Arnold Palmer Invitational - Spoiler!!!

[Focker Singh]

No threads on Arnie`s tourny this week??? I watched the highlights last night and was surprised at the results. Couples with a 65 and Tiger with a 70. GC says Couples is still a top golfer in the world when his back is healthy. I`m going to have to disagree with that statement. Even when his back was healthy, what has he done lately? Havnt seen Tiger make that many mistakes in one round for a while, but I have a feeling he`s going to shoot 65 or better today. Nice to see VJ up there, could have been 5 under if he didnt miss a 2 footer for birdie yesterday on a par 5. Where`s Phil? :D

[Golden Bear]

It was great seeing Freddy dropping all those putts yesterday.

To answer your question, as far as I can recall the last time a healthy Freddy did anything would have been the 2006 Masters, when he was right in the thick of things for a while and was paired with Phil in the final round. He certainly looked like a top golfer then.

The question is, how often has his back been healthy the past few year? He's had terrible back problems.

I don't know that I'd agree that he's one of the top golfers when his back is healthy -- I think he's too far past his prime to really be considered at that level -- but I do think that, if his back is healthy, he's capable of pulling off a few good rounds every now and then and challenging to win a tournament.

[hogannut]

I agree golden bear, it's to bad Freddy couldn't have been injury free over the last 10 years. It's weird because with all the advancements in therapy you would think elite guys like Couples and Norman couldn't get their back issues addressed.

As for Arnie's tournament, it was a good day yesterday. I also enjoyed the Arnie documentary last night too. Very insightful, and shows that Arnie's class is not phony. He is simply a real nice guy, who loves golf and wants the game to flourish and continue as a game of honour.

[Golden Bear]

Not quite the same Freddy today as yesterday.

He's been in the water twice, and is four over for the day through 11.

[sloniu260]

Yet another post about how good this guy is....TW ofcourse. What a change in the leader board. Everyone seems to be going down but Tiger is on his way up. He didn't win yet but we all know he will.....:rofl:

[Richard]

Was a rather exciting round today, lot's of players hovering in contention, should be a great Sunday...

[focal]

sean o'hair in the mix of it....lets see if he can post #4 for Tiger...and we're talking a 42-4 record tied or leading after three rounds

[Leftygolfer30]

I know I'll be glued to the TV tomorrow afternoon. 5 way tie at -6 will make for an interesting finish.

[sloniu260]

Its going to be a great sunday...Pebble Beach in the am and API in the pm:D

[golferboy]

As if we couldnt have predicted this.....Tiger tied for the lead after a slow start.....

[braithwaite]

Tiger is going to win again,
as soon as they see his name close to the top of the leaderboard it seems like everyone starts to blow up, like Watney an 8!! damnnn that hole sucked for him, and Vijay wow, just blows up. I hate to see players do it but its golf,
I just think Tiger is going to win this tournament without a doubt, he is to good right now

[Smully]

Gettin so sick,ah hearin bout Couples, sore back,Hello, have ya ever noticed, its only sore when he shoots his brains out, when he shoots 65, everything is wonderful,,,,,B,S...BS....BS....Excuses are a dime a dozen, and the media, love to run, with this one,,,,,,,,,,,,,,BS

[Golden Bear]

Gettin so sick,ah hearin bout Couples, sore back,Hello, have ya ever noticed, its only sore when he shoots his brains out, when he shoots 65, everything is wonderful,,,,,B,S...BS....BS....Excuses are a dime a dozen, and the media, love to run, with this one,,,,,,,,,,,,,,BSActually, Freddy legitimately has serious back problems. What secret insight do you have that says otherwise? On his doctor's speed dial, are you?

Yeesh.

Anyway, I hope someone not named Tiger steps up to make this interesting. If everyone just gets weak-kneed and collapses it will be a very boring Sunday.

[Focker Singh]

Why does VJ always have one of these rounds where he just is a completely different player? I would love to see VJ bounce back today with a strong round but with Tiger in the mix, I dont think he has a chance. Bubba was so nervous yesterday and it was SATURDAY. Ohair would be a big story. At the end though, its going to be Tiger shaking Arnold's hand on the 18th green.

[imAnewbie]

Did you see that last putt? AMAZING!!! :D:D:D

[BowmanvilleJim]

That guy is unbelievable. I'm not a Tiger worshipper but there is no denying that he is the best.

[slightdraw]

Let's not let our emotions take over our brains, Vijay lost that tourney as much as Tiger won it. If Vijay shoots even yesterday and 2 under today he wins. If Vijay putts better Tiger loses by at least 3, he had 31 putts today. Its great that Tiger won but he really needed help and he got it.

[dks_34]

Did you see that last putt? AMAZING!!! :D:D:D

Wow I wish I could do that!

[goshawk]

Wow I wish I could do that!
H, I've SEEN you do that........just not for nearly as much $$!!;)

[braithwaite]

Wow Tiger is unbelieveable, the way he makes those kind of shots is just amazing! Wow is all i have to say about that

[imAnewbie]

we know Vijay shouldve won the tournament, REALITY CHECK is he gave it away. Did you see that gust of wind before tiger hit the approach shot for the 18th? Would you call that a little help? IF only, should haves and could haves means nothing. The most important thing is WHAT IS. You can add up all the # of putts made, fairways hit and so on... but that wouldnt matter if you're not that one raising the trophy.

[Ems]

wow, all these predictions coming true.

re: the comment that TW had some help with VJ playing as he did. TW is the type of athlete that excels at competition, I wouldn't doubt that if VJ did play better, TW would be up there with him and probably still beating VJ by 1.

[hannah]

we know Vijay shouldve won the tournament, REALITY CHECK is he gave it away. Did you see that gust of wind before tiger hit the approach shot for the 18th? Would you call that a little help? IF only, should haves and could haves means nothing. The most important thing is WHAT IS. You can add up all the # of putts made, fairways hit and so on... but that wouldnt matter if you're not that one raising the trophy.


:clap: In our lifetime we will not see anyone else accomplish what Tiger is doing. He had a 21 foot putt to make on the last hole that was a downhill slider and he made it.

Tell me when the last time we have seen such mental skill. This is great to be part of and I bet not one person wouldn't kiss his backside because of what he has done for the increase of $$$$$$$$$ they play for.

When he's in the field it makes for a great 4 days of watching golf.

[BowmanvilleJim]

Let's not let our emotions take over our brains, Vijay lost that tourney as much as Tiger won it. If Vijay shoots even yesterday and 2 under today he wins. If Vijay putts better Tiger loses by at least 3, he had 31 putts today. Its great that Tiger won but he really needed help and he got it.

I understand what you're saying but the reality about golf is that the only thing that matters is who finnishes the tournament with the lowest score. If VJ hadn't screwed up he would have won. The same can be said of every player in the field.

[EDSGolf]

I have nothing to say except "you just knew".

[Big Shooter]

3 letters....

http://www.royshobbiesandtoys.com/Wow%20logo.jpg

[Chambokl]

I really hate it when TW is in the field. It makes for a boring tournament because the camera only shows him and all they talk is about him...lol

That is why Tiger is Tiger and the reaction of Arnold Palmer and Bart Bryant. They seem to know that he was going to make it...just awesome.

I just love watching him play...

[davepratt]

Let's not let our emotions take over our brains, Vijay lost that tourney as much as Tiger won it. If Vijay shoots even yesterday and 2 under today he wins. If Vijay putts better Tiger loses by at least 3, he had 31 putts today. Its great that Tiger won but he really needed help and he got it.

I assume your aunt has balls?

[paulcrow]

Watching Tiger is a mixed blessing. It is amazing to see him pull off the shots he does, and it is exciting what he does for golf. We are definitely seeing history in the making. But it does take away from the enjoyment of each tournament knowing that, very likely, Tiger will win again.

I guess it is the same as watching any dominant player or team, like Federer or Real Madrid or the Canadiens or Oilers in their hay day - you've got to respect what they do but it does take away from the enjoyment of the game when one team or person wins most of the time.

[sharkhark]

Let's not let our emotions take over our brains, Vijay lost that tourney as much as Tiger won it. If Vijay shoots even yesterday and 2 under today he wins. If Vijay putts better Tiger loses by at least 3, he had 31 putts today. Its great that Tiger won but he really needed help and he got it.

These are the same type of things I hear after out of everyone I beat in golf. Coulda woulda shoulda vs did.

Tiger did.

[fireice]

Nice left to right putt Tiger (http://www.ottawagolfblog.com/2008/03/tiger-woods-sinks-putt-to-win-arnies.html) was there any doubt. :D
If you missed it, enjoy.

[Tyger]

WOW...another awesome finish, unbelievable putt!!:eek:

[Golfing in Ottawa]

Let's not let our emotions take over our brains, Vijay lost that tourney as much as Tiger won it. If Vijay shoots even yesterday and 2 under today he wins. If Vijay putts better Tiger loses by at least 3, he had 31 putts today. Its great that Tiger won but he really needed help and he got it.

Will not let "our emotions" take over our brains..............but Tiger when leading or in contention on a Sunday takes over his competitors brains.........often referred to as "The Tiger" Factor..................

I am sure many competitors Tiger has taken out this year have said "what if........" Ernie Els (many times over).......Aaron Badley........JB Holmes........;)

[dks_34]

H, I've SEEN you do that........just not for nearly as much $$!!;)

I don't think I did that for any money!

[goshawk]

I don't think I did that for any money!
I beg to differ. I remember a certain TGN Clublink outing 2 seasons ago at Highland Gate where you made a putt of about 30 feet with a decent break. I may be getting older, but the memory is still working!;)

[gatsby]

It never fails to entertain. Whatever it takes, Tiger has the capacity to rise. VJ can be shown that he blew a lead. But he had chances as well to recoup. That he didnt doesnt lessen his great week. Just doesnt add up to a victory.:)

[just123123]

The GOLDENBEAR's Record is N E X T !!!!:D

:hyper:

[Focker Singh]

Yes VJ played like crap on Saturday and even on Sunday, he still continued to miss 2-3ft for par. I cant believe him sometimes. Very frustrating watching VJ esp when you're cheering for him.

Tiger is Tiger, when the commentator gave the stat of 0-21 all week on putts longer than 18ft, I knew Tiger was going to make the putt. Its what he lives for and he steps up to it almost all the time. The putt was simply amazing and it almost had the anticipation of his putt on the 16th hole at the Masters except for the hanging on the lip part. Bart's reaction was classic, he wasnt watching and just heard the crowd go nuts and then chuckled, closed his eyes and shook his head.

How can any of you say this is boring to watch? I wish they would go on the air earlier so I can watch all 18 holes of Tiger. Doral next week, will it be 6 in a row?

[imAnewbie]

To all those people who says Tiger is boring to watch, then what would you consider exciting?

Seriously, why can't we just watch greatness at its best? We are lucky to be watching this LIVE on tv, instead of watching it on a documentary dvd maybe 20 years later... I just don't get the boring part, I for one is not a Tiger worshipper(im a phil guy) but seeing him doing his stuff is something.

Just sit back and relax... enjoy the ride. if you find it boring, then why play or watch golf? Isnt that something you would want to achieve?

[Bellyhungry]

Some thoughts:

-This putt will go down as one of his best putts in his career
-Arnie must be very happy to see Tiger winning his tournament after a few years of second-tier winners (except VJ last year). This will lend prestige to his tournament
- Speaking of Arnie, after seeing him being interviewed on the air by TGC and NBC, he reminded me what a dignified and graceful person he is
- BTW, did anyone hear Tiger addressed Arnie as AP in his interview with Inga Hammonds?
-Imagine a future Canadian Open having a finish like that and with Tiger in the field?
-As someone mentioned, VJ missed a lot of putts yesterday, otherwise he could have won. But then again, Tiger could have won the Masters and US Open last year if he didn't make some mistakes here and there and if Zach and El Pato did not play phenomenally well
-Surprisingly, NBC did not over-hype the Tiger/Singh matchup like they did earlier in the week re Tiger and Phil
- Interesting commentary exchange: Johnny Millers put Roger Maltbie on the spot on 17 and 18 re Tiger's putts, and both times, Maltbie correctly called it (or was it tape-delayed?)
- Also, the exchange between Tiger and his caddie on the 16th and 18th fairways were pretty cool

[sloniu260]

You can't think of a better way to win...18th...24 footer for the win!!! This guy is amazing. 5 in a row...whats next??? GO TW!!!!:hyper:

[Shadow]

:clap: In our lifetime we will not see anyone else accomplish what Tiger is doing. He had a 21 foot putt to make on the last hole that was a downhill slider and he made it.Tell me when the last time we have seen such mental skill. When he's in the field it makes for a great 4 days of watching golf. While many are in awe about the putt, the putt was easy compared to the iron shot he hit to the green. That won him the tournament. From his lie in the FW, the pin looks like it is just over the rocks and for him to hit that iron exactly where he wanted it to go, shows his mental strength and talent more so than the putt.

For others to say that Tiger won because others faltered is just sour grapes or a lack of understanding of the game. When playing a difficult course, everyone makes some bigger than usual numbers. It's "par" for the course. Admittedly, Tiger plays tough courses where the weaker players are less likely to rise to the top while the better players do, so he has a better chance to win. But this is great. If he played the Bob Hope, he would not likely win because everyone makes a gazillion birdies.

[Andru]

Let's not let our emotions take over our brains, Vijay lost that tourney as much as Tiger won it. If Vijay shoots even yesterday and 2 under today he wins. If Vijay putts better Tiger loses by at least 3, he had 31 putts today. Its great that Tiger won but he really needed help and he got it.

If if if if. Blah blah blah blah. If tiger doesn't put the ball in the water at the masters last year. Zach Johnson isn't standing next to Jack Niclaus at the Masters. If Tiger doesn't make 2 bogeys early in his round at the PGA Rich Beem has one career win and is playing on the nationwide tour. Yeesh.

[Golden Bear]

I don't mind Tiger winning if the finish is an exciting one like yesterday. I just want to see someone step up and be a man, and Bart did that. He put the pressure on Tiger and Tiger had to come through. It was a good finish.

I only mind the events where Tiger wins by five or six strokes and people have to pretend it was exciting to watch, when in most cases it was not. Personally, I don't find blowouts entertaining in sports, and in particular I find Tiger a rather bland personality so I get nothing out of those kinds of wins, except watching some nice shots ... but I've seen those before.

I'll gladly take a day like yesterday. Sure, I was rooting for others to beat Tiger, but I also like good golf, and if I'm seeing anyone winning a tournament with a putt like that, well, that's just good golf.

The only shame of it is that it's the only tournament people are talking about today. There was a fantastic finish on the European tour yesterday, and another playoff on the Champion's Tour. Also, I was hitting the ball pretty well at the range. Just a great day of golf, all the way around.

[Golf_Goof]

You just knew that sucker would go in - and the antics would follow. When the stage is set for dramatics, TW delivers.

Anyone catch what a spectator yelled at VJ after his approach to 18? Heard Miller react to it but don't know what was said.

[Bellyhungry]

Anyone catch what a spectator yelled at VJ after his approach to 18? Heard Miller react to it but don't know what was said.

The doofus said something to the effect of 'Hey VJ, go into the water'.

[goshawk]

The doofus said something to the effect of 'Hey VJ, go into the water'.
You're right. Another example of why the gene pool is getting too polluted!

[Biffm1]

Another great finnish, another million in his jeans...at this rate the FEDEX should be wrapped up by mid April.
I don't get tired of watching Tiger...I don't know how any fan of golf could...like him, or not...he is incredible.
The only real alternative is to watch events he isn't in...I wonder if the pros that win those events feel like they've really won anything at all.
At some point in the near future we might just look at golfers that had a lot of second place finnishes (to Tiger) as maybe the best of the rest. Tiger is in a class by himself.