PA-PLAYA there are a lot of players on tour who have just as much talent today as he did back then.

Somewhat disagree. None have he shots he had/(still has). He was always in trouble, even back then, nearly every tourney, even while driving the ball better than now. But, he knew he could get out of it with the shots he had. These guys today don't have those shots when in trouble, therefore, they are not as consistent as he was at scoring. They may win 1, then place top 15-20 a couple, then miss cuts. That's not consistent, nor dominating at all. And they will not be. DJ is a good example. Bubba is also. 3 wins each. Missing cuts(important cuts). JT, inconsistent. Jason Day(who??). These are the best of today. As good as they ever will be. These guys are......those 'next guys'. And can and will be beaten up by others.

I'm impressed by Molinari, plodding along, nothing fancy, no 'special' shots. But it cost him the JDC, imo.

      Spuzz He's still not afraid to lose from a few of those (dumb driver choice) Open teeshots I saw.

          mikeintopeka

          The curse of Elin? You act as if she is the bad guy, really? Tiger caused 100% of the crap that has come his way. I hope he never wins again, he was an asshole...and is still an asshole.

              Spuzz

              True, but I don't think money motivated him. He wanted to win just as much as he wanted the winner's check.

                RobertThomas ...and is still an asshole.

                Do you think his back problems are from a 9 iron hitting a back window? Was that the 1st hit that club made that night? An asshole would have let us know long ago why he hit that tree.

                    Par4QC

                    We look back on his career and marvel at what he accomplished. But it wasn't just his ball-striking. He still sprayed shots, even with irons. It was his putting.

                    Another Johnny Miller quote: "Folks, this guy makes more putts dead-center of the hole than anyone who has ever played the game."

                    Tiger knew he could miss and still make par or birdie. 16th at Augusta kinda typified his short game and putting brilliance.

                        RobertThomas I hope he never wins again, he was an asshole...and is still an asshole.

                        Yep, I'm guessing that is a quote from Elin too. I'm guessing some fanboys claim Tiger is now cursed so I had to call it something.

                        I was giving Tiger another chance to clean up his act when he was trying to rehab but when Lindsey Vonn bailed on him for alledgedly cheating on her too, I personally don't care if Tiger wins another tournament.

                        PS Your sarcasm / snark detector needs a new battery.

                            Par4QC An asshole would have let us know long ago why he hit that tree.

                            Nicely stated.

                            There are a number of things I believe folks neglect to mention, about Tiger - sorta like that comment above. While maybe he was more an ass than we know in his private life, he had the discretion to be so. Perhaps we actually less than we know, think, or speculate. But, who of us does not have some things we've done, known only to a select few others (perhaps good friends) of which we'd like none broadcast? Yeah, he has acted like a dick now and again. And, as a polarizing kind of figure (athlete/star), it's not as if every eye or camera was focused on him - not. I like the way he's tended to carry himself of late. I observe him far more humble.

                                professor

                                I believe it is taking everything he has to project to others that he has changed. Is he good for golf- absolutely! But I do not have to like him.

                                    professor Agree, Prof. I just finished reading the unauthorized biography that is out now. His childhood and upbringing seems to explain a lot. No excuse but the public seems to enjoy it when a celeb hits the rocks. He seems to have developed a better attitude toward others, his family and golf.

                                      PA-PLAYA

                                      The same talent as Tiger? I suppose it’s plausible that it was all drive, but I’m just not buying it. You don’t have the Tiger vs the Field odds if you aren’t obscenely talented.

                                        It's all about ratings and money. Look what Tiger has done to viewership this season. Like Tiger or not he is good for business. Unless he gets hurt or totally steps on his dick in the next few weeks I wouldn't be surprised he gets a Captain's pick. And you can't tell me the industry isn't putting some heat on Furyk behind the scenes.

                                          Rickochet I presume if he wants to play Ryder Cup then he’s in. Same with Phil for that matter. No way two of best ever don’t get picked while they are still relevant unless they really jacked-over Furyk in the past.

                                            Par4QC it was a 3w and an iron off the tee that cost him in Rd 4.

                                              I see Tiger as a really good player like a lot of other really good players, so I think he can win again, and maybe a major. But so what? Tiger has always been about 19 majors, nothing less. If he can't win 5, or at least 4 it's meaningless. Sure, it's a nice comeback story, but he'll still leave golf with a big old "What if?".

                                              Because Tiger never really opens up in interviews it's hard to say what he wants out of this comeback. Personally I think he's really trying to see if he can get it back and win 5 more majors. It may sound ludicrous to us, but I see that as what's driving him. I just can't see Tiger putting in all this work to be #9 in the world and win a tournament or two, even if one's a major. It doesn't fit his personality, imo.


                                              The only other thing I could see is it's all about the money. He knows he needs to play and play pretty well to keep his brand going. And if youy're going to say "He already has more money than he'll ever need" you just don't understand rich people.

                                                In the world of golf,like him or hate him,Tiger is STILL" the straw that stirs the drink"!
                                                Look at the responses here.
                                                If you want a thread that has some interest/action....just put 'Tiger' in the title.
                                                It's a formula that NEVER fails!

                                                As to some of the "if's",yeah I think he wins again,maybe even a major or two.
                                                He just needs to re-learn how to win and get out of his own way.
                                                He's got all the tools/skills,but his mindset needs a reboot...and go dig up that killer instinct you used to have.

                                                I think he's swinging well enough to win again. Putting is always something that every player needs to win; he's not putting like he was, but probably still good enough to win. I think he needs to find that confidence that allowed him to avoid all those bogeys he should have made but didn't. You could look at Tiger's tee shots in a round and think " he must have shot at least a couple over", but he somehow shot a couple under.

                                                He also needs to come into Sunday with at least a several shot lead. Tiger has never been a come-from-behind player. He'd play 2 great rounds and grind out a score and have the lead on Sunday and then would increase the lead or find a way to hold everyone off.

                                                I think he can still win tournaments and majors, but it's hard to say if he actually will. I doubt he is playing just to get Top 10's and make money. I'm sure he would love to get a win so he could sneer at the journalists that said he couldn't. I'm sure he'd also love to hoist a trophy with his kids there.

                                                  garyt1957 I do believe that winning 5 more majors is still his biggest desire, but I think he's really trying to get his life back on track and take the opportunity to repent and win back some respect. Perhaps it is just hopeful thinking on my part, but I believe his comeback is as much about trying to put his past behind him and get purpose for the life that is still ahead of him. I think he's trying to get his income rolling again and ease up the pressure on his kids and family that also suffer by association to his past. I don't think he'll be bitter if he doesn't win another major as long as he can establish a reputation as someone who overcame his failings with responsibility and perseverance.

                                                    KCee Putting is always something that every player needs to win; he's not putting like he was

                                                    PA-PLAYA It was his putting.

                                                    He had to change his putting stance due to the back surgeries, he's said. Anyone that has changed their putting technique, in any way, knows how this plays out, short term. And he has also said he cannot practice as long as he should or needs, so perhaps this will be long term for him. He will never putt like he used to. It's been seen already.

                                                    The amazing thing is how he has leapfrogged the guys that had been playing well, in the world standings.