I'm at work today but I've got a couple of minutes. I thought I'd update you on Tiger's Knee.
Yes Tiger's Knee is quite the hot topic of discussion amongst us golf-nerds. Apparently it's OkeeDokee and he should be back in 6, 9, or 12 months.
It's been a couple of days and I just want to say thanks. Thanks to all my pals and friends that have called to congratulate me and Tiger on our win.
It was beyond a shadow of doubt, the best tournament I have ever witnessed. It edged just ahead of Mike Wier's Masters win, but only just. (Yes I'm a big Weir fan too and that final round Masters that he won in the playoff was all kinds of awesome.)
Anyway I have so much to say about the golf but I'm sure your sick of hearing me break down Tiger performances. I'm also sure you've read a paper in the last couple of days.
Suffice to say it was a performance that people won't soon forget..from both Tiger and Rocco Mediate.
How bout this insight.
Rocco's twilight has been all but assured.
Often times when PGA tour players get to age 45 they struggle to keep their playing privileges while trying to stay sharp for the Senior Tour.
Well Roc won't have to worry about that. He'll be exempt for the next year and at least one more based on his career earnings and after that he'll be able to grab no end of sponsors-exemptions to ride it out until he hits the big 5-O. Good for him, he deserves it. Most of you may have just heard of him now but he's been a good guy and a great player for a long time.
Back to El Tigre.
How big a boner did Nike have running this spot all weekend. And how absolutely bang on is the content.
Don't kid yourself, Tiger Woods is ready to play.
Forget the knee, yeah it's tender but he's able to adjust better than any golfer that's ever played.
Period.
The U.S. Open starts Thursday and despite not playing in 2 months and his third knee surgery, he's still the favorite.
What I find most interesting about TW is the way other golfers talk about him. "He's the ultimate champion from start to finish, on the golf course and off the golf course. There's no doubt about it I'd pay to watch him play."
I just can't see a better player make adjustments easier than Tiger," Mickelson said. "I just don't think it will be a problem."
"It's like Big Brown," said Sergio Garcia, who won THE PLAYERS Championship last month. "With a crack, he was still the favorite."
"He'll be fine, don't worry," Masters champion Trevor Immelman said with a knowing smile.
Immelman speculated that all of the fans who come to Torrey Pines on Thursday and Friday -- not just 75 percent as the reporter suggested -- will be following Woods, Phil Mickelson and Adam Scott in the featured pairing for the first two rounds.
"I would pay to watch Tiger play golf, absolutely," Immelman said. "He's something we may never see again. But the thing about him that I find more incredible is the way that he handles everything that goes on around him and the grace at which he handles things. The way he treats people around him.
Yes it's another Major and of course I want Tiger to win. As I always say it's cool for me when he's in contention, as he was at the Masters, even if he doesn't win. He just makes it more interesting.
I'll be watching as I always do and on Sunday, Father's day, I'll be thinking about my Father and how he and I loved to talk about Tiger and his game.
And incidentally, I don't care that Tiger thinks that no one cares about hockey.
During a round you rarely get to see what Tiger is like as a guy.
I was having this conversation with someone the other day and they said Phil Mickelson seemed like a good guy and Tiger is always looks serious.
Well part of that is true. Tiger is dead serious while he's on the course but I've read that he likes to be one of the guys off the course. He is friendly and approachable with the other pros and likes to goof around with the best of them.
Phil on the other hand is Mr. Happy-go-Lucky on the course but apparently is a bit of a dick with the other guys on the tour.
Check this out for a rare look at what Tiger is really like.
....Sorry, it's a big deal for me and it's only 1 more sleep away.
Have a look at this shot from TW's last Master's victory. He had a one shot lead and was absolutely not going to make par from where he was.
Chris DiMarco was on the green, would make 3 and they would be tied.
Uh, no.
Tiger chips it in, and the Nike logo on his ball pauses just long enough for the CEO of the company to make a mess in his panties.
My favorite part of this is Tiger's eyes. He is looking back and forth and calibrating where the fall-line is and he is absolutely the only person watching or playing who was thinking he might make it.
(Along with the 6-iron from 218 at Glen Abbey which he stuffed to win, one of my favorite Tiger shots of all time.)
I was talking to Dave G last night, super-smart/much older Brother of mine who retains his youthful visage due to a child-like wonder and great skin.
As often happens during this Holy Week of the Masters, my family and friends will call to discuss the various machinations and minutiae of the Masters "Tuna-Mint!"
Last night Dave G asked a very good question befitting his large, supple brain.
Dave G: If Tiger doesn't win, who else has a chance.
Me(Masters Guru): Good question smarty-pants. First Tiger will win but let's just suppose for a second that TW had not been born. (At this point I close my eyes in a silent prayer of thanks that he had, but I digress.) Dave if not for Tiger all we'd be talking about these past 10 years is Phil MickleBoobs. So I say Phil has as a good a shot as anyone not name Eldrick. I like Vijay Singh cause he's starting to putt like a pro again and he plays Augusta well. (He's won here before.)
No Weirs not going to win, he's also starting to play better but not that good. Freddie Couples would be the Cinderalla story-he played great last week but his back is too wonky.
I like Retief Goosen cause his swing is money, Adam Scott may be the first Australian to do it (should have been Greg Norman) and this dude Henrik Stenson from Sweden is by far the best player in the world none of you have heard of.
Dave G: Thank you Master's Guru, I'm so lucky to have you as my little Brother. We all are.
MG: You are welcome Old Man. Call me anytime except this Thursday-Sunday. Check local listing for broadcast time.
This is the start of Masters Week.
Yes it's a whole week. The actual "Tuna-Ment" stars on Thursday but as of today, the players arrive and The Golf Channel will have all sorts of stories from Augusta.
I love this time of the year and I look forward to watching the coverage like it was the Super Bowl.
It's the first Major of the year in men's golf and of course I will be cheering for Tiger.
But what about Weirsy?
I like him too. In fact his win at August in 2003 was by far my favorite Masters' Moment. Even more than Tigers 4-so far.
I usually watch the last round by myself but I have in the last few years watched a round or two with some other pals. Last year I wrote this piece called Rules for Watching the Master with Me.
Here it is again for your merriment.
Rules for watching the Masters with Howard.
1)Don’t ask stupid questions. Pointing at David Howell and saying “Who’s that guy?” is a stupid question. Also why is Phil’s caddy nicknamed “Bones?” qualifies.
2)Say very little. Nodding, grunting or exclaiming “unbelievable” is acceptable.
3)If you have something to say that requires more than a word or two, pause the PVR, say it and then go back to not saying anything.
4)Do not cheer against Tiger. If you have something negative to say about Tiger, write it down and send it to me later. I’ll receive and delete it on my own time.
5)Do criticize Phil Mickelson at your leisure. If the criticism will take more than a word or two see Rule 3. “Nice shot, fat-boy” and “Good putt Mickel-boobs” are fine retorts and can be sprinkled in through out the Masters-watching.
6)Don’t ask me what I’d think you’d shoot at Augusta. The answer is 140.
7)While watching the Masters don’t ask me about anything that’s not golf or Masters-related. Everything’s fine and I’m not really listening.
8)Don’t mock my Tiger Woods bobble-head. It’s my lucky Tiger-charm and you’ll hurt his feelings.
9)Yes, Mike Weir has a chance; no it’s not a very good one.
Finally,
10)When in doubt say nothing. Watch the TV, enjoy your snacks, keep your hands off the bobble-head and we’ll all get along
Yes I know.
"Tiger Woods is easy to support cause he always wins!"
So what.
Leaf Fans cheer for their team and they haven't won anything since Sgt.Pepper was a new release.
As many of you know I have a man-crush on Tiger and believe him to be Golf-Jesus.
It's always been a cool ride watching history in the making as Tiger knocks down record after record and basically just competes against himself, but lately it's been amazing even by Tiger-Fan status.
He just seems to be bent on winning every tournament he plays in. The last time he didn't win was a crap second place finish to Phyliss Mickel-boobs back around labor day 07.
For us Tiger-lovers it's been a bountiful time.
He's always entertaining because he's always contending. Yes the fact that he's been closing the deal is icing but it's neat that he's always around the lead. And don't tell me he's wrecking the game or is making it boring.
If the Leaf's won a bunch of games and made the playoffs and contended or won the Cup every year don't tell me you Leaf-Knobs would be bored. You wouldn't. You'd be spent from creaming yourselves to death every year.
It's about winning and when someone you admire does it a lot, believe me it doesn't get old. (I wrote this Sunday morning before the final round of the Palmer invitational. I don't know if Tiger has won at this point but that's not the point. It's the fact that I look forward to watching him in contention that makes it fun to be a Tiger fan. Chances are he wins but I'm publishing this piece whether he does or not.)
Thats what the other PGA Tour players are calling Tiger.
Their right.
The Fed EX Cup thing is over and Tiger is the first winner.
Along the way to the 10 million bonus he's had another pretty good little season.
16 tournaments-7 wins, one Major.
In fact in the last two years he's played 31 times and won 15-three majors.
The last few weeks though have been freakish.
Win, win, second, win, win.
This past weekend was almost not fair.
63,64,63,66. 8 shot victory and 23 under par. `
But now his reign of terror is over. He'll take a week off, play the Presidents Cup in Montreal and then no more Tiger this year.
I guess after winning more than 20 million he can take it easy for a while.
Trust me, no one's happier than the rest of the players on the PGA Tour.
60 PGA Tour wins. That ridiculous. Throw in about 15 plus on the European Tour and around the world and it adds up to a pretty nice little career Eldrick's got going for himself.
He wins yesterday, is atop the Fed Ex Cup standings and is poised to keep on winning.
Why?
Cause he's playing very well.
He wins when he's just scraping it around but when he plays this well he dominates.
Like Johnny Miller said yesterday, when Tiger hits fairways its just not fair.
For more fawning and sucking up, read this.
Cool for Tiger that his good bud Roger Federer is ripping it up on the Tennis court. He won his 12th Grand Slam event yesterday. He's pretty good too. I wonder how those conversations go.
Roger: Hey Tiger, your awesome!
Tiger: No Roger, your awesome and talented and rich.
Roger: Ha ha Tiger, if I had your money I'd burn mine.
And so on until everyone has a big hundred dollar bill sandwich!
I know the PGA Tour is trying. They really are. It's just i don't think the whole Fed EX Cup thing is causing the buzz they had hoped for.
I'm not hearing a lot of "Wow, Stricker's in first place?"
The only thing people were talking about last week is why wasn't Tiger playing. (Cause mathematically he didn't have to. Oops.)
I don't know anyone that even remotely understands the thing entirely and the only thing my friends are asking me is can I explain it.
Barely.
I summed it up the best I could here so if your curious have a look.
For me the best thing is that El Tigre will most likely play the next three weeks in a row and will probably win once, finish second, finish top 5 and win the Fed Ex Cup despite not giving a crap about it.
The tour will likely tweak the format for next year,Fed Ex will throw in a gazillion more dollars
and Tiger will most likely win it again.
My buddy Bernie Marcotte sent me this cause he knows I love the Tiger.
God asks Arnie first: "What do you believe?" Arnie thinks long and hard, looks God in the eye, and says, "I believe in hard work, and in staying true to family and friends. I believe in giving. I was lucky, but I always tried to do right by my fans." God can't help but see the essential goodness of Palmer, and offers him a seat to his left.
Then God turns to Nicklaus and says, "What do you believe?" Jack says, "I believe passion, discipline, courage and honor are the fundamentals of life. I, too, have been lucky, but win or lose; I've always tried to be a true sportsman, both on and off the playing fields.'" God is greatly moved by Jack's high-pitched eloquence, and he offers him a seat to his right.
Finally, God turns to Woods: "And you, Tiger, what do you believe?"
Tiger replies, "I believe you're in my seat."
Posted by Humble on August 20, 2007 @ 12:36|Permalink
The British Open and why Phil can't Win.
Okay you know what's coming. Tiger's great and Phil sucks donkey-dong.
But it's true!
This past weekend Phil blew another victory by block/hacking it wide on the last hole to lose his lead.
Then he did the same thing in a playoff to lose the tournament.
How many times does he have to do the same thing before he asks himself WWTD?
(What would Tiger do?)
Well Tiger would have pulled out an iron, chopped it down there somewhere, bunted something on the green, made the par and kissed the trophy.
Not Phil.
This is why Phil can't win the British Open and Tiger most likely will.
The other reason is the last four Majors.
Tigers record dating back to the British last year.
Win. Win. Second. Second. He's due for another win.
Also this would be his third British Open in a row and he seems to do well when that kind of stuff is at stake.
So once again Tiger wins, Phil blows.
Good day.
Having kids changes everybody. Even Tiger.
Even though he is my favorite sports-team, I'd be the first to tell you he's the worst interview in the game. Kinda like Gretsky was when he played . So guarded they never really reveal anything.
Apparently Daddy-hood has softened that a bit.
In an article this morning the reporter said it was a gentler, more revealing TW than before.
Sleep deprivation can do that to you.
Interesting stuff, including the revelation that Tigers wife was in the hospital with complications during the U.S. Open and where exactly the name "Sam" comes from. Suck it down here.
The Tiger Baby is here.
Lil Sam's first shots are out and she and her hot mama are back at home with the proud papa.
Tiger's always been close to his family and I'm sure like most of us this will rank as his greatest achievement by far.
Well this and that chip on 16 at the Masters. And the 6 iron at Glenn Abbey.
You can see more Tiger Baby and hot wife shots here.
Tiger's baby was born yesterday. Does that mean I'm an Uncle or just some creepy, middle-aged fan?
Good on him. I promise you this means more than all his golf-stuff combined. He comes from that kind of family and I'm sure that's the kinds of family he'll strive for.
Tiger quote on the pregnancy."All I know is that Elin and I are excited, and that this is far more important than any game of golf. This is an opportunity for us to raise our first child, and we're really looking forward to it."
In the meantime, just for fun, let's take you back to when Sam's daddy was just two year's old and appearing on The Mike Douglas Show.
(Yes that's Bob Hope and Jimmy Stewart. Cool.) (Also just hit "Menu" to avoid this weird YOuTube thing that's happening after the video plays.)
Finally a little perspective on where Tiger is on his path of chasing Jack Nicklaus's records.
Check this out. After 42 majors as a professional, after having emasculated his competition again and again, Woods has this major-championship résumé: 12 victories, four runner-ups, 22 top-fives. Forty-two majors into Nicklaus' professional career the ledger was this: 11 victories, nine runner-ups, 26 top-fives.
Jack could play a little too!
Posted by Humble on June 19, 2007 @ 09:05|Permalink
Tiger and Fathers Day.
As many of you know I cheer for Tiger. He is my favorite sports team. If he were a Hockey player I'd be one of those dudes(losers?) in their 40's you see at Hockey games wearing a Leaf sweater with Darcy Tuckers name on the back.
A real fan.
Tiger didn't win the U.S.Open yesterday but he was in the last group on Sunday and that made for some very exciting Golf-watching. That's all I want. Tiger in contention and losing is way better than no Tiger in contention and Angel Cabrera smoking and winning all alone.
By the way, I like Angel's game and he's got a lot of it. Always finishes strong in Majors and is no surprise/fluky winner.
Tiger also lost because the last putt he made was on the practice green.
He putted like me and I'm heinous. If he had putted like himself he would have won by 10.
Still it was a great Fathers day of viewing and my family was great. After a morning of Daddy-glomming they were out of the house and left me on my own.
They came back just as Tiger was on 17 and needing one birdie in the last 2 holes to force a playoff. When Spencer sized up the situation she quickly went and got the TW bobble-head. Nice touch.
He still made par.
I cheer for Tiger because of yesterday's performance not in spite of it.
U.S. Open Notes.
-Angle Cabrera is the Argentine Arnold Palmer. Back in the day, Arnie was all huge drives, un-tucked shirts and chain-smoking.
-Stephen Ames had his teeth fixed but he still has a crazy-as-bat-shit smile.
-Phil Mickelson didn't make the cut. Man that makes me giggle.
-Tiger is going to be a Dad in a month or so and I predict he'll win the last 2 majors just to show his kid he can!
A) Because I'm nearly 60.
B) My mother-in-law was on the couch beside me and she's just so cozy.
C) I and everyone else knew Tiger was going to win.
Others have complained that he's bad for the sport because the outcome is a forgone conclusion.
I'm not saying that.
I'm saying that the Watchcover-e-yah championship or whatever it's called was not a big enough tournament to get me all jazzed up to watch TW mop the field.
Fact is I didn't turn the thing on until Sunday afternoon and I let my wife talk me into letting her mother come and watch it. Her analysis. "I never liked Vijah, I don't know why!'
Great. It's come to this.
Tiger won because on a tough course if he makes an eagle and a bunch of birdies in the last round he can't lose. He tried believe me, but it's not in the cards.
I nodded off after he got to 5 under on the back 9, woke up to see him three putt, dozed through another birdie and then came to as he played 18 the way you play the last hole if you have a 2 shot lead.
Even CBS sounded a bit bored.
"...and Tiger Woods is the 2007 Watchamacallit Champion. Okay, now we can all go get some dinner!"
Tiger Notes
2007 season.
6 starts-3 wins, 5 top tens.
Money List leader.
Fed Ex Cup leader.
Winner of 9 of his last 12 PGA tour starts dating back to 06.
Still to come. Birth of the Tiger Baby.
Late last year Tiger won some off-season tournament and I wrote a piece about how my Dad and I would analyze every Tiger win or loss. (In case some of you new peeps didn't know my Father died in October.)
I basically said it would be strange not to hear from my Dad as soon as the round was over.
I thought of him a lot Sunday.
Before the telecast, I spent some time gathering his stuff to prepare his final tax return.
Nice.
I had to get his will, his death certificate and other personal items, so I was in a pretty maudlin frame of mind anyway.
Then it was time for The Masters.
For as long as my Brothers and I can recall, golf was a big part of our Fathers life.
My Dad loved the game. Loved playing it, watching it, learning it and sharing his knowledge of it.
I became a good player because of him.
My Brothers and I all loved the game because of him.
I watched a lot of golf at his side. I talked a lot about golf with him.
Yesterday I watched the last round with his chair for company and when it was over, I said out loud, "Well Lou he can't win them all!"
My Dad would have been pissed at Tigers play yesterday.
I can just hear him. "Why did he do that?" "How can he hit it short?" "Why can't he hit a fairway!"
When the round was over we'd go through it, I'd defend Tiger's bad play and my Dad would wonder why "they never show Weir!"
Pretty typical.
Yesterday the Broadcast ended, Tiger lost and the phone didn't ring.
I'm told that this is all part of The Process. Sometimes The Process sucks.
It was weird and something I'm going to have to get used to.
Tiger can't win all the time and my Dad won't be calling me on Sunday afternoons anymore.
This is shaping up to be one of my favorite Masters.
I loved when Weir won...I could barely watch that putt on 18.
I dug it when Tiger lapped the field and began his World Domination Tour back in 97.
I felt Noman's anguish in 96, Crenshaw's Tears in 95, and was almost happy for Phil when he lept Fat-Guy-Styles into the air after winning his first Major/Masters 2004.
This one is looking like a classic.
I mentioned yesterday that the golf course was finally playing the way they wanted it to after lengthening the course in 04.
Round 3 was absolutely brutal. The highest scoring average and the highest leading total ever.
Watching the best in the world making pars and bogeys is okay with me and kind of cool once in a while.
Mostly it won't diminish the enjoyment of watching Sunday at Augusta.
As many of you know, I like El Tigre. For the record though, now that the final round is here, it'll be okay if he doesn't win, I just think it's more exciting for everyone when he has a chance.
(I of course want him to win I'm just covering my ass if the "unthinkable" happens!)
Notes:
I was right about Tiger he had the second lowest round of the day.
I was wrong about Brett Wetterich, he shot a million and faded.
The winning score will be +2.
The winner won't be Stuart Appelby, Zack Johnson or Vaughn Taylor.
If it's not Tiger it might just be Justin Rose, Padraig Harrington or maybe even Phil.
Other Notes:
Nice Leaf win last night. Great game. Too bad the playoff outcome rests on The Islanders.
Go here for updates. Go New Jersey.
This Masters is a bit different for me as I'm actually watching a few rounds with others.
I've already mentioned that it's always been a solitary affair with the exception of watching the odd round with my Dad.
This year I went on the road to watch round 2 with my pal Lumby and today my buddy Damian is coming over for round 3.
I'm not ready to watch the final round with anyone yet. Maybe after some therapy.
Before I went over yesterday I prepared some guidelines for proper Masters-watching behavior.
I thought you might find them amusing.
Rules for watching the Masters with Howard.
1)Don’t ask stupid questions. Pointing at David Howell and saying “Who’s that guy?” is a stupid question. Also why is Phil’s caddy nicknamed “Bones?” qualifies.
2)Say very little. Nodding, grunting or exclaiming “unbelievable” is acceptable.
3)If you have something to say that requires more than a word or two, pause the PVR, say it and then go back to not saying anything.
4)Do not cheer against Tiger. If you have something negative to say about Tiger, write it down and send it to me later. I’ll receive and delete it on my own time.
5)Do criticize Phil Mickelson at your leisure. If the criticism will take more than a word or two see Rule 3. “Nice shot, fat-boy” and “Good putt Mickel-boobs” are fine retorts and can be sprinkled in through out the Masters-watching.
6)Don’t ask me what I’d think you’d shoot at Augusta. The answer is 140.
7)While watching the Masters don’t ask me about anything that’s not golf or Masters-related. Everything’s fine and I’m not really listening.
8)Don’t mock my Tiger Woods bobble-head. It’s my lucky Tiger-charm and you’ll hurt his feelings.
9)Yes, Mike Weir has a chance; no it’s not a very good one.
Finally,
10)When in doubt say nothing. Watch the TV, enjoy your snacks, keep your hands off the bobble-head and we’ll all get along
No contest. The course is winning and it's not going to stop. I was right and wrong about a few of my predictions yesterday but personally I'm loving this edition of The Masters.
This is how Majors should be played. Par is an awesome score and whomever wins is the person playing the best at that moment...full stop.
That person could be Brett Wetterich. I was wrong about him, he's not going away.
Yesterday, after watching about 5 minutes of the telecast, I knew the scores weren't going any lower than minus 2, and they ain't today either.
I said Mike Weir still had a chance and I was right...I just didn't think it would be as good as it is.
If he shoots one under today he'll be in one of the last 5 groups. Phil Mickelson impressed me. He was on the cusp of shooting a million-one and he brought it back.
Tiger. He'll either have the low round of the day (68-69) or fade away...I just have this feeling.
He hasn't hit a fairway since the practice rounds and he's just missed too many putts.
All in all it's been pretty neat to watch the best players in the game look mortal. 3 putts, balls banging off trees and rolling into the water...fun golf just like the rest of us play!
You know without the lying, cheating and do-overs.
Yesterday Augusta National showed why it's one of the toughest no-wind golf courses on the planet.
The greens are the fastest, the fairways are hard to hold and if your out of position you'll shoot a million. This is what happened yesterday. The worlds best players averaged 76. If the wind picks up and the course drys out this weekend, the average score will be 80.
I love watching Majors when the golf course has some teeth. It separates the field. It also makes Par mean something and it's fun seeing Tour Pro's struggle just like the rest of us.
Yes, even Tiger.
Yesterday Eldrick kind of kicked it around. He shot 73 which was still 3 under the field average, but he left a few out on the course and he was pissed.
When he misses a putt he often covers his mouth so the camera doesn't see him saying the F word.
He did that a lot yesterday.
Mike Weir isn't out of it at 75 and Phil Mickel-boobs shot 76.
Fearless prediction:
The cut will be the highest in years at 151.
The lead after 36 holes will still be 3 under. It won't belong to first round leaders Justin Rose or Brett Wetterich.
Tiger will shoot one under and be even after 2 rounds. He'll be in contention.
The winning score will be 3 under.
This weekend I'll be bringing out all the lucky TW charms. The bobble-head (which I tap whenever I need Tiger to sink a putt-no I'm not kidding), the US Open Commemorative balls and on Sunday only, the Tiger Woods Wheaties.
Yes I'm 47.
No, I don't think it's pathetic. Okay, a little.
The day can be summed up thusly(yes I threw out thusly):
First he was great-Then he putted like crap-Then some guy named Brett almost caught him.
I've never seen him miss as many shortish putts or be as weak on his distance control on the greens. It proves only this: He can shoot 73 and sort of suck in the last round of a tourney and still win.
I like watching Tiger win.
Tiger winning is fun for me in a way it must have been fun to be a Leaf Fan when they used to win all the time. You know back when cars had no seat belts.
The best part of it was the way he finished.
Last hole, 3 shot lead. Lays up with iron off the tee, lays up with iron for his second, makes bogey and goes home. End of story.
I have written about this before in terms of what Phil Mickelboobs did last year at the U.S. Open on hole 72. (See complete meltdown coverage here)
Tiger said if I make 5 I can't lose and that's what he did. He didn't lose. Which as many of us know is called winning. He won for the 56th time on the PGA tour (more around the world), he won his 13th WGC event and even more amazing, he also became the first player to three-peat in five different events! That's ridiculous.
It was an ugly win to be sure but he leaves with the victory and in a pretty good frame of mind on his way to The Masters.
Funny, so am I. Soon it will be time to get out my Tiger Woods bobble-head, my TW Wheaties box and official Tiger U.S. Open golf balls.
Yes I know that is pathetic but it's The Masters and that's just how me and El Tigre roll.
(The following will contain no actual mention of Tiger Woods. It will however, make several references to "man-boobs." You've been warned.)
Yesterday the guy on the right blew another golf tournament on the 18th hole.
The guy on the left did not play in the tournament but if he had been in the same position and circumstance as the guy on the right, trust me he would have won.
Last year at the U.S. Open, Phil and his man-boobs push-flared his drive on the 72nd hole into some tents on the left side of the fairway and double-bogeyed his way out of history. He just needed par. His caddy should have handed him a five iron, a wedge and a putter and thrown the rest of his clubs in a lake.
He could have made par hitting five iron, five iron, chip and putt. But no. He has to man-boob it into the gallery and lose.
You-know-who would not have done it. Neither would Nicklaus or Faldo or anyone else that's won a bunch of Majors.
I actually felt bad for Phil at the time cause it was such a colossal and public blunder.
Surely he would have learned from that and never do it again?
Yesterday afternoon Jimmy Nantz was smoothly talking about just that. Phil's different. He's grown and not just his M-B's. No. Phil's worked on his swing with the driver after imploding at the U.S. Open. That push-flare-bunt, hold-on-to-the-club and don't-release-block-left wouldn't happen again would it?
Yes.
Yesterday. 18th hole. One shot lead and all he needs is par.
Out comes the Driver. Ball goes LEFT! Next shot-a 204 yard 8 IRON???? Short.(Hmm, maybe one more club.) Bad chip, missed putt, playoff.
3 holes later the man-boobs sag and Phil loses.
I admit it made for great TV. It was very exciting. I couldn't turn if off. If you know who was playing it would have just been another boring old win.
Maybe one day the guy in the picture on the left will have to give the boobalicious guy on the right, another Green jacket. Somehow I doubt it.
Especially if Phi has to hit driver on 18.
Oh look, Tiger won. How cool. Don't you wish you were Tiger? Winning all the time and then going home to make boingy with your Swedish SuperModel Nanny. That must not suck too much.
Tiger: Well I've won again, what now?
Wife: I know, let's get on our private jet, have some champagne, I'll take off most of my clothes and you can do some things to me.
Tiger: Well that sounds like fun. Okay.
Wife:After I'll make you a nice sandwich and then you can nap.
Tiger just won his 7th PGA Tour even in a row. That's alot. Only one dude in history, Byron Nelson, has won more in row-11. Of course he did it back in 1944-45 when there were only a handful of good players and tournaments were named after toothpaste and war bonds.
Some will argue that Tiger has played in and lost a few tourney's since his last victory, but The Tour only counts their events and they are going to promote the crap out of this as a "Streak."
Tiger doesn't care, he's only going after one number...18 majors.
Jack Nicklaus's record is the one that no one thought would ever be equaled.
Tiger goes after number 13 this April in Augusta. That's the only thing he's concerned with. Well that and seeing his Swedish SuperModel Nanny Wife naked.
Posted by Humble on January 29, 2007 @ 11:34|Permalink
Tiger, my Dad and Me.
Tiger won again yesterday. It's his off season but this tournament is a big deal for him as he's the unofficial host and proceeds help his foundation. He won 1.4 million and gave it to the kids he supports. Great athlete and pretty good guy.
I've mentioned before how much I admire him. I'm sure I've mentioned how my Dad and I used to talk about Tiger and his wins and losses and how he is my favorite athlete. My Dad would call me after ever Tiger win and "congratulate" me.
As soon as the last putt would drop the phone would ring and my Dad would be on the other end.
"Just calling to say well done, ..." and then we'd spend some time re-hashing all the great shots and bemoaning the fact that the big U.S. networks never show enough Mike Weir. That pissed him off to no end.
Anyway, not to be to hokey or maudlin or what ever you are when your sort of sad all the time. But yesterday Tiger won for the first time since my Dad died and it was weird. I half expected the phone to ring and of course it didn't.
Strange the times I think of him and last night just after 6 o'clock was one of them.
Another reminder that my father is no longer going to be on the other end of the phone when Tiger Woods wins.
I know my Dad would still be happy for both of us!
The man hates to lose, I've said that before. More than that, he has a flavor for winning. Great athletes do. Gretsky, Jordan, Orr, the Raptors! Okay, I just threw the Raptors in there to see if you were paying attention.
Tiger won some off season thing that has the winners of the 4 major champions play each other in Hawaii. It was Tiger who won the British and PGA, Geoff Ogilvy who won the US open after Phil crapped his pants on the 72nd hole and then went away and cried for the rest of the year, Jim Furyk who didn't win anything but is number 2 in the world and Mike Weir. Mike replaced Phil who dropped out because he is a big baby and has pouted since he sliced his tee shot into the hospitality tents at the US open.
I watched a few minutes of it the other night. Tiger looked like he was semi-bored(but won anyway) Geoff Ogilvy seemed shocked to be there(this dude is good though) Jim Furyk is always careful not to take off his hat(very strange looking melon) and Mike Weir hasn't played all that well lately. If by lately you mean coming up on 3 years.
Anyway, Tiger won and for me that's never a bad thing.
Posted by Humble on November 24, 2006 @ 08:45|Permalink
Tiger loses Some Time!
Once in a while Tiger loses as he did in some off season-Japan tour-exhibition thing.
He was tied and then lost in a playoff to the best player in Europe Padraig Harrington. No matter,
Tiger's streak of consecutive PGA tour victories still stands at 6 and will continue when the official season begins again in January. He also gets around 2.5 million just to land his private jet at these little tourneys, he's got another huge exhibition thing this week in Hawaii and chances are a some point he'll see this person naked.
I have some running to do today so I'll blog some more crap later.
In the meantime, I just read where Tiger is about to design his first course and he's gonna get huge bucks for it.
A)It's Tiger.
B)It's His first design.
C)Who ever get's it will recoup major dollars cause of A+B.
