posted Jun 17, 2008

Funny how in this country how we seem to have a problem with winning.Woods regardless of who he is up against or what is against him is a winner through and through. Very funny that people think him surly, perhaps if some of our seemingly happy go lucky golfers were a little more surly and passionate then they might move up a level. Do not seem to remember Faldo being Mr popular either but hence perhaps why he was also a great champion.Anyway a great win and I hope he has not done any permanent damage to his knee as if he has I am sure golf will be the biggest loser.

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posted Jun 17, 2008

if i was so bent of the tee and put it 80/90 yards of the fairway i would sulk and then if i put it on the green and made a birdie i would pump my fist but y does that make me unsportsman

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posted Jun 17, 2008

Tiger is sullen, sulky, etc. How do we know this? TV - be it telecasted live or delayed.

Nickaus, Hogan, etc. are no better. How do I know? I was lucky enough to catch Nicklaus in his prime. And my old man relayed stories of Hogan, Snead, etc.

Remember, the great Nicklaus was not liked earliler on - Arnie's Army gave him hell - but he earned their respect. Yes, they respected him and warmed to Arnie.

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posted Jun 17, 2008

I cannot believe what I'm reading...Tiger sulky and unsportsmanlike? You must be totally mental or DO NOT understand sport as a whole. Tiger is the best golfer that has ever existed, he shows this in his utter determination and concerntration, NOT sulky manner. As for unsportsmanlike, I dont know what to say! Fist pumping is a natural behaviour, if I had made a 12 foot putt to stay in the race for a major I would be doing a whole lot more than fist pumping. It shows Tiger's unparalled will and desire to win. I beg you to think before you make ridiculous comments like that again!

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posted Jun 17, 2008

Edd 1883 and many others have stated that Tiger is the greatest golfer who has ever lived but what is this assumption based on. He has not so far matched jack Nicklaus 18 majors and as far as I am aware has not won as many tourneyments worldwide. He does not have the same Ryder cup record as either Jack or Arnold Palmer and if it were not for them promoting Golf tourneys around the world it would still be well down the list in populaqrity with American sportsmen.
I would agree however with the statements made that no other golfer, past or present, would have won this U S Open when you consider the bad start he made and the pain he was in Moraygolfer stated "three dropped shots in four holes do not win majors"
WRONG! Tiger dropped three shots in two holes in his second round and still managed to win the open. He also had avery determined opponent in Roco Mediate who threw everything at him and he managed to withstand the assault. I put this down to mental strength and patience. No panic from him because he knows if he just keeps plugging along he will get the breaks at some point. As I`ve said previously I don`t think you can win anything by not getting a lucky break somewhere along the way

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posted Jun 18, 2008

I can appreciate Tiger being considered 'fantastic 'by beating everyone by 15 strokes in a major. Sure, he's the best golfer of his generation no argument there. Tiger winning the US open by beating Rocco Mediate (who's never even been involved in a Masters playoff), expected.

Tiger the greatest athlete of the century? Put Tiger in front of a hostile crowd (much like every European has to endure in the US) and then review his performance. Tiger dominates a game where middle aged, over-weight men (who's parents were rich enough to afford golf lessons) dominate the fairways... and he's been working at his game non stop since the age of two!

Tiger has averaged 1.27 Masters wins per year since he started as a pro. Can you compare that with 5 consecutive Wimbledons by Federer, Gretzky's 92 goals in 1991 in the NHL (when 50 goals per season is a rare achievement) or a host of other athletes who have excelled in their respective sports? Bjorn borg only started tennis at the old age of 10!

Tiger is possibly the toughest mentally of all his fellow golfers. That and experience gives him a big edge come Sunday. He's not blowing the field apart by 10 strokes over 72 holes, he's winning because it seems there is no-one else out there that have the game/mental strength to compete against him on the last day. Perhaps its lack of fitness, seems there aren't too many players out there in shape to play 4 rounds in 4 days.

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posted Jun 18, 2008

George Bush could learn plenty from Tiger as an ambassador for his country.

Woods is not only the best golfer that has ever lived he is also benevolent, gracious and worldly.

If you've ever witnessed the 'Tiger circus' close up, it makes his achievements even more special.

I'm not one to class sportsman as 'heroes'- I reserve that description for people who risk their own lives to protect others - but as a role model he is second to none. We are priviledged to witness this performance in our lifetime. It will not be repeated.

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posted Jun 18, 2008

Bathbiggles.

On what "facts" do you base your assertion that Tiger is The best golfer that has ever lived, or is it merely your personal opinion?.

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posted Jun 18, 2008

Wattie

Well it is of course a personal opinion but based on the following:

1. He has won more majors at the age of 32 than any other player and in a vastly more competitive era than when his predessors played. Providing he stays healthy he will beat Nicklaus' major record comprehensively

2. He has won significant tournaments on every continent that hosts them.

3. He has won all the major titles in both the amateur and professional world at junior and senior level - the only golfer to have done so.

...........I could go on about his college stats, his GIRs his putts per GIR etc etc but frankly I can't imagine what coherent argument anyone could put up against him being the best that ever lived!

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posted Jun 19, 2008

Bathbiggles.
I accept your opinion and have to say there is a very good chance Tiger will be proved to be the best ever but as yet I feel he has some way to go. Other golfers have exceptional college stats but have not gone on to greater things ( I believe Luke Donald is one).
Nicklaus and Palmer won on every stage golf was played and jack won the Masters when he was in his 40`s and was playing competitively well into his 60`s as was Arnold palmer.
The other thing to take into account is the massive difference in technology since those days. i suppose the average driving distance then would be around 240 - 260 yds where now it is 310 yds+. When you see Tiger hit the ball 190yds with a 7iron you wonder how much farther technology can go.
The one thing I could never argue with is that Tiger is without doubt the greatest golfer of the last 25years by a country mile but as I say has a way to go before taking the mantle of the best of all time.
Maybe we should agree to disagree for the time being.

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