August said:
Thanks for making this a general golf thread. Btw, maybe you could merge these threads to this:
http://www.tennisfrontier.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=182
http://www.tennisfrontier.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=586
http://www.tennisfrontier.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=722
Good to see the Dufman get a major. When he's on, the guy knocks down the pins as was evidenced that week. That was one helluva ballstriking exo.
Only drama left is who will win the POY.
Like Fed/Nadal for so many years, it's down to Tiger and Phil.
Going into the PGA the feeling was if either were to win the Wanamaker(awesome trophy and aptly named
) it would lock it up. Obviously neither won, and surprisingly neither were even remote factors on the weekend.
So, it still leaves us where we were before the PGA. Let's compare the 013 resumes.
Tiger...
-5 wins including The Players and two WGCs
-likely will finish year ranked #1, win the money title, plus the Vardon(lowest stroke ave for the year)
Lefty...
-2 wins, but one is the Open Championship
Majors typically weigh more, as they should. The best example I can give is the 1998 season. David Duval... yes David, I fell off the planet, Duval won four times, the money title, finished the year ranked #1, won the Vardon...was clearly the best player that year on the PGA Tour. Mark O'Meara won twice, but the two were the Masters and the Open. O'Meara wins POY.
I think the majors weigh likely 2.5/3 - 1 to regular Tour events. The Players probably carry more weight than an average Tour event as it's long been considered the "5th Major" by many, though in reality there's four. WGC events have strong fields as well.
However, I think if you ask Tiger, privately, I'd wager he'd take Phil's two over his five as it's ALL about chasing Jack's 18 majors for him. But in reality Tiger may have the slight edge for POY at this stage. The last few events in the chase for the FedEx Cup may sort this out for good though.
A couple of historical tidbits of interest regarding Mickelson. Lefty has never been ranked #1(he's currently 2nd), nor won the POY, money title or a Vardon. Considering he's arguably a top 10-15 player of all time, that surprises me but is a testament to just how dominant Tiger has been in this era...for the most part. At 43, Mickelson's clock is ticking and he needs to finish the year off strong. If he doesn't scratch in any of these milestones, he can likely look back at not taking advantage of Tiger's lapse after his scandalous affairs broke in 2009.
In regards to Tiger and if he's considered "back". I've debated this ad nauseam this year with so many folks. I'm a huge fan of his talent, have spent alot of money following him over his career starting with the '97 Masters, but I'm trying to be objective here. But again it's all about chasing down "18" for Tiger. For goodness sakes, the guy had Jack's majors stapled to his headboard as a kid. As in tennis, this is what the greats are truly and historically measured by when it's all said in done...and Tiger knows this. Sure, he's had a great year win-wise, money-wise and overall, but it's hollow without a major. When Tiger truly dominated the game, major wins came with it. It's been FIVE years since he's won one and that 500lb gorilla is growing. It's all mental for him right now as he's pressing in these events. Once or if he scratches again in a major, I then will be comfortable in calling him truly "BACK".
I honestly think it will happen next year as the venues set up well and offer positive, comforting memories unlike this past year's venues. Case in point. He's way overdue at Augusta not having won their since '05. The flat stick has really held him back there and in general in the recent major drought. Next year's USO is held at Pinehurst where he finished 2nd and 3rd in the previous ones held there. Tiger won at Hoylake in '06(2014 Open venue) as he did at Valhalla(2014 PGA venue) in the memorable 2000 shootout with Bob May.
Here's something to consider. Tiger's body is starting to break down. And although his game is improving his peers aren't intimidated as in year's past...he knows it and they know that he knows it. He'll be 39 after next year's season. Considering these factors and next year's venues, I think 2014 is THE make or break year in regards to "18". With that said if he gets the next one, it may free him up to win a slew more in a hurry.
Like Fed chasing Pete and Rafa chasing Fed, this particular chase will be captivating to watch as well.
