Tiger returns!

The fears of the PGA have been swayed. Tiger Woods has announced a return to golf competition at the Masters at Augusta this year. With the return of the king, golf will retain all the gains he has created for them.

Ok, more seriously, Woods being back in golf does mean a return of television ratings and thus more money for the PGA and all the players. That's just a fact. The biggest fear the PGA had was the retirement of Woods or an extended leave. That now being releieved, well the gravy is back.

Woods stated so far

"The Masters is where I won my first major and I view this tournament with great respect. After a long and necessary time away from the game, I feel like I'm ready to start my season at Augusta.

The major championships have always been a special focus in my career and, as a professional, I think Augusta is where I need to be, even though it's been a while since I last played."

So Woods is going to go for another jacket. And if he gets it, he can shut up the guaranteed comments from commentators about how it all has affected his game, ect.

But you have to imagine that the time off, the problems with his family, the media attention (negative that is), all of it has to have some effect on him. He may play golf at the peak of mortal ability, but he isn't superhuman.

So how might Tiger Woods do at the Masters? He could miss the cut completely. Which would drive a huge number of tabloid specualtions about the state of his marriage and his sponsorship deals. He could come in the middle of the pack. Which would result in much of the same, with more focus on his sponsors and a bit of sympathy from some sportswriters. Or Tiger could rally hard, maybe even lead all the way, and win again.

That would be spectacular. Ratings for golf would skyrocket again. Sponsors would flock back to Woods. The top pros would be intimidated like never before, worse than when Tiger first showed up and beat them all almost without trying.

What are the odds of that happening? Who knows. When Tiger Woods wants to win, he does and by as much as he wants. So the question is does Tiger really want to play now, or does he just want to keep up appearances?

All answers will come on April 8th.

The PGA without Tiger Woods - does it matter?

And so it begins. Now that Tiger Woods has decided to step away from golf while he and his wife resolve the now public issues, advertisers and golfers are running from him. The greatest golfer, arguably ever, is quickly learning who his friends are.

I won't speak about what Tiger did or his wife's reaction. That is a private matter for them both. But I will comment on the reaction this is having. And like dominoes the effect is just triggering more and more reactions.

Gillette is now the first of the major advertisers to step away from Woods. While not quite running, they are going to quickly minimize the ads that feature Tiger. Gillette claims this is their attempt to help Woods minimize his public presence. Which oddly enough sounds more like they are trying to not piss of women that might buy their product because they somehow link it to Woods actions.

So far Nike has remained the most dedicated to Tiger of all the advertisers. Which makes sense as Tiger has done everything they could have hoped for with their golf equipment line. With Woods out of competition, it's hard to know exactly what will happen to future ads in 2010. Still I think there will be something that features Woods and Nike. And I commend that in at least the fact that they acknowledge what was done for them. Plus I hate rats fleeing a sinking ship, before it starts to sink.

In the world of golf there are mixed comments. There are those that wish the Woods family encouragement in their efforts to resolve this issue. There are those that have shared their feelings about similar troubles, like John Daly. These are respectful comments that I think make sense, though the best are those that refuse to speak about a private matter.

Then there are golfers like Colin Montgomerie. His comments that focus on his ability to win now just annoy me.

"I feel that it gives us more opportunity of winning these big events now."

It rings petty, considering that it is an admission that were the best golfer in the world around, he and others like him, could never have a chance. Montgomerie is just not that good.

I can't wait to see how Montgomerie feels when he sees what winning without the presence of Woods means. Inevitably the prize purses in the PGA are going to drop without Woods. The viewership of televised events, and likely the number of events covered, will drop. A Lot. Because no one really cares if Colin Montgomerie wins, but everyone cares if Tiger plays.

The big question to the PGA and professional golf, even advertisers, has to be what will happen if Tiger comes back? What happens if Tiger doesn't come back, or he is incapable of the dominance he has had in the sport? What happens to all the charities and organizations that Woods created and sponsors? Perhaps John Daly summed it up well

" They always say there is no one bigger in golf than the game itself. But Tiger is."

Somehow I think it's going to be quite a while before we see ads like the following again:





And it will be a long time before we see this in golf videos



Sadly I think we have all witnessed the end of the Tiger Woods era. No matter when he comes back, I think his spirit has been broken. He will still win, and he will break records. But the greatest moments of his career will likely be behind him. In a way it's just a shame to know we will never see what he could have been. And we will never see his kind of ability again in our lifetime, of that I am sure.

Tiger Woods is back; just not at Accenture Match Play

Tiger Woods is back on the PGA Tour. There is almost nothing that can be said about his return that the following commercial by Nike does not capture.



Yes the party is over. Or is it?

Watching Tiger play in the Accenture Match Play Championship today, versus Clark tells me that the laser beam is off center.

Tiger Woods is just not as sharp as we all expect him to be. Now this is match play, so it’s not like a regular competition. And Tiger can easily be far better on different courses. But I watched him through the 11th hole. And the best he did was end up even.

This is not the Tiger that the rest of the field fears. This is not the Tiger that the fans expect. There is just no other way of stating the facts.

There were just too many shots that were not close enough, or putts that were dropping. Any other golfer in the world would be pleased, and fans would accept the results. But we are talking about the Great One. A golfer that can easily break every record, even at a severely reduced attempt to do so.

Tiger Woods has another 20 or 30 years of golf before him. So I do not doubt that he will achieve new records for other golfers to strive for. Nor do I doubt that he can win virtually at will. The only question at this point is does he want it as much as he did 5 years ago?

There is nothing wrong with having family as the first priority. And I believe that Tiger has enough endorsements and ability to take care of his family for life. In fact I think his business acumen has ensured their comfortable living standard for decades to come. But watching him today was like watching a man in quicksand.

Now it’s a given that he has not been in competition for a year. Add to that the stress of a new child. Plus there is no way I would ever match up to Tiger on his worst day with the benefit of my handicap and a great caddy. So my criticism is separate of my ability. Given.

Still I’m waiting for Tiger to turn on the fire. It seems that the WCG Accenture Match Play Championship will not be it. But once he turns it on, well the commercial says it all. Yet I can’t describe my displeasure at Woods losing on Thursday.

It’s like a vortex, like the bear market, like the prospects of the stimulus plan working. We all want it to succeed, but we know it just isn’t happening. But unlike the rest of the economy, or the pipe dreams of Democrats, I believe Woods will pull through. And so do you.

The ratings for Woods first match back are up 50% from a year ago. That’s good news for the PGA, the players and fans. Imagine once Tiger gets back into the swing of things.

Well enough rambling. Tiger Woods is back. The trophies are waiting. And I wouldn’t bet against him even with Vegas odds.

The supreme sweep – LPGA, PGA, and the Seniors all lead by Woods

Great news in the world of golf today. Tiger Woods is once again a proud daddy.

This fantastic news of the birth of a healthy son, Charlie Axel, is sure to make fans very pleased. And for those hoping to create a legacy or have their child attain the heights of being called the world’s greatest, the chances just got slimmer.

With a daughter and now a son, the Woods family might just be poised to do something no other lineage in golf has ever done. Have 3 members of the family become ranked professionals all at the same time. The bonus of this is of course the fact that Tiger’s daughter, Sam Alexis, could run the LPGA much the same as her father took over the PGA.

Now I will admit this is mostly my wish rather than any shred of fact, at this point. But still it would be something. If the Woods children were to follow in their dad’s footsteps, learning all the tricks and techniques he knows, with all the privileges that his fame and fortune can bestow upon them – just imagine.

You can be assured that if the kids even tried they would never fear monetary support as every company associated with golf would drool over the chance to have their name associated with a trio of Tigers.

Of course it is just as likely that the children of the arguably greatest golfer in the world, and perhaps the sport, might venture into another sport or none at all rather than be in the shadow of their dad. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. I hope that they become successful and happy (not in that order) no matter what they do.

But as a fan, I can dream. I imagine that Tiger himself might occasionally harbor such fancies from time to time.

Whether or not Tiger plays at the Masters this year, or at all this year depends on the new baby Woods has said. And that is understandable. Family always takes precedence.

But I will just let the moment linger a bit longer until he does return. At the young age of 33, the potential of Tiger playing golf well into his 60’s means that there is time. Especially if word ever leaks out that the kids have gotten a Christmas gift of golf clubs. Just remember that you heard the idea here first.

Tiger Woods, Golf, and Black History Month

As we enter the first Black History Month in which we will not only be celebrating the past acheivements of great men and women, but the until recently undreamed of African American Presidency, I decided to look at what else might we celebrate.

That took me to looking, eventually, at Tiger Woods. Being the best in the world, in a sport where Blacks (of any nationality) are as close to virtually non-existent as possible, is always noteworthy. But then I noticed an article that made me think deeper.

John Paul Newport was speaking about Tiger Woods at one of the inauguration parties for President Obama. He speculated on the thought that Obama might one day try for a political office. Which indeed would be interesting. And then I read this quote further on in the article

“If you turn on the golf tournament Sunday and Tiger Woods isn't playing, what do you see? About 140 white guys competing and no blacks," said Eddie Payton, the golf coach at historically black Jackson State in Mississippi (and the brother of the late football great Walter Payton). "What kind of message does that send to kids? That they should watch basketball instead, even though they aren't going to grow up to be 6-foot-10? If we don't get some black players on Tour soon, we're going to lose a generation of potential African-American golfers."

Being a golfer, though a 100 a round player so I’m not bragging, I am used to being one of a handful – if not the only – Black golfer on any particular course. That is usually true even on most courses in major cities. So, like watching television, I hadn’t notice that I was brainwashed into accepting the lack of diversity.

Yet that is a horrible thing. Golf is a great sport. It’s relaxing, intense, challenging, and fun. It’s something that even the less physically fit can play. And those on the course are in almost every case, polite friendly and respectful.

It is a game that anyone can learn, even in the city. In the Bronx, a few miles from where I grew up is a 100 year old 9-hole course that is almost always filled by anything but golfers of color. And the same can be said of the over half a dozen courses in New York City, in my experience.

At a time when our nation has broken through a massive hurdle, when we are openly and finally discussing race relations without breaking into fights, we still are surrounded by obstacles that are firmly in place.

And this makes me wonder about my thoughts on the Obama effect. Perhaps I was too short sighted when I discussed that. Perhaps the Obama effect is not limited to just television. Because in the PGA there is only 1 African American golfer, and almost a mere handful of American golfers of color. The LPGA is even more staggered in the diversity it presents.

But why? Money is of course one reason. And not a small one. Yet the same can be said of those athletes that seek to become baseball, basketball, football or any other sports’ major leaguer. The honest answer is that African Americans are discouraged from the game, and institutional backing ignores them.

The discouragement comes as much from African Americans as any other group. The game is seen as being only-White. To play is a stigma akin to abandoning your race. And that is just a stupid thought. Yet every Sunday that very though is reinforced.

The money though is another matter. I won’t say that colleges, golf clubs, or other institutions purposefully avoid African Americans – I don’t know that to be true. But I can say that from what I know they all do actively pursue White golfers at young ages.

Now I am not saying that any African America should be allowed to play in the PGA or LPGA just because of the color of their skin. I hate and would fight against such an idea. But I am saying that the opportunity to compete should be more available.

Given the chance, players will find their own way to the pros. But the chance has to be there. And in golf it is not.

Every African American is not Tiger Woods or Barack Obama. Nor should we be held to a standard of being equal to them or nothing at all. Yet that does not mean we cannot be involved. That does not mean we shouldn’t be encouraged to try.

If this Black History Month says anything this year, I hope that it says to everyone, of every color and creed and ethnicity, that you should try something different. That you can succeed in things that few are doing today. That if you look up, don’t just reach for the clouds because you think you can only get the sky. Reach for the stars because if you work for it, you can reach them too.

Do you know the Special Olympics Golf Tournament?

These days you hear so much about entertainers and athletes that do so much for themselves that you hear little else about people doing for good causes. Far too often the major news media, and even sports news, just ignore events because they don’t fulfill the torrid scandal meter that tends to capture national attention. But when I do run across these kinds of events, I like to mention them.

Once such item deserving of such attention is the following item:

Special Olympics Golf National Invitational Tournament - Wright joins more than 200 golfers from 24 U.S. Special Olympics programs who are competing on PGA Golf Club's Ryder and Wanamaker courses, Oct. 4-6.

The Special Olympics is not a new event, I think most of us have seen a commercial on television at the least. In many ways the acheivements of these handicapped individuals confirms the credibility and reality of the term hanicapable. As such it’s a due honor to mention their acheivements just as we would and have those that went to the Bejing Olympics this summer.

But I am not sure how many people, or golfers, are aware of this event. I can honestly say that I was unaware of the event until today. But having learned of it I cannot imagine not saying more about it.

Golf has always been a sport of individual triumphs and challenges. Golfers of every skill go out each season and tackle the only 2 opponents that really matter, the course and themselves. And each golfer has their own moments of success.

Whether it’s a hole-in-one or an eagle, or just making par each is an accomplishment. But sometimes we need to notice the outstanding actions of some. Like the blind golfer I’ve read about, or the one-armed golfer. It just says something about the human spirit that moves me.

In this event, there are several levels of competition. Level II is an alternate shot team play, where a Special Olympics athlete is paired with a non-Special Olympics partner of more advanced skill for a 9-hole competition. I think that deserves attention.

So I present the Level 2 9-hole leaders. I wish them luck in their efforts to win on Monday.

Johnson/Wilbanks, Murphy, Texas -- 49-49 98
Binggeli/Binggeli, Clarkesville, Ind. -- 49-49 98

There are far more competitors and leaders in each of the 5 levels of skill and play in this event. But rather than just tell you about them I invite you to look and find out more yourself.

www.specialolympics.org

Tiger Woods: knee beats season

The announcement has been made – Tiger Woods will be out for the rest of the golf season. The PGA and multiple events are popping pills, knocking back drinks, and calling shrinks as I write.


After the amazing rally and win at the U.S. Open against Rocco Mediate, in sudden death on Monday, concerns over Tiger’s knee were rampant. And with good reason. The man was feeling pain at virtually every drive. In my opinion the only reason there was a playoff and a close event at the US Open was because of the recovering knee. A healthy Tiger Woods beats everyone when he wants to, by as much as he would like.

How big is this loss?

“The Tiger Effect has been with us so long now that it takes jolting events like Monday's U.S. Open playoff victory and Woods' relapsing knee to remind everyone of all the numerical impacts the man has. Besides booming TV numbers for NBC and ESPN, Woods also drove record-setting hits all over the Internet.”

Tiger Woods is perhaps the most capable athlete in the world at helping to move the U.S. economy. From ticket sales at events he appears at (influencing additionally airline tickets, hotels, restaurants, and various knick-knacks and impulse purchases at the events), advertising prices for coverage of golfing events on television and the internet, to sales of anything related to golf (clubs, clothing, golf balls, ect.) Tiger has an impact that does not have a real comparison.

And I have to wonder what happens if Tiger gets beat.

I don’t mean by another player. As uncommon as that may be, statistically it has to happen occasionally, we have seen it. I mean by his knee or any other potential injury while he is still young and early in his career. While I would hope this would never happen, injuries may be the only real opponent that Tiger has to face. And it’s the only opponent that realistically can prevent him from breaking every record the game has in place.

That would seriously hurt golf worldwide. Prize money at every event has increased since the first pro win by Tiger. Without his presence, other players might run higher in world ratings, but likely will make less money as interest wanes. Sales can decrease as the dream of competing with or playing with the living legend becomes fixed as just dreams. While perhaps a generation of kids will likely still stay involved with golf, the potential reach to new generations might end.

And millions lose a role model of poise under pressure, education, success, self-discipline, and moderation. Think about it, Tiger is the single most successful athlete in the world. No one makes his kind of money and has so little negative press. He is a good family man, without drug addictions or alcohol abuse, without scandals for fighting or paternity lawsuits. Hell, even the opponents he plays are grateful for the chance to compete with him – except for Fuzzy Zoeller – noting that he is the best around. Name another athlete, celebrity, or entertainer you hear competitors say that about.

So I’m not surprised that media sellers and the PGA are fearful. I can see how economists will have to make a (minor) adjustment to economic projections. And I can see that a whole sports industry is nervous about their futures.

Tiger is out for another season, and I hope it means he will be back healthy soon after. Because a world without Tiger Woods in the headlines detracts from everyone’s life in more ways than most ever imagine.

Tiger Wood and the U.S. Open: Rocco Mediate tried

Tiger Woods is in the lead to win the U.S. Open, again. I know you are shocked.

I was at a pool tournament Saturday and they had the Open on the T.V. Everyone asked from time to time where Tiger was. The answer varied a bit, basically he’s in the top 5, and every response would be ‘ok, he’ll win tomorrow’. Such are the expectations facing what I consider the greatest golfer in the world, perhaps ever.

Now how many of the people at the tournament realized that Tiger had recently had knee surgery? Some, though not most. Yet I think that would not change a single opinion.

‘When the man wants to win, everyone else is playing for second,’ as I recall one of the top players once stated (I think it was Ernie Els).

Right now, Tiger is winning by 3. Rocco Mediate, who is a very good player (his 157th in the world ranking aside or included), and I’m sure he will finish as close as possible. But his day was yesterday. He had his chance, he had the lead alone. Then Tiger rallied.

As I recall there has only been 1 player that has beaten Tiger Woods in a playoff match. He’s played quite a few, 14 in all, and they have almost always been for the same reason. Tiger rallied to tie. Once he rallies, everyone else (virtually) folds under the pressure he brings to bear.

Rocco had a great chance. Tiger is not fully healed, and spent the Open without taking the lead. Rocco was playing one of the best games of his career. But with Tiger around, that’s just not enough.

The thing I always find fascinating, and encouraging, is when everyone loses to Tiger. Other than Fuzzy Zoeller they don’t get upset. And it’s not because he has brought more money and excitement into the PGA, and golf in general. It’s because they are playing their A-games against someone who can bring out another level they have never seen. They are part of a living history in action.

The final match of the U.S. Open is not over yet. Tiger could fold to his injuries. Rocco could come up with a level of play he has never done before. But if I were in Vegas I wouldn’t bet against Woods. They couldn’t lay odds that are worth throwing my money away.