Tiger's current niche is playing two good rounds the first two days and then struggling when he sees players in the fast lane passing him by. I'm guessing he feels he needs to go bonkers on the weekend to stay in contention, but that strategy hasn't worked thus far.

Maybe it's much too early to expect that level of improved play under pressure from him at this point, or perhaps he simply no longer has the ability to tap into that extra gear.

I no longer compare him to his prior self 12-15 years ago. I compare him to the guys playing today. I don't anticipate him running the tables and winning back-to-back events anymore. Doesn't mean he can't have a great week, but there is no fear of Tiger Woods in the hunt on Sunday these days in these young guns. He no longer has that intimidating factor going for him, these guys today aren't looking over their shoulder to see where Tiger is.

And until he wins something, anything, that's not gonna change. And even if he does win something - not sure it changes anything.

I think there's just a few parts of Tiger's game that aren't back yet and it's putting too much pressure on the parts that are working over the course of four rounds. If he is able to practice with some frequency over the next few months I think he'll get better. That's a big if, but all indications right now seem to point to him getting better in the short run.

    johnnydoom

    I think the big IF revolves around him not re-injuring his back. He's had so many back operations that I've lost count. It's like 4, right?

    I don't think he'll return to the game if he has another setback. I don't think he will be physically capable to compete again if it happens.

        PA-PLAYA I agree. Another back surgery probably signals the end. I really think he needs to use more time practicing and less time competing right now so that he can work on the areas that are troubling him and not on what's needed for the specific course in front of him. I think he would except that he has an obligation to the sponsors that signed on for the comeback or that have stayed with him and he wants to get their brands out in front of the cameras. I don't know what his schedule is after the PGA, but I think if there are significant breaks prior to the Masters it will do his game some good.

            johnnydoom

            If memory serves, he typically shut things down from November onward, outside of competing in Dubai in January.... he'd usually play at Torrey Pines in Feb, then wouldn't play again until the Florida swing, since the Masters is roughly a month later. Or I seem to recall anyway.

            He'll have plenty of time to rest and practice once the Ryder Cup is over. I do think Furyk will pick him. I know Furyk said last week that they'd treat him like everyone else, but that's just lip service. The PGA (in both Europe and the US) want him there if he's physically capable of playing, for obvious reasons.

            I would be shocked if Furyk leaves him off the team, I'll put it that way.

                PA-PLAYA I can't really imagine Tiger not getting a captain's pick. No matter what his off the course issues were, he's the greatest active player and is still playing at a high level. I think it would be better for him if he didn't, but it's a situation that would be a bad look if the invitation is not extended, or if it is not accepted (unless he can get a note from his doctor).

                    johnnydoom

                    He needs to play better than he did at Firestone to get the pick. I don't think it's a foregone conclusion. Furyk will take heavy criticism if Tiger limps in and gets a Capt pick and lays flat in France. Hopefully Furyk has the stones to pick someone else if Tiger isn't playing good enough leading into pick day. And I hope he tells Tiger so!

                        ode If Furyk bypasses who is arguably the 2nd best golfer in history to give someone else a captain's pick he either has monster stones, hates Tiger, or isn't very bright. Tiger doesn't have a good Ryder cup record and isn't near the top for qualifying, but if his entire body of work up to now isn't good enough then all I can say is whoever Furyk picks in his place better be the hero of the competition.

                            johnnydoom

                            Obviously the PGA this weekend and the playoffs will sway those currently on the fence. When you look at the players ranked 9th thru 12th, you currently have:

                            9th: DeChambeau
                            10th: Mickelson
                            11th: Schaufelle
                            12th: Kuchar

                            Other notables:

                            13th: Finau
                            14th: Stanley
                            15th: Kisner
                            16th: Brian Harmon
                            17th: Na
                            18th: Wise (granted - I've not followed the tour much this year, but still... never heard of him!)
                            19th: Zach Johnson
                            20th Tiger Woods

                            So you've got 4 picks. Let's assume that the Ryder Cup was next week. Who would your 4 captains picks be? Not an easy decision.

                                PA-PLAYA It's certainly not easy, but I would pick Tiger, Phil, DeChambeau, and Schaufelle. Tiger and Phil for being two all-time greats that can still complete, DeChambeau and Schaufelle due to the position they currently hold. I would not be happy to have to pick DeChambeau right now, but would do it because of where he's at.

                                    johnnydoom

                                    Although I think he'll get picked for interest/revenue-generating reasons, it shouldn't be based exclusively on his overall body of work. He undoubtedly is the 2nd greatest player of all-time. But if we're talking about finding four players who're playing the best golf currently, who gives your team the absolute best odds of winning - he currently doesn't meet that criteria, not based on his season vs the others ahead of him.

                                    Now who knows... if he plays well this week, finishes top-25, perhaps top-10.... that could muddy the waters a bit. If he has a good run in the playoffs and advances beyond the first round... he's showing progress.

                                    Furyk will be under a lot of pressure to pick him, they're good friends, played a lot of Ryder Cups together as playing partners.

                                    Not saying he's earned his way onto the team, but I'll eat my sweaty golf cap if Furyk doesn't pick him.

                                        I don't know what Bellerive is like today, but looking at the past champions it doesn't seem like it'll be Tiger's kind of course. But maybe he can fit his game to it - who knows. I've never seen Captain's picks treated as a
                                        "what have you done lately" when there are great players in the mix. Usually a big name trumps a good year unless the big name has reached has been status.

                                        johnnydoom

                                        I have so many golf hats that it would be hard to choose which is the most tasty. lol

                                        probably the one I haven't worn yet, undoubtedly

                                          Bryson, imo, is the guy to watch... how he carries himself this week, and into the playoffs. I don't want to write him off completely, but the last thing a captain wants is a guy who so easily gets down on himself and implodes. He's more than earned his way on the team based on results. But based on his attitude and mental tendency as of late to succumb to frustration when he hits more than 2-3 bad shots in a row is very much concerning.

                                          It's a stressful environment that has neutralized many players better than him over the years. Still not sure I would pick him.

                                          My four picks would be: Schaufelle, Mickelson, Finau, and Kisner. Kisner played well in the matchplay format. A streaky player for sure, but has performed reasonably well in high-stake events against the stronger fields.

                                          But a lot can change over the next month.

                                          Am I imagining things, or does the captain now have the ability to pick his final choice after the last round of the playoffs?

                                          I honestly don't know for sure when his selections have to be picked.

                                          Interesting article.

                                          Reading between the tea leaves - I think Tiger has already assumed he's gonna be part of the 12, as he makes an argument for Bryson being on the team. Some might argue that he's already secured a spot as Vice Captain (Tiger) but the gravitational pull would suggest that Tiger is one of the four picks.

                                          https://www.golfchannel.com/article/golf-central-blog/tiger-we-want-bryson-ryder-cup-team/

                                          I sincerely hope Finau is a huge part of that discussion. I think he's earned it.

                                            PA-PLAYA I’d honestly rather see Finau than Bryson, but I’d go with the higher point finisher regardless of who they are outside of Tiger and Phil. Be hard to resist Zach too, but he’s the lesser of three legends in play.

                                                johnnydoom I’d go with the higher point finisher

                                                Bryson or whomever would not be the first 9 or 10th place guy passed over so it's not as big a deal as it seems.
                                                He would be off my team and Finau would be on it instead. Either Johnson or Schaufelle are the wild cards.
                                                Phil and Tiger will be picked for their swan songs.

                                                    johnnydoom hopefully winning is his strategy.....I get the Ryder Cup has some pagentry to it, but sentimental picks aren't smart, especially if their play is not up to snuff. I wouldn't even be on the fence with TW at this point, he'd be out, but I would let him know better play would get him a spot.