Tiger Woods?

[Mr. McSquirelly]

To all the golfers and sports fans out there, I'd like to ask a simple but (for me) heartbreaking question. Is Tiger Woods finished as a competitive golfer? Will he ever be competitive again? And, finally, will he ever win a Major Championship again in his career? I've played golf for 25 years. I walked with Tiger Woods along Newport Country Club in '95 when he beat Buddy Marucci to win his second of three U.S. Amateur championships. I once believed he would crush Jack Nicklaus' career major record of 18 victories. I've probably logged more than 400 rounds watching his professional career. And I now believe, deep in my heart, that he will never be competitive again. I think he put on too much upper-body muscle in his twenties, and his entire lower body has completely brokendown: knees, lower back, ankles, everything. In essence, he has destroyed his body. Just wondered what others thought.

 

[apnutter]

I agree with you. I don't think he has it anymore. After the last tournament, he was terrible on a course he once dominated on. It's a shame because I like Tiger and still hold onto the glimmer of hope that his game will just come back. However, in reality, I believe he's done winning majors. Plus, there are wayyy too many awesome, young golfers dominating the game right now.

 

[Mr. McSquirelly]

I agree with you. I don't think he has it anymore. After the last tournament, he was terrible on a course he once dominated on. It's a shame because I like Tiger and still hold onto the glimmer of hope that his game will just come back. However, in reality, I believe he's done winning majors. Plus, there are wayyy too many awesome, young golfers dominating the game right now.

Not only has his whole body brokendown, but he's just never been the same 'mentally' after that divorce. You are spot on: There are too many amazing young golfers out there now. He just doesn't have that 'fire' he used to have. Watching him play today was disheartening. Should be a good U.S. Open though.

 

[apnutter]

Yep. And that fire was why he won. People were intimidated by him. He doesnt intimidate anyone now.

His bulk up and lack of porn stars was definitely a contributing factor.

 

[Mr. McSquirelly]

People were intimidated by him. He doesnt intimidate anyone now.

(a) Cole Hammer, a 15-year-old kid, beat him by 3 shots today!!! In fact, every amateur in the field beat Tiger today! Unreal. If you told me that 10 years ago, I would've told people to have you committed. LOL!

 

[Angry Bill]

If Tiger kept from changing his swing every few years, he would still be competitive. His swing isn't working, unlike when his swing was with Butch Harmon and Hank Haney. Also, if he stopped playing "Navy Seal" with his buddies, he would not have sustained the knee and maybe the back injuries.

I am not a fan of Tiger and never have been, but I still think he has some game left. He just has to get out of his own head and play golf. Stop messing with your swing, Tiger. Arnie had a swing unlike anyone else. He didn't tweak it. jack Nichalus had his own swing and didn't try to change it, stick with what works. But, what do I know,

 

[Mr. McSquirelly]

But, what do I know,

Judging by what you posted, you know the game. Bubba Watson said the same thing a few years ago. The Navy SEAL thing, though honorable, was pure madness. Do you think there is one NFL owner who would allow their starting quarterback to undertake Navy SEAL training? Is there an MLB owner who would let their $200-million star do it either? Hell no. When Barry Zito signed for $120 million with SF Giants, there was a clause in his contract forbidding him to go surfing! LOL! Never mind parachuting at 10,000 feet from helicopters. The only point I make against the whole 'swing change' theory, which is a valid argument, is that because of his injuries, he has been forced to make changes. His body will no longer allow him to swing the club the way he used to. Just my 2 cents. I'm not a big fan of Tiger as a man, just as a golfer. Watching him this afternoon was depressing. It was like watching a thorough-bread that breaks its leg in the first quarter turn.

 

[Mr. McSquirelly]

BTW, this thread is totally open. I'd love to hear both sides. Everyone feel free to shit on Tiger as much as you'd like, lol!

 

[E.J.]

One vote for "yes" will be competitive again. He'll never be the old Tiger, but he'll win again, write it down with a sharpie.

 

[boltman]

The great ones usually catch lightning in a bottle one last time. Nicklaus at Agusta in 86, Johnnie Miller won Pebble Beach in 94 at the age of 46 ( and that was with the yips), Palmer won the Bob Hope in 1973 at the age of 42 beating out both Miller and Nicklaus. The winners check was $32,000. Ben Hogan went 6 years from 1953 to 1959 without a win. Then at the age of 45 he caught lightning in a bottle and won Colonial. I could go on but you get the point. I think we will see Woods win again. He was one of the all time greats and we all were fortunate to witness it. But he will never regain the sustained dominance he showed for close to 15 years.

 

[ckay]

Tiger will make an A-Rod like comeback. However Tiger needs to stop laughing off his bad rounds. It is NOT okay to make double bogey and slap Louis and Rickie on the back while laughing. It is not funny to them. It shouldn't be funny to Tiger.

 

[Brazos Hunter]

I saw Tiger play years ago and he is no where near the same now. It seams to me about the same time his pop passed both his career and personal life went spiraling out of control. I don't believe he will ever fully recover.

 

[CVAC085]

I saw Tiger play years ago and he is no where near the same now. It seams to me about the same time his pop passed both his career and personal life went spiraling out of control. I don't believe he will ever fully recover.

I agree with you. I think since his old man passed on and now his other personal issues that erupted all over the news really threw him off the cliff head first, without a parachute. Would I like to see him recover!? Sure, as I would for any other golfer or pro sports player, regardless if I love them or hate them. But, I think he's just too far gone to be where he was a few years ago. These young guns are making statements, kicking a** and taking names in the process.

 

[TraderCigarCo.]

In short: He needs to give it up the ghost. His performance this last weekend was an embarrassment to himself and his legacy IMO, and it doesn't look like it's going to improve for him. Not to say he can't... but damn man, c'mon!