Is Tiger a poor sport?

[davepratt]

I'm watching Tiger at the Buick and he just keeps pressing. Even though this thing was long over, he's still walking up to greens to check the slope, agonizing over club selection, backing off shots, getting mad when he hits a questionable shot, etc. All the things you'd do in a tight match. In every other sport, once you're a lock to win, you take your foot off your opponents throat. In hockey you rag the puck, in football you stop passing, in baseball you don't steal and you don't take walks. Tiger just keeps the pedal to the metal and wants to bury the field. Is it wrong?
Before I get ragged on, I'm a Tiger fan but should it be different in golf than other sports? Lay it on me GN's.

[The Troll]

Is it wrong?


Nope.

[Big Shooter]

I'm watching Tiger at the Buick and he just keeps pressing. Even though this thing was long over, he's still walking up to greens to check the slope, agonizing over club selection, backing off shots, getting mad when he hits a questionable shot, etc. All the things you'd do in a tight match. In every other sport, once you're a lock to win, you take your foot off your opponents throat. In hockey you rag the puck, in football you stop passing, in baseball you don't steal and you don't take walks. Tiger just keeps the pedal to the metal and wants to bury the field. Is it wrong?
Before I get ragged on, I'm a Tiger fan but should it be different in golf than other sports? Lay it on me GN's.

every shot counts for the Vardon Trophy! ;)

[imAnewbie]

I'm watching Tiger at the Buick and he just keeps pressing. Even though this thing was long over, he's still walking up to greens to check the slope, agonizing over club selection, backing off shots, getting mad when he hits a questionable shot, etc. All the things you'd do in a tight match. In every other sport, once you're a lock to win, you take your foot off your opponents throat. In hockey you rag the puck, in football you stop passing, in baseball you don't steal and you don't take walks. Tiger just keeps the pedal to the metal and wants to bury the field. Is it wrong?
Before I get ragged on, I'm a Tiger fan but should it be different in golf than other sports? Lay it on me GN's.

Tiger's playing his own game, the other have to play their own's. So the answer here is no

[goshawk]

In an interview years ago, his old college teammate Notah Begay said that Tiger doesn't just want to beat you, he wants to destroy you. He doesn't want to beat you by just one stroke. If he can beat you by 15 or 20 strokes, that's what he'll try to do. Some would say that's his "competitive nature". Some would probably say he's just showing off. I tend to believe that he's doing what he's conditioned to do, make as many birdies and as few bogies as he can when he's competing.
Also, if you're playing that well, why would you change your approach to be satisfied with pars and bogies because you have a big lead? Someone in the field starts to make a move and now you have to turn it back on again. Suppose you can't turn it on again. Now you're in a battle and may end up losing that lead.

[Richard]

I think golf is a lot different than most other sports, off the top of my head maybe darts is similar.

It's so mental you have to keep playing your game your way or else you could start developing bad habits.

I understand stop stealing in baseball, but they still try to hit. Also the pitcher still tries his best to get you out.

Running in football is a safe way to preserve the win, run the clock, so in effect they are still stepping on your throat, a couple interceptions and the other team is back in the game.

etc.

[Golden Bear]

In any other sport I might agree, but golf's a game where you keep your edge by playing every shot as well as you can and maintaining your focus. Focus is a huge part of Tiger's game, and he needs to stay in the habit of maintaining his focus for 72 holes. Plus, the only guys really "embarrassed" are guys missing the cut, not guys earning a healthy pay cheque for a top-ten finish.

It's a better question for those times when he's not playing well and puts on the pouty face, slams his club, yells at spectators taking pictures, gets mad at his caddy because the wind changed, curses, and walks away from reporters looking for post-round comments. But I can't fault someone for going out and playing the best round he can.

[Merlot]

His mother used to say 'step on thier throats'. His dad was the softie.

[Titleist75]

IMO he just plays his game no matter if he is 5 shots back or 5 shots in the lead. The focus for him (and anyone else who is competitive) is to keep excecuting the shots until the round is over. Unfortunately for anyone in his path it just means getting trampled over.

[LowPost42]

I'm pretty sure that if you asked Greg Norman about what happens when you back off on a Sunday with a good lead, he'd slap you. Hard.

"When you get into scoring position, try to remember how you got there" - John Wooden

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it" - anyone that's ever tinkered with something that was working just fine.

Moral of the story: I think he's just fine to keep playing for birds. I know I would.

[Andru]

this video clip should sum it up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMk5sMHj58I

[davepratt]

this video clip should sum it up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMk5sMHj58I

Sorry Andru. It's not the same thing. Play to win? Yes. Play to kill? Don't know.

[Andru]

Sorry Andru. It's not the same thing. Play to win? Yes. Play to kill? Don't know.
You missed the whole point. You play to put the ball in the hole that's the game in golf. You win by getting the ball in the hole.

Who misses a putt on purpose? No one. He's a golfer like you and I he likes making birdies and eagles? He's not directly beating any one opponent he's beating the field. He's going to do his best. If there comes a day that I don't try my best while playing golf I'll quit.

[gatsby]

I think it would be a bigger snub to the players if Tiger noticeably slacked off and coasted. Implying they are unworthy opponents to see his best game. Also in the wee matter of fans; don't we always deserve to see him try and do his best? No mockery of the game. I thoroughly enjoy this time. I watched Palmer, Player, Nicklaus, Trevino and Watson all be the best they could be. He's the best of his time. He probably will be recognized as the best of all time some day. And we're all lucky enough to love golf at the right time.

[abz-pete]

It's called professional pride. Tiger, along with most touring pros, want to give every shot 100% whether they're winning or not.

He's had Nicklaus in his sights from a very early age. In that respect, he's exactly the same as Nicklaus. Even in his later years when he had little or no chance of wiinning, I never saw Jack hit a careless golf shot.

Of course, Jack is the main reason we're now looking at 5+ hours a round, but that's another story....

[GQuizzle]

Runners keep the pace right through the finish, as do swimmers and other athletes involved in "individual competition." Its the mentality to finish strong, to never let up until you are done. I think its more a display of poor sportsmanship to let up and "rag the puck." Just because you're winning or you're a lock doesn't mean you should take it easy on the competition, just don't show-boat. Give them the respect they deserve as competitors.

[simar]

i think tiger is setting the standard for all golfers. you know what it will take to beat him, there is no question about it, he wont let up so you know there is no doubt as to what you are up against.

[tk1360]

If I can recall from GC they were saying TW has defended 43/46 leads for a win. I believe the phrase is "the best defense is a strong offense" and what's a better offense then keeping up birdies.

[davepratt]

This is why is I like GN's. I disagree with some and agree with others but I still enjoy the opinions and the banter.

[Richard]

I would also add I remember his father saying in an interview that he trained Tiger to be like an assassin on the golf course. No let up, play to win with no mercy.


I would also add that winning by 10 or 12 one week demoralizes many in the field and softens them up for the next week and the next week, the next year, etc.


Tiger is thinking in decades not weekends.

[denchoe]

In all fairness, golf is a sport in which tides can turn in an instant. Your not only playing against yourself, your playing against around 70 others. If you don't put your best in everyhole, someone else will.
Also, in other sports you have a clear view of how you opponents are doing. However, you don't have that luxury in golf.
My 2 cents.

[Magootz]

I don't think I've ever seen any one person or team dominate a sport like this, the other guys must be getting soooooo discouraged. He however can't take his foot off the gas, nor should he. The others have to step it up to challenge him. It is getting old though.

[Bellyhungry]

Everyone who play golf knows one mis-play can ruin a good round - we all know know what happened to Van de Velde, so I don't think it is unsportsmanlike for Tiger to widen the gap as much as he could.

[laps]

I don't think I've ever seen any one person or team dominate a sport like this, the other guys must be getting soooooo discouraged. He however can't take his foot off the gas, nor should he. The others have to step it up to challenge him. It is getting old though.


I agree that Tiger is the most dominant athlete in any sport at the moment!

[hogannut]

In an interview years ago, his old college teammate Notah Begay said that Tiger doesn't just want to beat you, he wants to destroy you. He doesn't want to beat you by just one stroke. If he can beat you by 15 or 20 strokes, that's what he'll try to do. Some would say that's his "competitive nature". Some would probably say he's just showing off. I tend to believe that he's doing what he's conditioned to do, make as many birdies and as few bogies as he can when he's competing.
Also, if you're playing that well, why would you change your approach to be satisfied with pars and bogies because you have a big lead? Someone in the field starts to make a move and now you have to turn it back on again. Suppose you can't turn it on again. Now you're in a battle and may end up losing that lead.

This is how Woods plays. This is why he has 62 victories and 13 majors at 32 years old. Professional sports is not for the weak hearted. Your job is to beat your opponent, and Tiger was taught that this process starts on the 1st hole and ends on the 18th hole on the last day. Tiger is simply doing his job to the best of his ability.

Is a general who continues to pound his enemy even after the enemy is defeated a poor military man?

Is a CEO of a company who keeps out smarting his competition and making more profit than his competition practicing unfair business practices?

Pro sports is like that. THe only thing that matters at that level is wins and losses. Tiger prefers to win, and he will play like that over 72 holes. Considering he has been doing this now for 12 years I am suprised anyone would think he would do any less.

[cldale]

Part of my attraction to golf is that it is such an individual game, I don't need to organize a group to play with, I don't need someone else to practice with, and I measure success against myself, not other people.

In that vein, I don't think the normal rules of sports ettiquette apply here. You play the best you can within yourself and if that means you increase the lead then thats the problem of the other golfers, not you.

Also, how exactly do you let up in golf? Do you stop trying to hit the ball well? Purposefully miss shots and putts? What can you do to "let up" that isn't going to result in a loss of routine and focus?

Running the ball in football is actually putting your foot to your opponents throat. By running down the clock you are basically taking the game away from their offences hands. I guess the more sportsman like thing to do would be to throw 3 passes to the sidelines and then give them back the ball so they have a chance to get back in the game.

[Merlot]

This is how Woods plays. This is why he has 62 victories and 13 majors at 32 years old. Professional sports is not for the weak hearted. Your job is to beat your opponent, and Tiger was taught that this process starts on the 1st hole and ends on the 18th hole on the last day. Tiger is simply doing his job to the best of his ability.

Is a general who continues to pound his enemy even after the enemy is defeated a poor military man?

Is a CEO of a company who keeps out smarting his competition and making more profit than his competition practicing unfair business practices?

Pro sports is like that. THe only thing that matters at that level is wins and losses. Tiger prefers to win, and he will play like that over 72 holes. Considering he has been doing this now for 12 years I am suprised anyone would think he would do any less.

Yes to the general.

probaby yes to the CEO as it ends up costing the consumer or just humanity in general in the end with other forms of reprucussions like the ones the world is beginning to feel now..

[Noremac]

http://sports.yahoo.com/golf/pga/news?slug=ro-woodsroger012708&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

Here's an interesting article with the inside perspective of another top level athlete and not the general public who would probably never gain the same perspective.

[hogannut]

Well all I can about that is I hope Merlot is never the general in charge of securing my country, and that I don't own stock in a company he would be running.

The latest disaster in Iraq has happened in part because Bush's father never finished the job the 1st time around.

As far as the CEO example, I understand what you mean, but my point using that as an example was to point out that a CEO's job is to make the company as profitable and appealing as possible.

Tiger Wood's job is to win golf tournaments, and how he wins should not be judged by golf fans. This is like saying that Bobby Orr was an unfair hockey player because he could skate around pretty much everyone when he got the puck.

[Noremac]

Tiger Wood's job is to win golf tournaments, and how he wins should not be judged by golf fans. This is like saying that Bobby Orr was an unfair hockey player because he could skate around pretty much everyone when he got the puck.

If Tiger destroys his opponents and gains a mental edge over his opponents for the next tournament, wouldn't this drive him to succeed even more to destroy his opponent?

EDIT - HoganNut, I'm agreeing with your point.

[hogannut]

If Tiger destroys his opponents and gains a mental edge over his opponents for the next tournament, wouldn't this drive him to succeed even more to destroy his opponent?

EDIT - HoganNut, I'm agreeing with your point.

I remember watching a video of Bobby Orr's highlights and there was a classic quote. THey were interviewing one of Orr's team mates just before Orr started having serious knee issues. He said the Bruins were winning like 6-3 with a few minutes left in the game (back when hockey games were 60 minutes and there were still ties) and Orr came off from a shift.

Anyway, this guy (and I can't remember now who it was) said to Orr "Bobby....why don't you take it easy out there? We've got a 3 goal lead, you don't need to go that hard out there. Conserve yourself". Bobby Orr looked at him and said "I don't know how to play anyway else".

Tiger is in the same boat, he only knows how to play one way, and that way is without mercy on his competition, which is the way it should be at the level he plays at.

[goshawk]

One point that seems missing - if the tournament is stroke play (vs match play), the players aren't really playing against each other but against the course. If one player beats the course by 20 strokes and no one else can get better than 10 strokes, is that golfer beating up everyone else? My feelings is that he/she is just that much better at beating that particular course in that particular tournament under those particular conditions.
In last weekend's tournament, Tiger abused Torrey Pines where everyone else who was under par just beat the course. I know it sells more papers and creates more viewers saying that he "beat" the nearest golfer by 8 strokes, but Tiger was not playing head-to-head against Imada.
By the same token, if it had been a match play setting, it's to the golfer's benefit to end the match as soon as possible. If that means beating them 9 and 8, that means he won't have to be concerned with the other golfer mounting a comback on the back 9. If that's "stepping on his neck", that's the general idea!

[Golf_Goof]

In this case or any other stroke play event, Tiger's playing the golf course - not the competition. His foot is on the course's throat, figuratively speaking. And, sure he could play more conservatively with the lead - tee off with irons, play away from pins, lag putt, etc - but that's not the style of play that got him into the lead.

[Bellyhungry]

One point that seems missing - if the tournament is stroke play (vs match play), the players aren't really playing against each other but against the course. If one player beats the course by 20 strokes and no one else can get better than 10 strokes, is that golfer beating up everyone else? My feelings is that he/she is just that much better at beating that particular course in that particular tournament under those particular conditions.
In last weekend's tournament, Tiger abused Torrey Pines where everyone else who was under par just beat the course. I know it sells more papers and creates more viewers saying that he "beat" the nearest golfer by 8 strokes, but Tiger was not playing head-to-head against Imada.
By the same token, if it had been a match play setting, it's to the golfer's benefit to end the match as soon as possible. If that means beating them 9 and 8, that means he won't have to be concerned with the other golfer mounting a comback on the back 9. If that's "stepping on his neck", that's the general idea!

Not quite...Even in stroke plays, Tiger could still decide if he is going to play safe for pars or to go for broke for birdies. And I think he did precisely that at the final round of the PGA Championship last year.

[hogannut]

One point that seems missing - if the tournament is stroke play (vs match play), the players aren't really playing against each other but against the course. If one player beats the course by 20 strokes and no one else can get better than 10 strokes, is that golfer beating up everyone else? My feelings is that he/she is just that much better at beating that particular course in that particular tournament under those particular conditions.
In last weekend's tournament, Tiger abused Torrey Pines where everyone else who was under par just beat the course. I know it sells more papers and creates more viewers saying that he "beat" the nearest golfer by 8 strokes, but Tiger was not playing head-to-head against Imada.
By the same token, if it had been a match play setting, it's to the golfer's benefit to end the match as soon as possible. If that means beating them 9 and 8, that means he won't have to be concerned with the other golfer mounting a comback on the back 9. If that's "stepping on his neck", that's the general idea!

Another good point Goshawk. If it was match play the match would have been over on the 12th hole. So because TIger can play the course 8 shots better than everyone else he is being a "bad sport"?:confused:

[golfpal]

I think when you are in that frame of mind you are on a role and just keep going. Also you are trying to break course records and other stats. Golf isn't just about beating the other guy there are so many other factors and stats you want to beat or achieve.

As for domination each sport has a superior player I believe. Magoota and Laps have you not heard of Federer. He is the Tiger of tennis it was shocking this weekend he was actually beat. But for the last few years and in almost every tourny you go into saying ooohhh whatever Federer will win. The French is about the only one you know he won't because its clay and its Nadal's best court to play on.

But like Federer their will be good challenges to come... I believe.

Adam Scott on the weekend did amazing too. He could have gone for the course record but played it safe and still did great. So we will see.

But as for the question. No he should keep on track and that video was perfect that Andru picked. In this day and age we are so afraid to do our best. What's wrong with that beat the records and keep it up.:eek:

Maybe we could send that video to the Leafs dressing room.:rofl:

[Focker Singh]

Just to play devils advocate, maybe he did "take his foot off the pedal"??? 71 final round, 3 bogeys in a row on the back nine!! Not very Tigerlike, so in a way, did he maybe lose focus for a few holes? I dont think so and his 3 bogeys in a row were very surprising to me, esp the way he played all week.

In my opinion, he should have won by 11 or more and continue to spread the lead. He should still be reading the greens, lining up the putts, taking his time cause thats his routine. He was also brought up to not just win, but win by playing his best and going as low as he can go. I dont think he would accept winning by not playing his game. Tiger would be the first to admit that. Very different from basketball when you play your bench for the last few minutes. It prevents injuries to your star players and gives your bench some minutes but I guess to the opponant, it can sometimes be called "showboating". To each your own!

[Noremac]

Excuse me Yao Ming....You're too tall for basketball. Can you play on your knees to make it fair for everybody else? :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[BowmanvilleJim]

Maybe the other tour players should lynch Tiger in the back alley......oh wait, that's already been suggested and withdrawn.

[skt07]

If you don't put your best in everyhole, someone else will.


So very true.

Now back to golf and Tiger Woods...

[Merlot]

Just to play devils advocate, maybe he did "take his foot off the pedal"??? 71 final round, 3 bogeys in a row on the back nine!! Not very Tigerlike, so in a way, did he maybe lose focus for a few holes? I dont think so and his 3 bogeys in a row were very surprising to me, esp the way he played all week.

In my opinion, he should have won by 11 or more and continue to spread the lead. He should still be reading the greens, lining up the putts, taking his time cause thats his routine. He was also brought up to not just win, but win by playing his best and going as low as he can go. I dont think he would accept winning by not playing his game. Tiger would be the first to admit that. Very different from basketball when you play your bench for the last few minutes. It prevents injuries to your star players and gives your bench some minutes but I guess to the opponant, it can sometimes be called "showboating". To each your own!

He did not 'step on any throats' Sunday. His mom was probably disappointed.:rofl:

[klima]

In every other sport, once you're a lock to win, you take your foot off your opponents throat.
This is the difference between winners and losers...in any sport. In golf, if you take your foot off the gas for 20 minutes, you're 5 over through 3 holes and the tournament is gone.

[Bellyhungry]

Papa Sharapov made a thorat-slashing gesture at the recent Australian Open when Maria was playing against Justin Henin at the quarter final.

http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2008/01/23/wbTENNISyuri_wideweb__470x250,0.jpg

Now that is what I call poor sport. He is signaling slitting of the throat rather than stepping on it...

[Richard]

What do you think Tiger would have done in Scott's stead ?

3 stroke lead but a possible 59 with water on the left of a par 5?

Laid up like Scott to secure a victory? Or pressed the gas pedal for a 59?

Oh and should Scott have gone for it?

[davepratt]

This is the difference between winners and losers...in any sport. In golf, if you take your foot off the gas for 20 minutes, you're 5 over through 3 holes and the tournament is gone.

Sorry, but there's an unwritten rule in almost every sport that you don't embarass your competition once the result is basically known. Rubbing it in is considered poor taste and teams that do it are losers.

What do you think Tiger would have done in Scott's stead ?

3 stroke lead but a possible 59 with water on the left of a par 5?

Laid up like Scott to secure a victory? Or pressed the gas pedal for a 59?

Oh and should Scott have gone for it?

How far was he from the dance floor?

[LowPost42]

What do you think Tiger would have done in Scott's stead ?

3 stroke lead but a possible 59 with water on the left of a par 5?

Laid up like Scott to secure a victory? Or pressed the gas pedal for a 59?

Oh and should Scott have gone for it?

See, therein lies the difference. Only Tiger knows how he was hitting the ball that day, and whether or not chasing a 59 was worth it with a 3 shot lead.

The same answer applies to the last question as well - How was Scott hitting the ball, was there a chance of coughing up the lead to try for 59, and which had more importance - winning the tournament or shooting 59? We know the answer, now.

[Richard]

*****
How far was he from the dance floor?
*****


I think he was 250-260 from the pin or he could have been 250-260 from the green, can't remember which.

Would have taken a good poke at any rate and if he pulled it he was in water.

[moneyjism]

You have to stay focused for all 18 holes of every round. Whether it's a major or just an average event.

Sorry, but there's an unwritten rule in almost every sport that you don't embarass your competition once the result is basically known. Rubbing it in is considered poor taste and teams that do it are losers.

If nobody likes it than step up and stop him. I would never expect my competition to let up that's more embarassing to me.

[LowPost42]

Sorry, but there's an unwritten rule in almost every sport that you don't embarass your competition once the result is basically known. Rubbing it in is considered poor taste and teams that do it are losers.


I think that's fine at the amateur level - and should be encouraged, in fact.

However, in the world of professional sports - where a guy like Darcy Tucker gets ripped because he says he gets 'up' for certain games because it infers he's not giving 100% for the other games; and in my opinion rightfully so - I don't believe in backing off. I believe that you play to win, and play to win by the largest margin possible. If you feel bad for the other team, do it in the post game interview.

[Merlot]

What do you think Tiger would have done in Scott's stead ?

3 stroke lead but a possible 59 with water on the left of a par 5?

Laid up like Scott to secure a victory? Or pressed the gas pedal for a 59?

Oh and should Scott have gone for it?

She definitely goes for the kill.

[Golf_Goof]

Sorry, but there's an unwritten rule in almost every sport that you don't embarass your competition once the result is basically known. Rubbing it in is considered poor taste and teams that do it are losers.

Tiger plays against the golf course - not the competition (and I doubt they are embarrassed to finsh second or third no matter what the margin). I agree with you for team sports though.

[krazycanuck]

you should play like you're in a tight spot because when those times come you've already had that experience from the mental side even though there was no real competition....the same as you should practise like you play, so you're mentally ready

a poor sport is someone who bad mouths others for no reason, walks off when others are shooting and general other bad etiquette that may lead to someone to screw up a shot

[hogannut]

you should play like you're in a tight spot because when those times come you've already had that experience from the mental side even though there was no real competition....the same as you should practise like you play, so you're mentally ready

a poor sport is someone who bad mouths others for no reason, walks off when others are shooting and general other bad etiquette that may lead to someone to screw up a shot

I agree. If ANY pro player had that attitude they wouldn't be on the tour very long. Tiger's mental will was a big factor in his come from behind win yesterday. Was Tiger a bad sport yesterday? No, because he had to fight to come from behind. So when he has the lead and still grinds it out, he is simply protecting his lead.

Also, if you were to ask the other tour players they would be WAAAYY more p/o'd if they thought TIger was not trying his best. They woudl take it as an insult and may think TIger was being arrogant. They would rather lose by 12 honestly than by 4 dishonestly.

Is playing "trap" hockey being a poor sport? I would say the players from the New Jersey Devils who won the Stanley Cup playing trap hockey would not think so.!!:eek:

[krazycanuck]

Is playing "trap" hockey being a poor sport? I would say the players from the New Jersey Devils who won the Stanley Cup playing trap hockey would not think so.!!:eek:


yes, the only true team that plays fair is the Leafs, everyone else cheats against them, including the refs!! LOL

;)

[hogannut]

yes, the only true team that plays fair is the Leafs, everyone else cheats against them, including the refs!! LOL

;)

LOL.....did you watch any of the Pittsburg game last night? What a collapse Pittsburg had!!:eek:

[Bellyhungry]

After last weekend, I must concede that Tiger is a poor sport.

He sported Ernie 4 strokes to give the field a false sense of hope, and just for good measure, he played like a hack on the front 9. Then he decided to turn it on and break everyone's heart.

Two weeks: on PGA Tour, he toyed with the players by beating them senseless; on the European Tour, he lured them in and then ripped their hearts out.

Tiger is mean.

[Focker Singh]

After last weekend, I must concede that Tiger is a poor sport.

He sported Ernie 4 strokes to give the field a false sense of hope, and just for good measure, he played like a hack on the front 9. Then he decided to turn it on and break everyone's heart.

Two weeks: on PGA Tour, he toyed with the players by beating them senseless; on the European Tour, he lured them in and then ripped their hearts out.

Tiger is mean.

I agree! Who taught him such sportsmanship!! :rofl:

[goshawk]

I agree! Who taught him such sportsmanship!! :rofl:
Must have been his Green Beret mother.




Whoops, that was Earl. Sorry!:D

[Merlot]

Must have been his Green Beret mother.




Whoops, that was Earl. Sorry!:D


So true. Tiger says his old man was a softie.

[Smully]

I'm watching Tiger at the Buick and he just keeps pressing. Even though this thing was long over, he's still walking up to greens to check the slope, agonizing over club selection, backing off shots, getting mad when he hits a questionable shot, etc. All the things you'd do in a tight match. In every other sport, once you're a lock to win, you take your foot off your opponents throat. In hockey you rag the puck, in football you stop passing, in baseball you don't steal and you don't take walks. Tiger just keeps the pedal to the metal and wants to bury the field. Is it wrong?
Before I get ragged on, I'm a Tiger fan but should it be different in golf than other sports? Lay it on me GN's.Tiger needs an etiquette wake up,Can you imagine, he`s won $100,000,000.,and hes still a pouter, Tiger lighten up, Can you imagine Tiger takin shots at Poulter,Give it up. No need to embarass Ian.To bad he didn`t have some of Nicklauses,class.:D :D :D :D :D

[Ems]

You're playing against your own record as much as you're playing against the field.

I had a friend who was a cross country runner in school. She was outrunning the field by a lot so her teacher near the end told her she can relax as she'll win anyway. Turns out she was like 1 second from beating the track record, which was pretty disappointing!

[Merlot]

Tiger needs an etiquette wake up,Can you imagine, he`s won $100,000,000.,and hes still a pouter, Tiger lighten up, Can you imagine Tiger takin shots at Poulter,Give it up. No need to embarass Ian.To bad he didn`t have some of Nicklauses,class.:D :D :D :D :D

Tiger will complete the Grand Slam this year.

[Merlot]

Tiger will complete the Grand Slam this year.

Ditto.

[imAnewbie]

I dont get it why people are mad at tiger just because he plays really good. Playing your own game is not being a poor sport. People have always thought golf is playing againts everybody, where you are only againts yourself. Tiger executes whatever he wanted, if he doesnt he doesnt blame anyone, he makes a mistake or misses a shot he wanted, he can only blame hisself. So playing really good and being up 8 shots or more againts someone with him on a final round cant be a poor sport. If the player with him plays really bad, its his fault. Tiger is playing own game, and that does not qualify as being a poor sport. Tiger doesnt embarass other players when he's ahead 8 or more shots, its just Tiger being tiger.

After last weekend, I must concede that Tiger is a poor sport.

He sported Ernie 4 strokes to give the field a false sense of hope, and just for good measure, he played like a hack on the front 9. Then he decided to turn it on and break everyone's heart.

Two weeks: on PGA Tour, he toyed with the players by beating them senseless; on the European Tour, he lured them in and then ripped their hearts out.

Tiger is mean.

I wonder how did tiger told this to you. That he intentionally planned this? wow!

[Merlot]

I dont get it why people are mad at tiger just because he plays really good. Playing your own game is not being a poor sport. People have always thought golf is playing againts everybody, where you are only againts yourself. Tiger executes whatever he wanted, if he doesnt he doesnt blame anyone, he makes a mistake or misses a shot he wanted, he can only blame hisself. So playing really good and being up 8 shots or more againts someone with him on a final round cant be a poor sport. If the player with him plays really bad, its his fault. Tiger is playing own game, and that does not qualify as being a poor sport. Tiger doesnt embarass other players when he's ahead 8 or more shots, its just Tiger being tiger.



I wonder how did tiger told this to you. That he intentionally planned this? wow!


I think Bellyhungry's tongue was firmly planted in his cheek regarding the post you quoted. That means he was kinda joking. Maybe not.

To bad he didn`t have some of Nicklauses,class.:D :D :D :D :D

I agree. He will still win the Grandslam this year though.:hyper:

[Bellyhungry]

There, Tiger did it again; beating someone who is supposedly his friend senseless to win the match play ;) . Not to mention doing it in front of world wide audience.

Like the Terminator, he is cruel and efficient.

[jcggolfer]

[quote=LowPost42]I'm pretty sure that if you asked Greg Norman about what happens when you back off on a Sunday with a good lead, he'd slap you. Hard.quote]

That's a good one. I almost spit out my coffee laughing.:rofl:

Tiger is mentally head and shoulders above everybody else out there. I would be disappointed if he let up on the gas. It's not his fault his opponents can't rise to the occasion. If other golfers can't make it interesting then he has to compete with himself and the record book.

[Golden Bear]

Ditto.You just agreed with your own post.

Of course, that's better than the alternative.

[Bellyhungry]

Now that Tiger only won by one at Bay Hill...Is he a good sport now?

[hogannut]

Probably not! He should have lost so Bryant could get into the Masters.

I think Tiger has an undefeated season in his mind. The good news is he doesn't play in every tournament, so at least other people will have a chance to win this year.

Here is an interesting scenario. Let's assume Tiger is so far ahead that by the time the Fed Ex Cup comes along he has mathematically won the event before it started. How would you deal with that? Is that even possible? Don't know, but the thought came into my mind.

[landlord]

Let's assume Tiger is so far ahead that by the time the Fed Ex Cup comes along he has mathematically won the event before it started. How would you deal with that?
I'm pretty sure they re-set the points to zero before the final 4 tournaments. Incidentally, that's the one thing I'm more or less clear about WRT the FedEx Cup. :rolleyes: