Whether you’re a massive fan of Tiger Woods or a passive fan of his you have got to be impressed with what the man has accomplished. Say what you will about him and his transgressions Tiger Woods has roared back making his fans excited more than ever. If that was even possible. I’ve never been a huge fan of his and that’s a fact that I’ve never hidden behind or tried to mask.
I have my reasons, namely because of his seemingly smug attitude. I know, and before many of you call me a “hater” I’m quick to point out that he’s earned the right in a sense to be that way. No, I’m not talking about his demeanor on the golf course during competition, my issue with him was how he always approached his press conferences or on-camera appearances post-round.
In case you live under a rock you might have missed that Tiger Woods won this week. This time over in Japan at the Zozo Championship. Tiger Woods turned in a great tournament at the rain-soaked event. An event that saw the 376 yard Par 4 10th Hole shortened to 140 yards. for the record, I have no issue with that. You ALWAYS protect the golf course, and it’s something that we’ve had to do where I work on too many occasions this year. Tiger’s turnaround in Japan was impressive considering he started out with three straight bogey’s. Ladies and gents, there’s something to be said for that. If you start your round off in a difficult manner, put your head down and grind it out. You can turn it around.
With the victory, Tiger Woods claimed the 82nd victory of his illustrious career tying the legendary Slammin’ Sam Snead. A feat that whether you’re a fan of his or not you have to admire. Now does this make Tiger the G.O.A.T? The majority of golf fans will say yes. Without a doubt. However, love me or hate me I’m going to say that he’s the greatest of this era/generation. Why?
The reason is quite simple. I honestly feel that there can never be a true G.O.A.T. because when you think about it only two names surface for that sort of talk. Ironically, Sam Snead is never in the conversation with his 82 wins. Instead, it’s either Tiger or Mr. Nicklaus. In a debate that’s raged on over the last millennia or so I honestly feel that it’s neither. Instead, I think that we need to look at the greats from a generational or era standpoint. The reasons are many and not limited to better equipment, better agronomy (course conditioning/machinery), more awareness of mental coaching and physical fitness. Imagine if Snead, Nicklaus, or Bobby Jones had these resources? They won’t obviously, so we’ll never know what they would have accomplished. Which is exactly my point!
Even though I’m not a true Tiger fan I will go on the record and make the following statement. Tiger Woods isn’t finished winning golf tournaments yet. He has 82 and if he can remain somewhat healthy and continue to play like “Tiger”I think 90 is NOT out of the question. Whether he wins 83 or 90 nobody will ever touch him. At that point in time, I would resign myself to the fact that he’s the greatest of all time. Oh, by the way, I think two of those wins are Major Championships breaking Mr. Nicklaus’ record.
Until The Next Tee!!
#seeuonthenexttee #fightandgrind
The Next Tee (TNT) 