Tiger Woods (9 Viewers)

[gump]

6/20 now?

 

[derek245583]

6/20 now?

Better winning percentage than the cubs

 

[Abraham]

6/20 now?

5 behind the all time record IIRC.

 

[Txns8]

So can Rory take the #1 slot back this week? Are we in for a see saw holder until Toger wins the Masters?

 

[lod01]

Watching golf is fun again.

'slurp, slurp, gobble, gobble, slurp.'

 

[JuniorNB]

This is what the Otis's and Urbanhack's and drummer's don't get. Every time he wins a tournament, they're in here pounding their chests like it was them who accomplished something. Tiger Woods is the most physically dominating golfer of all-time. He was born to be a golfer and his dad was much like the Williams sister's dad. Golff, all day and all night. Since he was old enough to hold a club.

He burst onto the scene and started dominating. He was more dominating than any golfer ever. And was winning Masters at a record clip. Nicklaus' record was sure to be shattered.

Rigth now, Woods is playing at his highest level since those days he was so dominant. He's probably a little more 'back' than Finless thought he'd ever be when this thread was started, but not near far enough back to claim he's back at the level he was before he fell off the cliff, like desperate-for-attention Otis wants to pretend he is.

 

[Abraham]

but not near far enough back to claim he's back at the level he was before he fell off the cliff, like desperate-for-attention Otis wants to pretend he is.

I agree that there has to be more time to make a determination, but he's putting better than I can recall anyone ever doing. Even the really long stuff is stopping near the cup. And the stuff inside 20' is getting close to 'gimme' territory.

 

[matuski]

He needs to be the best-ier in the world for me to admit he's back.

 

[Apple Jack]

What does Earl Woods have to do with the WIlliams sisters' father other than being black?

 

[Grahamburn]

He needs to be the best-ier in the world for me to admit he's back.

Imagine what they most be paying those guys to do those cheesy commercials and wear those corny hats. Awful. #ier

 

[Apple Jack]

He needs to be the best-ier in the world for me to admit he's back.

Imagine what they most be paying those guys to do those cheesy commercials and wear those corny hats. Awful. #ier

My favorite part of that ad campaign is when Dan Hicks has to say it on the air.

 

[gump]

6/20 now?

5 behind the all time record IIRC.

No one will ever sniff Lord Byron and his 11 straight....on any level.

 

[TobiasFunke]

but not near far enough back to claim he's back at the level he was before he fell off the cliff, like desperate-for-attention Otis wants to pretend he is.

I agree that there has to be more time to make a determination, but he's putting better than I can recall anyone ever doing. Even the really long stuff is stopping near the cup. And the stuff inside 20' is getting close to 'gimme' territory.

You give Junior too much credit for a false, goalpost-moving argument. Nobody is ever going to be as good as Woods was in 2000-2001. Not Woods, and almost certainly not anyone else ever. That was the case before he ever cheated on his wife with a single skank, so it's not really worth discussing. The argument was whether he'd ever return to being the kind of guy who is generally considered the best in the world, almost always in the top 10 on a given weekend, and the favorite at every tournament he plays. Basically the guy he was for all of his career except that crazy 18 or so months. That's the "cliff" he supposedly fell off, and he's absolutely there right now. He's ranked #1, he'll likely be the heavy favorite in every major this year, and he's won twice in three stroke-play events this year. Argument over.

 

[Tony Jabroni]

Bring on Augusta!

 

[benztoronto]

but not near far enough back to claim he's back at the level he was before he fell off the cliff, like desperate-for-attention Otis wants to pretend he is.

I agree that there has to be more time to make a determination, but he's putting better than I can recall anyone ever doing. Even the really long stuff is stopping near the cup. And the stuff inside 20' is getting close to 'gimme' territory.

You give Junior too much credit for a false, goalpost-moving argument. Nobody is ever going to be as good as Woods was in 2000-2001. Not Woods, and almost certainly not anyone else ever. That was the case before he ever cheated on his wife with a single skank, so it's not really worth discussing. The argument was whether he'd ever return to being the kind of guy who is generally considered the best in the world, almost always in the top 10 on a given weekend, and the favorite at every tournament he plays. Basically the guy he was for all of his career except that crazy 18 or so months. That's the "cliff" he supposedly fell off, and he's absolutely there right now. He's ranked #1, he'll likely be the heavy favorite in every major this year, and he's won twice in three stroke-play events this year. Argument over.

He's won three times in four stroke play events this year.

 

[James Daulton]

He's done. He'll be competitive but he lost the fear factor. Looks like The Gold Bear might be out of the woods.

This is the key. Fin said he'd be competitive, for Tiger that means winning every few tourneys he enters. If he doesn't threaten Jack's major record, NostraFinless's prediction stands.

 

[JuniorNB]

but not near far enough back to claim he's back at the level he was before he fell off the cliff, like desperate-for-attention Otis wants to pretend he is.

I agree that there has to be more time to make a determination, but he's putting better than I can recall anyone ever doing. Even the really long stuff is stopping near the cup. And the stuff inside 20' is getting close to 'gimme' territory.

You give Junior too much credit for a false, goalpost-moving argument. Nobody is ever going to be as good as Woods was in 2000-2001. Not Woods, and almost certainly not anyone else ever. That was the case before he ever cheated on his wife with a single skank, so it's not really worth discussing. The argument was whether he'd ever return to being the kind of guy who is generally considered the best in the world, almost always in the top 10 on a given weekend, and the favorite at every tournament he plays. Basically the guy he was for all of his career except that crazy 18 or so months. That's the "cliff" he supposedly fell off, and he's absolutely there right now. He's ranked #1, he'll likely be the heavy favorite in every major this year, and he's won twice in three stroke-play events this year. Argument over.

The guy went from being on a pace to shatter the record for most majors won, to having not won a major in nearly five years. He's like 0 for his last 18. Sorry to say it, but he needs to win a major to be back. And multiple majors to be considered back to the dominant level he was before he scrwed his life away. I know it's a thorn in the side of his devout following and they hate to hear this, but golf, like tennis, comes down to four weekends a year. Unless his domination finally carries over to winning majors again, he's just the 2007 Patriots.

 

[BobbyLayne]

update

Interesting comparison:OWGR after the 2009 PLAYERS (when Finless started this thread)

OWGR after 2008 US Open - enormous gap to #2 and especially #3

The week Fin started this, Tiger finished 8th - his 17th straight top ten. He won ten of those tournaments.

Since the end of 2009, he has had 18 top ten finishes including this week (45 events).

 

[TobiasFunke]

but not near far enough back to claim he's back at the level he was before he fell off the cliff, like desperate-for-attention Otis wants to pretend he is.

I agree that there has to be more time to make a determination, but he's putting better than I can recall anyone ever doing. Even the really long stuff is stopping near the cup. And the stuff inside 20' is getting close to 'gimme' territory.

You give Junior too much credit for a false, goalpost-moving argument. Nobody is ever going to be as good as Woods was in 2000-2001. Not Woods, and almost certainly not anyone else ever. That was the case before he ever cheated on his wife with a single skank, so it's not really worth discussing. The argument was whether he'd ever return to being the kind of guy who is generally considered the best in the world, almost always in the top 10 on a given weekend, and the favorite at every tournament he plays. Basically the guy he was for all of his career except that crazy 18 or so months. That's the "cliff" he supposedly fell off, and he's absolutely there right now. He's ranked #1, he'll likely be the heavy favorite in every major this year, and he's won twice in three stroke-play events this year. Argument over.

He's won three times in four stroke play events this year.

Right. Forgot that his profile hadn't been updated to include today yet. 3 times in 4 starts.I like the thing where we change the meaning of words depending on who we're talking about too. I guess when the Heat start losing a game every now and then they're just "competitive" but are still "done" and have "lost the fear factor."

 

[Ghost Rider]

He's done. He'll be competitive but he lost the fear factor. Looks like The Gold Bear might be out of the woods.

This is the key. Fin said he'd be competitive, for Tiger that means winning every few tourneys he enters. If he doesn't threaten Jack's major record, NostraFinless's prediction stands.

Right. It's funny because for over 10 years, it was well-known that all Tiger Woods cared about (besides getting some strange anywhere and everywhere) was missing Majors, and now standards apparently have dropped so far that his fans are now beating their chests over wins in non-Majors.

 

[Apple Jack]

He's done. He'll be competitive but he lost the fear factor. Looks like The Gold Bear might be out of the woods.

This is the key. Fin said he'd be competitive, for Tiger that means winning every few tourneys he enters. If he doesn't threaten Jack's major record, NostraFinless's prediction stands.

Right. It's funny because for over 10 years, it was well-known that all Tiger Woods cared about (besides getting some strange anywhere and everywhere) was missing Majors, and now standards apparently have dropped so far that his fans are now beating their chests over wins in non-Majors.

There are more events than just Major championships. Golf is not four weeks a year. This Majors thing has spun way out of control to the point that people have lost sight of the game.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

6/20 now?

5 behind the all time record IIRC.

No one will ever sniff Lord Byron and his 11 straight....on any level.

I read this as Lloyd Braun.

 

[Grahamburn]

He's done. He'll be competitive but he lost the fear factor. Looks like The Gold Bear might be out of the woods.

This is the key. Fin said he'd be competitive, for Tiger that means winning every few tourneys he enters. If he doesn't threaten Jack's major record, NostraFinless's prediction stands.

Did the Gold Bear go to school at Cal?

 

[Ghost Rider]

He's done. He'll be competitive but he lost the fear factor. Looks like The Gold Bear might be out of the woods.

This is the key. Fin said he'd be competitive, for Tiger that means winning every few tourneys he enters. If he doesn't threaten Jack's major record, NostraFinless's prediction stands.

Right. It's funny because for over 10 years, it was well-known that all Tiger Woods cared about (besides getting some strange anywhere and everywhere) was missing Majors, and now standards apparently have dropped so far that his fans are now beating their chests over wins in non-Majors.

There are more events than just Major championships. Golf is not four weeks a year. This Majors thing has spun way out of control to the point that people have lost sight of the game.

I agree, but the narrative for years was that all Woods cared about was Majors, so I am simply pointing out how the standards have apparently changed. Six years ago, would people be gushing this much over wins in these non-Majors? No f'ing way.

 

[Apple Jack]

He's done. He'll be competitive but he lost the fear factor. Looks like The Gold Bear might be out of the woods.

This is the key. Fin said he'd be competitive, for Tiger that means winning every few tourneys he enters. If he doesn't threaten Jack's major record, NostraFinless's prediction stands.

Right. It's funny because for over 10 years, it was well-known that all Tiger Woods cared about (besides getting some strange anywhere and everywhere) was missing Majors, and now standards apparently have dropped so far that his fans are now beating their chests over wins in non-Majors.

There are more events than just Major championships. Golf is not four weeks a year. This Majors thing has spun way out of control to the point that people have lost sight of the game.

I agree, but the narrative for years was that all Woods cared about was Majors, so I am simply pointing out how the standards have apparently changed. Six years ago, would people be gushing this much over wins in these non-Majors? No f'ing way.

Sure we would. Three wins in four stroke play events on the PGA Tour is ridiculous. His wedge play this week was ridiculous. His putting over the last eight rounds has been ridiculous.

 

[JuniorNB]

but not near far enough back to claim he's back at the level he was before he fell off the cliff, like desperate-for-attention Otis wants to pretend he is.

I agree that there has to be more time to make a determination, but he's putting better than I can recall anyone ever doing. Even the really long stuff is stopping near the cup. And the stuff inside 20' is getting close to 'gimme' territory.

You give Junior too much credit for a false, goalpost-moving argument. Nobody is ever going to be as good as Woods was in 2000-2001. Not Woods, and almost certainly not anyone else ever. That was the case before he ever cheated on his wife with a single skank, so it's not really worth discussing. The argument was whether he'd ever return to being the kind of guy who is generally considered the best in the world, almost always in the top 10 on a given weekend, and the favorite at every tournament he plays. Basically the guy he was for all of his career except that crazy 18 or so months. That's the "cliff" he supposedly fell off, and he's absolutely there right now. He's ranked #1, he'll likely be the heavy favorite in every major this year, and he's won twice in three stroke-play events this year. Argument over.

He's won three times in four stroke play events this year.

Right. Forgot that his profile hadn't been updated to include today yet. 3 times in 4 starts.I like the thing where we change the meaning of words depending on who we're talking about too. I guess when the Heat start losing a game every now and then they're just "competitive" but are still "done" and have "lost the fear factor."

No, but since you brought up the Heat, if they break the record and win 35 in a row, but don't win the NBA title, it will be akin to Woods winning all the Arnold Palmer, Spam Invitational, and Pep Boys Open matches and failing to win the majors.

 

[mr roboto]

He's done. He'll be competitive but he lost the fear factor. Looks like The Gold Bear might be out of the woods.

This is the key. Fin said he'd be competitive, for Tiger that means winning every few tourneys he enters. If he doesn't threaten Jack's major record, NostraFinless's prediction stands.

Right. It's funny because for over 10 years, it was well-known that all Tiger Woods cared about (besides getting some strange anywhere and everywhere) was missing Majors, and now standards apparently have dropped so far that his fans are now beating their chests over wins in non-Majors.

There are more events than just Major championships. Golf is not four weeks a year. This Majors thing has spun way out of control to the point that people have lost sight of the game.

I agree, but the narrative for years was that all Woods cared about was Majors, so I am simply pointing out how the standards have apparently changed. Six years ago, would people be gushing this much over wins in these non-Majors? No f'ing way.

I agree, but he hasn't been in major form over the last 4 years. And we haven't seen this Tiger for 4 years. It's completely reasonable to get more excited about these latest wins than the random ones he's had over the last few years. This is different, and any honest golf fan can see it.

 

[JuniorNB]

He's done. He'll be competitive but he lost the fear factor. Looks like The Gold Bear might be out of the woods.

This is the key. Fin said he'd be competitive, for Tiger that means winning every few tourneys he enters. If he doesn't threaten Jack's major record, NostraFinless's prediction stands.

Right. It's funny because for over 10 years, it was well-known that all Tiger Woods cared about (besides getting some strange anywhere and everywhere) was missing Majors, and now standards apparently have dropped so far that his fans are now beating their chests over wins in non-Majors.

There are more events than just Major championships. Golf is not four weeks a year. This Majors thing has spun way out of control to the point that people have lost sight of the game.

Now who's moving the goalposts?

 

[Ghost Rider]

He's done. He'll be competitive but he lost the fear factor. Looks like The Gold Bear might be out of the woods.

This is the key. Fin said he'd be competitive, for Tiger that means winning every few tourneys he enters. If he doesn't threaten Jack's major record, NostraFinless's prediction stands.

Right. It's funny because for over 10 years, it was well-known that all Tiger Woods cared about (besides getting some strange anywhere and everywhere) was missing Majors, and now standards apparently have dropped so far that his fans are now beating their chests over wins in non-Majors.

There are more events than just Major championships. Golf is not four weeks a year. This Majors thing has spun way out of control to the point that people have lost sight of the game.

I agree, but the narrative for years was that all Woods cared about was Majors, so I am simply pointing out how the standards have apparently changed. Six years ago, would people be gushing this much over wins in these non-Majors? No f'ing way.

I agree, but he hasn't been in major form over the last 4 years. And we haven't seen this Tiger for 4 years. It's completely reasonable to get more excited about these latest wins than the random ones he's had over the last few years. This is different, and any honest golf fan can see it.

That's exactly the point. Because Woods has not been the dominant golfer in the last 3-4 years, him now dominating in smaller events is big news, which it wouldn't have been years ago. That is kind of making our point for us.

 

[zoonation]

but not near far enough back to claim he's back at the level he was before he fell off the cliff, like desperate-for-attention Otis wants to pretend he is.

I agree that there has to be more time to make a determination, but he's putting better than I can recall anyone ever doing. Even the really long stuff is stopping near the cup. And the stuff inside 20' is getting close to 'gimme' territory.

You give Junior too much credit for a false, goalpost-moving argument. Nobody is ever going to be as good as Woods was in 2000-2001. Not Woods, and almost certainly not anyone else ever. That was the case before he ever cheated on his wife with a single skank, so it's not really worth discussing. The argument was whether he'd ever return to being the kind of guy who is generally considered the best in the world, almost always in the top 10 on a given weekend, and the favorite at every tournament he plays. Basically the guy he was for all of his career except that crazy 18 or so months. That's the "cliff" he supposedly fell off, and he's absolutely there right now. He's ranked #1, he'll likely be the heavy favorite in every major this year, and he's won twice in three stroke-play events this year. Argument over.

No...that is the goalpost moving argument. The question was whether the guy would ever dominate golf the way he used to. Finless said he was done doing that. Jury is still out for me. He looks like he may get back there but Rory hasn't even started his season yet, really. If he keeps putting like this it is only a matter of time. But to be dominant in golf, like tennis, you need to win majors. Let's see what happens. He hasn't won at Augusta since 2005. A win there would be huge. He is the best in the world right now, no doubt. But that is the strawman in the thread. No matter how many times Otis flails around with his terrible all caps shtick.Let me ask this: If Rory wins the Masters, then what?

 

[Apple Jack]

He's done. He'll be competitive but he lost the fear factor. Looks like The Gold Bear might be out of the woods.

This is the key. Fin said he'd be competitive, for Tiger that means winning every few tourneys he enters. If he doesn't threaten Jack's major record, NostraFinless's prediction stands.

Right. It's funny because for over 10 years, it was well-known that all Tiger Woods cared about (besides getting some strange anywhere and everywhere) was missing Majors, and now standards apparently have dropped so far that his fans are now beating their chests over wins in non-Majors.

There are more events than just Major championships. Golf is not four weeks a year. This Majors thing has spun way out of control to the point that people have lost sight of the game.

Now who's moving the goalposts?

I have you idea what you're talking about, but do me a solid and keep me out of any of your conversations.

 

[zoonation]

He's done. He'll be competitive but he lost the fear factor. Looks like The Gold Bear might be out of the woods.

This is the key. Fin said he'd be competitive, for Tiger that means winning every few tourneys he enters. If he doesn't threaten Jack's major record, NostraFinless's prediction stands.

Right. It's funny because for over 10 years, it was well-known that all Tiger Woods cared about (besides getting some strange anywhere and everywhere) was missing Majors, and now standards apparently have dropped so far that his fans are now beating their chests over wins in non-Majors.

There are more events than just Major championships. Golf is not four weeks a year. This Majors thing has spun way out of control to the point that people have lost sight of the game.

I agree, but the narrative for years was that all Woods cared about was Majors, so I am simply pointing out how the standards have apparently changed. Six years ago, would people be gushing this much over wins in these non-Majors? No f'ing way.

I agree, but he hasn't been in major form over the last 4 years. And we haven't seen this Tiger for 4 years. It's completely reasonable to get more excited about these latest wins than the random ones he's had over the last few years. This is different, and any honest golf fan can see it.

That's exactly the point. Because Woods has not been the dominant golfer in the last 3-4 years, him now dominating in smaller events is big news, which it wouldn't have been years ago. That is kind of making our point for us.

exactly.

He has to win Majors. I think he gets a couple more, but dominant Tiger was pull them down at a ridiculous pace. None in the last 4 years. He wins a couple tour events and this thread goes balistic. Augusta will be the test.

 

[zoonation]

He's done. He'll be competitive but he lost the fear factor. Looks like The Gold Bear might be out of the woods.

This is the key. Fin said he'd be competitive, for Tiger that means winning every few tourneys he enters. If he doesn't threaten Jack's major record, NostraFinless's prediction stands.

Right. It's funny because for over 10 years, it was well-known that all Tiger Woods cared about (besides getting some strange anywhere and everywhere) was missing Majors, and now standards apparently have dropped so far that his fans are now beating their chests over wins in non-Majors.

There are more events than just Major championships. Golf is not four weeks a year. This Majors thing has spun way out of control to the point that people have lost sight of the game.

I agree, but the narrative for years was that all Woods cared about was Majors, so I am simply pointing out how the standards have apparently changed. Six years ago, would people be gushing this much over wins in these non-Majors? No f'ing way.

I agree, but he hasn't been in major form over the last 4 years. And we haven't seen this Tiger for 4 years. It's completely reasonable to get more excited about these latest wins than the random ones he's had over the last few years. This is different, and any honest golf fan can see it.

this is a fair argument. he looks awesome. He did look good last year at BH too, but there was always the feeling like it could fall apart. You don't get that sense right now, I agree.

 

[JuniorNB]

He's done. He'll be competitive but he lost the fear factor. Looks like The Gold Bear might be out of the woods.

This is the key. Fin said he'd be competitive, for Tiger that means winning every few tourneys he enters. If he doesn't threaten Jack's major record, NostraFinless's prediction stands.

Right. It's funny because for over 10 years, it was well-known that all Tiger Woods cared about (besides getting some strange anywhere and everywhere) was missing Majors, and now standards apparently have dropped so far that his fans are now beating their chests over wins in non-Majors.

There are more events than just Major championships. Golf is not four weeks a year. This Majors thing has spun way out of control to the point that people have lost sight of the game.

Now who's moving the goalposts?

I have you idea what you're talking about, but do me a solid and keep me out of any of your conversations.

I'll explain it to you. You are now claiming that 'this majors thing has spun way out of control'. Well, for the first half of Tiger's career, his efficiency at winning majors is exactly the thing that defined him. He was going to shatter the majors record. Now that he's winning everything BUT majors, suddenly, there is golf more than four weekends a year and majors are overrated. That's the very definition of moving the goalposts. There's your solid. An education.

 

[sho nuff]

He's done. He'll be competitive but he lost the fear factor. Looks like The Gold Bear might be out of the woods.

This is the key. Fin said he'd be competitive, for Tiger that means winning every few tourneys he enters. If he doesn't threaten Jack's major record, NostraFinless's prediction stands.

His current win percentage is more than just competetive...the thing you fin lovers can't seem to grasp.

 

[mr roboto]

He's done. He'll be competitive but he lost the fear factor. Looks like The Gold Bear might be out of the woods.

This is the key. Fin said he'd be competitive, for Tiger that means winning every few tourneys he enters. If he doesn't threaten Jack's major record, NostraFinless's prediction stands.

Right. It's funny because for over 10 years, it was well-known that all Tiger Woods cared about (besides getting some strange anywhere and everywhere) was missing Majors, and now standards apparently have dropped so far that his fans are now beating their chests over wins in non-Majors.

There are more events than just Major championships. Golf is not four weeks a year. This Majors thing has spun way out of control to the point that people have lost sight of the game.

I agree, but the narrative for years was that all Woods cared about was Majors, so I am simply pointing out how the standards have apparently changed. Six years ago, would people be gushing this much over wins in these non-Majors? No f'ing way.

I agree, but he hasn't been in major form over the last 4 years. And we haven't seen this Tiger for 4 years. It's completely reasonable to get more excited about these latest wins than the random ones he's had over the last few years. This is different, and any honest golf fan can see it.

That's exactly the point. Because Woods has not been the dominant golfer in the last 3-4 years, him now dominating in smaller events is big news, which it wouldn't have been years ago. That is kind of making our point for us.

It's big news because its a harbinger of things to come (projected). For me, it's a big deal because of how dismissive many of the doubters have been about his ability to get back here. When someone pointed out the knee surgery, divorce, swing change etc, those were called excuses. I have consistently argued that he could easily get 'back' and that his step off the pedestal was not a natural age-related decline, but an understandable consequence of the factors I just outlined. We are, as a society, far too willing to make a long-term determination on short term analysis. Therefore, I'm willing to say that his recent performance shows me that he can win multiple majors in the next year or two. I haven't felt that until his recent play.

And, I watch his play, not just the results. His game is back, at least right now. It could be gone tomorrow, but as the culmination of a 4 year process, I see a solid game that's similar to his dominant years.

 

[Apple Jack]

He's done. He'll be competitive but he lost the fear factor. Looks like The Gold Bear might be out of the woods.

This is the key. Fin said he'd be competitive, for Tiger that means winning every few tourneys he enters. If he doesn't threaten Jack's major record, NostraFinless's prediction stands.

Right. It's funny because for over 10 years, it was well-known that all Tiger Woods cared about (besides getting some strange anywhere and everywhere) was missing Majors, and now standards apparently have dropped so far that his fans are now beating their chests over wins in non-Majors.

There are more events than just Major championships. Golf is not four weeks a year. This Majors thing has spun way out of control to the point that people have lost sight of the game.

Now who's moving the goalposts?

I have you idea what you're talking about, but do me a solid and keep me out of any of your conversations.

I'll explain it to you. You are now claiming that 'this majors thing has spun way out of control'. Well, for the first half of Tiger's career, his efficiency at winning majors is exactly the thing that defined him. He was going to shatter the majors record. Now that he's winning everything BUT majors, suddenly, there is golf more than four weekends a year and majors are overrated. That's the very definition of moving the goalposts. There's your solid. An education.

I never said the second part. And this is a perfect illustration why talking to you is a fool's errand.

 

[dparker713]

I don't know how anyone could have watched his last couple of final rounds and think he's not back. Only Fowler even mounted a mini challenge and he crumbled under the pressure. He was in complete control today - grinding pars when he needed and making big puts. Hell, all you need to know about his game right now was summed up on the 18th. Wild off the tee, smart play to lay up basically twice with a big lead, and he nearly drains a 60 footer that settles within a foot of the hole. A ridiculously long put that people justifiably thought he might make.

And while his results at Augusta are going to be a lightning rod for people, I think the true test of where his game is will be the US Open. His game has always been as much about playing smart as anything, and the US Open is the best place for that to factor in.

 

[derek245583]

I don't know how anyone could have watched his last couple of final rounds and think he's not back. Only Fowler even mounted a mini challenge and he crumbled under the pressure. He was in complete control today - grinding pars when he needed and making big puts. Hell, all you need to know about his game right now was summed up on the 18th. Wild off the tee, smart play to lay up basically twice with a big lead, and he nearly drains a 60 footer that settles within a foot of the hole. A ridiculously long put that people justifiably thought he might make. And while his results at Augusta are going to be a lightning rod for people, I think the true test of where his game is will be the US Open. His game has always been as much about playing smart as anything, and the US Open is the best place for that to factor in.

He may not hit a driver at the US Open. By Sunday that week, he will have half the grand slam

 

[zoonation]

I don't know how anyone could have watched his last couple of final rounds and think he's not back. Only Fowler even mounted a mini challenge and he crumbled under the pressure. He was in complete control today - grinding pars when he needed and making big puts. Hell, all you need to know about his game right now was summed up on the 18th. Wild off the tee, smart play to lay up basically twice with a big lead, and he nearly drains a 60 footer that settles within a foot of the hole. A ridiculously long put that people justifiably thought he might make. And while his results at Augusta are going to be a lightning rod for people, I think the true test of where his game is will be the US Open. His game has always been as much about playing smart as anything, and the US Open is the best place for that to factor in.

He may not hit a driver at the US Open. By Sunday that week, he will have half the grand slam

okay...

 

[BobbyLayne]

I don't know how anyone could have watched his last couple of final rounds and think he's not back. Only Fowler even mounted a mini challenge and he crumbled under the pressure. He was in complete control today - grinding pars when he needed and making big puts. Hell, all you need to know about his game right now was summed up on the 18th. Wild off the tee, smart play to lay up basically twice with a big lead, and he nearly drains a 60 footer that settles within a foot of the hole. A ridiculously long put that people justifiably thought he might make. And while his results at Augusta are going to be a lightning rod for people, I think the true test of where his game is will be the US Open. His game has always been as much about playing smart as anything, and the US Open is the best place for that to factor in.

He may not hit a driver at the US Open. By Sunday that week, he will have half the grand slam

Merion can't be stretched to more than 6,900 yards - they don't have the real estate - and there's not intermediate rough at this year's setup. A yard off the fairway and you'll be in the deepest rough. He'll be hitting stingers all week.

 

[zoonation]

I don't know how anyone could have watched his last couple of final rounds and think he's not back. Only Fowler even mounted a mini challenge and he crumbled under the pressure. He was in complete control today - grinding pars when he needed and making big puts. Hell, all you need to know about his game right now was summed up on the 18th. Wild off the tee, smart play to lay up basically twice with a big lead, and he nearly drains a 60 footer that settles within a foot of the hole. A ridiculously long put that people justifiably thought he might make. And while his results at Augusta are going to be a lightning rod for people, I think the true test of where his game is will be the US Open. His game has always been as much about playing smart as anything, and the US Open is the best place for that to factor in.

He may not hit a driver at the US Open. By Sunday that week, he will have half the grand slam

Merion can't be stretched to more than 6,900 yards - they don't have the real estate - and there's not intermediate rough at this year's setup. A yard off the fairway and you'll be in the deepest rough. He'll be hitting stingers all week.

Well there you go. It is just that simple. Who do you think will finish second?

 

[BobbyLayne]

I don't know how anyone could have watched his last couple of final rounds and think he's not back. Only Fowler even mounted a mini challenge and he crumbled under the pressure. He was in complete control today - grinding pars when he needed and making big puts. Hell, all you need to know about his game right now was summed up on the 18th. Wild off the tee, smart play to lay up basically twice with a big lead, and he nearly drains a 60 footer that settles within a foot of the hole. A ridiculously long put that people justifiably thought he might make.

And while his results at Augusta are going to be a lightning rod for people, I think the true test of where his game is will be the US Open. His game has always been as much about playing smart as anything, and the US Open is the best place for that to factor in.

He may not hit a driver at the US Open. By Sunday that week, he will have half the grand slam

Merion can't be stretched to more than 6,900 yards - they don't have the real estate - and there's not intermediate rough at this year's setup. A yard off the fairway and you'll be in the deepest rough. He'll be hitting stingers all week.

Well there you go. It is just that simple. Who do you think will finish second?

The bolded port is relevant to my statement. HTH

 

[Judge Smails]

A lot of dissecting on the golf channel right now. I think they said Tiger has never won the Masters after winning at Bay Hill. Doesn't seem possible. Anyway, they all feel Tiger will be in contention on Sunday, and is short game is spot on again, but what could keep him from winning is his inability with his new swing to hit a draw when needed. And they pointed out 3-4 holes at August where it's not an option. Something to keep in mind.

 

[BobbyLayne]

A lot of dissecting on the golf channel right now. I think they said Tiger has never won the Masters after winning at Bay Hill. Doesn't seem possible. Anyway, they all feel Tiger will be in contention on Sunday, and is short game is spot on again, but what could keep him from winning is his inability with his new swing to hit a draw when needed. And they pointed out 3-4 holes at August where it's not an option. Something to keep in mind.

#1 and #18 are the only par 4 holes that favor L to R. But most of the course having a draw isn't a huge factor until you get to #9, #10 and #13. #5 is a dog leg left but a lot of guys aim at the left bunker and hit a fade. Jack's natural ball flight was a power fade. Not sure I agree it's mandatory to hit a draw there. I think if he's in complete command of his ball flight and distance control working it L to R, it's a non-issue to me.

 

[Judge Smails]

A lot of dissecting on the golf channel right now. I think they said Tiger has never won the Masters after winning at Bay Hill. Doesn't seem possible. Anyway, they all feel Tiger will be in contention on Sunday, and is short game is spot on again, but what could keep him from winning is his inability with his new swing to hit a draw when needed. And they pointed out 3-4 holes at August where it's not an option. Something to keep in mind.

#1 and #18 are the only par 4 holes that favor L to R. But most of the course having a draw isn't a huge factor until you get to #9, #10 and #13. #5 is a dog leg left but a lot of guys aim at the left bunker and hit a fade. Jack's natural ball flight was a power fade. Not sure I agree it's mandatory to hit a draw there. I think if he's in complete command of his ball flight and distance control working it L to R, it's a non-issue to me.

I sorta agree with you, but the question is will he stick to the game plan for a controlled fade even if the shot really calls for a draw? Or will he try to pull of the draw and push/snap it? It's going to come down to committment and execution on those holes for sure.

 

[Apple Jack]

A lot of dissecting on the golf channel right now. I think they said Tiger has never won the Masters after winning at Bay Hill. Doesn't seem possible. Anyway, they all feel Tiger will be in contention on Sunday, and is short game is spot on again, but what could keep him from winning is his inability with his new swing to hit a draw when needed. And they pointed out 3-4 holes at August where it's not an option. Something to keep in mind.

#1 and #18 are the only par 4 holes that favor L to R. But most of the course having a draw isn't a huge factor until you get to #9, #10 and #13. #5 is a dog leg left but a lot of guys aim at the left bunker and hit a fade. Jack's natural ball flight was a power fade. Not sure I agree it's mandatory to hit a draw there. I think if he's in complete command of his ball flight and distance control working it L to R, it's a non-issue to me.

I sorta agree with you, but the question is will he stick to the game plan for a controlled fade even if the shot really calls for a draw? Or will he try to pull of the draw and push/snap it? It's going to come down to committment and execution on those holes for sure.

Wasn't a double-cross into the creek on 13 a couple years ago effectively the end of his tournament? Doubt that'll ever leave his mind. With his short irons and putting now, he really doesn't need to bring much trouble into play. Those back to back T4 years when he was deep into his slump was the worst stretch of putting of his career. If he had putted half as good as he is now in those two events, he'd have won them. Ifs, buts, candys, blah blah, but that goes to show you how well he can get his ball around there. It'd be fun to see him play a fade all the way around just for the hell of it, but it's not going to happen.ETA: I'm way anti-scalping when it comes to concerts, but if I had Masters tickets for this year, I'd be scalping the #### out of those things.

 

[Otis]

This is what the Otis's and Urbanhack's and drummer's don't get. Every time he wins a tournament, they're in here pounding their chests like it was them who accomplished something. Tiger Woods is the most physically dominating golfer of all-time. He was born to be a golfer and his dad was much like the Williams sister's dad. Golff, all day and all night. Since he was old enough to hold a club. He burst onto the scene and started dominating. He was more dominating than any golfer ever. And was winning Masters at a record clip. Nicklaus' record was sure to be shattered. Rigth now, Woods is playing at his highest level since those days he was so dominant. He's probably a little more 'back' than Finless thought he'd ever be when this thread was started, but not near far enough back to claim he's back at the level he was before he fell off the cliff, like desperate-for-attention Otis wants to pretend he is.

Didn't read a word of this. Are you embarrassed yet?

 

[BobbyLayne]

A lot of dissecting on the golf channel right now. I think they said Tiger has never won the Masters after winning at Bay Hill. Doesn't seem possible. Anyway, they all feel Tiger will be in contention on Sunday, and is short game is spot on again, but what could keep him from winning is his inability with his new swing to hit a draw when needed. And they pointed out 3-4 holes at August where it's not an option. Something to keep in mind.

#1 and #18 are the only par 4 holes that favor L to R. But most of the course having a draw isn't a huge factor until you get to #9, #10 and #13. #5 is a dog leg left but a lot of guys aim at the left bunker and hit a fade. Jack's natural ball flight was a power fade.

Not sure I agree it's mandatory to hit a draw there. I think if he's in complete command of his ball flight and distance control working it L to R, it's a non-issue to me.

I sorta agree with you, but the question is will he stick to the game plan for a controlled fade even if the shot really calls for a draw? Or will he try to pull of the draw and push/snap it? It's going to come down to committment and execution on those holes for sure.

That's a fair point. The pressure at a major is immense. That's the ultimate test - will the swing hold up when the pressure is greatest?

You have to figure his level of comfort at a major this year will be at the highest level in 17 days. He said earlier this year he's never even seen Merion (short, shotmakers course), and the other two venues are Muirfield (he shot an 81 in horrible 3rd round conditions the last time they were there) and Oak Hill (T28 the last time held a PGA).

Not gonna say the first major is the only major he has a shot at this year, but it sure seems like the best example of the course for the horse. The guy has won over half his tournaments (41) on seven courses:

[*]Bay Hill - 8

[*]Torrey Pines South - 8

[*]Firestone South - 7

[*]Muirfield Village - 5

[*]Cog Hill - 5

[*]Doral Blue - 4

[*]ANGC - 4

As good as he is playing right now, at some level he's got to feel the pressure of not having won a major in five years. It's virtually unprecedented what he is trying to do late in his career - win multiple majors after a 5 year drought.

Jack won 17 of his majors over a 19 season span, never went longer than 3 years without one (obvs the magical 1986 back 9 charge came after a 5+ year dry spell). Gary Player won majors over a 20 year span, longest winless span was 4 years. You can find exceptions - Sarazen won 3 when he was very young and 4 more a decade later in his 30s, but most great champions over the last 100 years have packed all their majors inside of 7 - 9 years (Hogan, Palmer, Watson). We've seen the one last hurrah (Trevino in 1984, Nicklaus in 1986), but those were one-shot deals, not a second sustained career like Woods is attempting to accomplish.

All that said, he's been doing incredible things we never thought we'd see for 20 years. The odds are he doesn't catch Jack and doesn't have the sustained second career, simply because it's never been done. Yet it wouldn't surprise very many if he did exactly that - go out and reclaim his dominant in majors perch after a 5 year absence. I hope he does, because I've gotten more joy out of watching him compete than any other athlete of my lifetime.

 

[Otis]

He needs to be the best-ier in the world for me to admit he's back.