http://espn.go.com/golf/story/_/id/17106193/tiger-woods-withdraws-pga-championship-done-season
First time in his career, hopefully he can recover and give it a shot next year. His hater's might be rejoicing, but I personally do not want to see him go out like this. The game will survive without him, but I would like to see him compete.
Hate to see anyone depart their profession due to an injury, but it happens.
I honestly didn't think he would be back this season, so I'm not surprised by the news. And I think it's a wise decision.
A buddy and I were talking the other day about Tiger ever going to the Champions Tour. Not sure what is going to happen with that.
Tiger never struck me as a ceremonial type... the aging player who just simply does well to make weekend cuts but shows up anyway to give something back to the game and the fans. That's not who he is, I don't believe. Nor does he strike me as someone who would enjoy competing against the same guys on the senior circuit that he used to run circles around back in his prime.
He wants to win, and he wants to win against the best players in the world. I don't think he would consider anything less than that a worthy endeavor. And for that reason - I wouldn't be surprised if he tries to come back next season, struggles (be it with his injury or his confidence) and calls it a career.
Of course - maybe being away from the game now for a year has softened his attitude and kinda changed his perspective of those things, but nevertheless I remain unconvinced. If he can't compete and be competitive enough to win - he won't hang around very long. And considering everything that he's achieved in his career - I'd probably feel the same way too.
I agree on what has been said, but with age comes wisdom. He can still earn some serious coin and be competitive, but only if he is healthy. That is the question, can he get to a point his body will let him be competitive?
Also, can he develop a competitive swing that his body won't break down?
Either way, if he feels he can't compete, I don't think his ego will be humble enough to just hang around. Achieving so much, so early has seemed to have an expectation that he has bought into. Yes, in his prime, I don't think Jack could have matched him, but those days are gone unless he can dig deep, mentally and physically. He has been lauded with having a "zen" like quality of dealing with pressure, but how deep can he really dig? He has to accept he is not invincible, physically, and focus on what he can do. I think he has a great imagination on the course, but he has to be healthy enough to use it and quit judging himself by what he used to do and focus on what he can do now. "The past is for cowards." -Mike Ditka
My $.02
I agree with both of you. Tiger's dominance is long past.
The players on tour now grew up dreaming of beating Tiger Woods in the US Open. There is not the fear or reverence that the other players used to have.
I also think Tiger has difficulty dealing with the fact that he is not one of the best anymore. He was so dominant, but now he is a Homer Simpson. Doh!!
There was a time when I could not wait to see what his next feat was going to be on the course. He made for compelling TV and those years were very good for golf. His fall from grace was and still is epic. I can't see him ever being competitive again - but I've been wrong before...............many times.
I have to admit I was never a fan of his behavior. Even before everyone found out what he was really doing. But man he was exciting to watch play the game. After he was "exposed" I felt like he was trying harder to be more outgoing. And I understand that didn't come easy for him. Hope he can come back next year pain free and resume his career.
