✭✭✭✭First Up


    HighLine wrote: »
    Whilst you may disagree with it in principle... it's explicitly stated in the rules. Stupid rule that should have been changed post above mentioned incident.

    23-1/3
    Assistance in Removing Large Loose Impediment

    Q.May spectators, caddies, fellow-competitors, etc. assist a player in removing a large loose impediment?

    A.Yes.

    Its where the rules and the spirit diverge.


  • #47
    vienne86
    Registered Users Posts: 17,073 ✭✭✭✭vienne86


    First Up wrote: »
    Its where the rules and the spirit diverge.

    If he doesn't break the rules, we can't complain.


  • #48
    First Up
    Registered Users Posts: 14,822 ✭✭✭✭First Up


    vienne86 wrote: »
    If he doesn't break the rules, we can't complain.

    We can observe and make our own conclusions.


  • #49
    Domo1982
    Registered Users Posts: 453 ✭✭Domo1982


    First Up wrote: »
    And one I personally witnessed when an errant ball was kicked back into play and those who objected were threatened with violence.

    More details on this one please?Did Tiger do this or the crowd?


  • #50
    First Up
    Registered Users Posts: 14,822 ✭✭✭✭First Up


    Domo1982 wrote: »
    More details on this one please?Did Tiger do this or the crowd?

    The crowd. It relates to my comment about the general decline in spectator behavior.


  • #51
    Domo1982
    Registered Users Posts: 453 ✭✭Domo1982


    First Up wrote: »
    The crowd. It relates to my comment about the general decline in spectator behavior.

    And you blame Tiger for this also?


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  • #52
    First Up
    Registered Users Posts: 14,822 ✭✭✭✭First Up


    Domo1982 wrote: »
    And you blame Tiger for this also?

    As I said in my original post, he drew an audience that included people not previously attracted to golf. That was good for the broadcasters and advertisers but resulted in a decline in standards of behaviour at events.

    Any discussion on this topic - especially in the US - will include those saying things like "Tiger IS golf" and that they have no interest in any other players or the game in general. They root for Tiger, the heckle those playing well enough to threaten his chances of winning and do anything else (including "improving" his lies) that they can. The incident I observed was not unique but the topic is simply taboo in media circles.

    I don't know if you call that "blaming" him, but it is impossible to disassociate him from such things. When he stops playing, those "fans" will go away and I'll be happy for that.


  • #53
    TrapperChamonix
    Closed Accounts Posts: 492 ✭✭TrapperChamonix


    First Up wrote: »
    I know its a cliche but nobody should be bigger than the game and aspects of Woods ' career have crossed that line. It wasn't all his fault - America loves a winner and the media and corporate sponsors saw that he could bring a non golf audience to the market. They didn't care if that meant hostility to other players and a general decline in in spectator behaviour. Yes, I know the same was said of Arnies Army but there really isn't any comparison.

    His achievements speak for themselves but too many things leave a bad taste. He didn't like Westchester Country Club (too tight) so he forced Buick to move their event to a course he preferred; getting spectators to move a boulder in Phoenix (how nicely ironic that it was the scene of his humiliation yesterday); losing a ball into the work sheds and getting a free drop because someone said they saw a course worker (who was never found) put a ball in his pocket; watching his entourage march through venues like they owned it; the way media were told that anything other than complete sycophancy would result in a ban. And one I personally witnessed when an errant ball was kicked back into play and those who objected were threatened with violence.

    Yes he has done great things, expanded the game and made a lot of other players a lot richer. But I won't miss him when he's done.


    You missed from your list, spitting in the cup (Sergio as well?). Phenomenal player but the game will move on an find new hero's.

    Never a fan but funnily enough since his slump, I've warmed to him more. It's not that I'm glad to see him play badly but in his failures he has shown more personality that in all his triumphs. Perhaps because he can't bully (perhaps dominate is a better word) the press conferences any more.
    I did like his Marshawn Lynch quote in the press conference after the 82.


  • #54
    First Up
    Registered Users Posts: 14,822 ✭✭✭✭First Up


    TrapperChamonix wrote: »
    You missed from your list, spitting in the cup (Sergio as well?). Phenomenal player but the game will move on an find new hero's.

    Never a fan but funnily enough since his slump, I've warmed to him more. It's not that I'm glad to see him play badly but in his failures he has shown more personality that in all his triumphs. Perhaps because he can't bully (perhaps dominate is a better word) the press conferences any more.
    I did like his Marshawn Lynch quote in the press conference after the 84.

    It was 82. Don't exaggerate.


  • #55
    Bandana boy
    Registered Users Posts: 4,325 ✭✭✭Bandana boy


    He is still inspiring me ,I hope to shoot an 82 someday !


  • #56
    valoren
    Registered Users Posts: 5,458 ✭✭✭valoren


    When I saw Woods play recently, I was reminded of that phrase from Hamlet;

    For tis the sport to haue the enginer / Hoist with his owne petar.

    Essentially, Tiger is now a victim of his own success. The success of his impact on the game worldwide, his impact of the importance of athleticism in the game but also the success of his commercialisation of the game.

    Ideally, Tiger should travel the world for a year or two, disappear, recuperate and allow himself to heal fully. His fitness standards were the benchmark for the young players he inspired to which those same player's, younger, hungrier now surpass.

    He's been the face of the game for almost 20 years now. His paymasters at Nike et al will demand their pound of flesh.

    So he will have to be rushed back to the spotlight. Ill prepared.

    And we will all have to witness a player with a rusty swing and a battered ageing body go through the indignity of joint last place finishes and being #56 in the World rankings.


  • #57
    TheDoc
    Registered Users Posts: 23,128 ✭✭✭✭TheDoc


    davo10 wrote: »
    So Tiger posted the worst 36 hole score of his career to follow on from the horror showing that was his Hero event before Chistmas. The US papers say it is a sad sight to see the great man/golfer reduced to playing like a 12 handicapper.

    I'm conflicted because on the one hand, I'd like to see him go head-to-head with Rory, I think he brought golf to a new and thrilling level, viewing is less exciting when he's not in contention, I'm not sure that the young players like Reed/Speith/fowler can "step up" yet. But on the other hand I think he's a surly, bad mannered, self indulgent creep and I would hate to see him break Jack's record.

    While I get where your coming from, and my god do I hold grudges against footballers doing well because of my perception of their characteristics, I feel nothing but sadness watching Tiger slowly demise.

    I think it's a given how he invigorated a sport that was on the fray a little, and put life and enthusiasm into a game that was (and perhaps still is) niche and particular.

    But besides his overall impact on the game, he was incredible to watch at his peak. His aggression, his swing, his shortgame, it was a joy to behold. I'm not old enough to have watched the all time greats, but nothing has come close for me to Tiger in his peak. Event after event being favourite and mounting charges on Sunday's made golf thrilling to watch.

    I guess what I'm seeing is like what my Dad always describes watching Seve finishing up. Really distressing to see and you just wish either they'd get back to being their best, or just finish up once and for all.

    Irregardless of him breaking Nicklaus record, he helped get golf back into the mainstream, and is responsible for the mountains of money, talent, technology improvements etc. He'll always be remembered in the right way.

    Every sport now and then needs someone to dominate it, because it creates the " can't wait till they fall" metric. Federar in Tennis, United in English football, Taylor in Darts, Woods in Golf, Schumacher in F1. While the lazy assumption is that it makes it boring with the same person winning over and over, what people forget is the work being done in the background by competitors to get better and better and the investment in the game itself. Not to mention the inspiration to the next generation, and how they will know what's required to get to that level and stay there.


  • #58
    HighLine
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,378 ✭✭✭HighLine


    Woods spends Tuesday in Vail watching Vonn race

    This just doesn't make sense. Would a young Tiger Woods not have blisters on his hands from spending 12 hours a day on the practice ground trying to solve his chipping yips. Old Tiger is off watching Lindsey...again.


  • #59
    LinksLad
    Registered Users Posts: 262 ✭✭LinksLad


    If anyone is conflicted about Tiger Woods....

    Just ask yourself a simple question.

    Which do you prefer?

    Tiger Woods, or Golf?


  • #60
    vienne86
    Registered Users Posts: 17,073 ✭✭✭✭vienne86


    Anyone hear his interview after his withdrawal there on Sky? What was he on about......'couldn't activate the glutes'.....what in the name of goodness does that mean????


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  • #61
    Potential Underachiever
    Registered Users Posts: 4,989 ✭✭✭Potential Underachiever


    Did he try turning them off then on again?


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