To Whom It May Concern:
I am not an entirely shameless and uncritical worshipper of Tiger Woods. There are things about the man that I don’t like, both on and off the golf course. On the course, it annoys me when he refers to himself as “Woody,” when he insists on two possible hat and shoe combinations (white and white or black and black), when he and Steve Williams interact like they are angry school teachers, when he blows snot rockets or expels worse: an unbelievably generic post-round interview.
Off the course, I think he could do more to support the PGA beyond simply lending his star power. He could have a less ostentatious yacht. He could wear something other than Nike or bad suits. He could be more outspoken on social and political issues… but I certainly understand why he isn’t.
I don’t think the American political system is done any favors by outspoken celebrities, for the most part, at least to the extent than anyone is interested in their social, political, or religious persuasions. Given this, I’d take Woods over Sean Penn, Tom Cruise or Bono any day. In terms of advertising, I don’t respect the fact that he sells his services to the highest bidder pitching any innocuous or bucolic product… Gillette, anyone?
I could go on — the Tour Velvet cord grips, the Boyz II Men loving — but the point is, in any tally of the things that annoy versus those which inspire or entertain, Woods, in my book, will have many more marks in the latter column. It is because of this, as well as my general annoyance with inane Tiger bashing that I offer this pointed endorsement of the golfer.
Paradigmatic Greatness
It seems that we, as golf fans, have not settled on an airtight formula for determining the “best golfer ever,” either in the abstract or in looking at a particular golfer in context. Wins are important, and majors are more so, to be sure, but is it possible, say, to be the greatest golfer ever while being a poor driver of the golf ball, or a mediocre putter, or a poor Ryder Cup player, or failing to win all four Majors, or the U.S Amateur?
Regardless of this lack of complete picture, it seems that in any definition of what constitutes a great golfer, or the greatest ever, is necessarily that he or she must win big tournaments. Woods has won all the big tournaments, all throughout his life. From the U.S. Junior Amateur, to the Masters, Tiger has won every tournament upon which any real significance is bestowed by the critical golfing public.
The real testament, though, to Woods’ greatness within the paradigm of golf is quite simple. Tiger has, since he first began imitating his father’s golf swing as a toddler, not only been the best player his own age, but the best by far. Is there any other golfer, past or present, who can make a statement anywhere close to this? I honestly don’t think so. I don’t think the aforementioned fact can be overlooked in any detailed study of Woods’ greatness (which this article doesn’t pretend to be).
The Will to Power
In a certain sense, great individuals are blank screens on to which we project our own ideals and conceptions, extending their import and significance far beyond where it ought to go. However, I don’t think it is too much of a stretch to interpret achievements in the game of golf through the lens of the game of life. Sport as metaphor is a genre which often lapses into pointless nostalgia, needless glorification and sentimentality. Regardless, the iron will which allows Woods to persevere on the golf course is something both to be celebrated in itself and to serve as inspiration for us lesser mortals in our day to day lives.
Think about last year’s U.S. Open for a second. On a broken leg, with torn ligaments, without any real preparation, Tiger managed to win the tournament. How’d he do it? Perhaps we attribute this to some supernatural ability, but really we ought to realize that Woods’ physical and mental gifts, many as they are, were not the deciding factors. Rather, his ability to will himself to victory, in the same way that we might will ourselves out of bed on a cold morning, another minute on the stationary bike, was the essential quality. It’s the same capacity (as far as I know) that we all possess, though it’s often convenient to say otherwise.
High Drama / Golf as Theater
If, as Shakespeare says, all of life is a stage, then the golf course necessarily occupies a place on that stage. Many of the complaints about Tiger seem to focus on the fact that he’s the “overdog” and that everyone knows he’s going to win. As such, such individuals say, there’s nothing worth watching, since Tiger is going to win regardless. I’ve never understood this argument, but I can say simply that sport, from an observational standpoint, is supposed to be entertaining.
Entertainment, really, is composed of compelling narratives. I don’t think there’s any golfer, aside from Woods, who has ever entertained in such dramatic fashion, regardless of whether we “know he’s going to win,” or not. True, to some extent, this drama is manufactured by the golfing media, or at least they are complicit in its creation, but so what? Televised golf coverage certainly isn’t an art form, but nevertheless we watch out of a base desire to be entertained. Tiger Woods entertains on a regular basis the way few professional golfers ever do more than one or two times.
The Modern Golfer
Tiger Woods is the modern golfer. He can bomb and gouge or play fairways and greens. He can play the ball high around the green with a lot of spin, or favor a lower shot with more roll. Woods is capable of shaping a 3/4 nine iron 128 yards to a back right pin or powering it 166. Early in his career, it can be said, Tiger was relatively one dimensional, relying on superb hand-eye coordination, swing speed and natural power. However, as he has developed as a player — rebuilding his swing twice in the process — he has sought more to fuse elements of golf as traditionally played (think Ben Hogan) with the college bomber and flag hunter approach.
It is this combination which I believe makes Woods truly compelling. Not only is his execution top notch and wildly entertaining, but his decision making and planning are truly top notch. Both facets, of course, are essential to playing good golf. In this, I believe, he is the prototype for modern golf, especially considering the pending regulations regarding club grooves.
Part Two in Two Weeks
Nobody wants to read a novel on a golf website, so I’m stopping here for now. Same bat channel in two weeks for the remaining items in my letter, including, but not limited to “The Malleable and Ever Improvable Self” and “The Essential Corporate Athlete.”
The first section gives much better reasons to hate Tiger than the reasons given a while back to hate Phil.
Pointless article.
Why is it that everyone has to love Tiger?
I don’t think anyone would deny Tiger’s greatness or impact on the sport of golf, but they certainly have the right not to like him.
While Tiger is a great player, he’s not a great world wide player, only plays around the world when enough $ is paid. Players such as Nicklaus, Els, Norman, Player, Palmer etc played world wide and won. Tiger is still great, just wish he’d visit and play (and win) down in Australia often, not just when the Presidents Cup is on or taking big appearance fees.
Even though Tiger has won a more than a quarter of his starts over his PGA Tour career and a significantly higher percentage over the last few years, I still enjoy watching him play, despite the high probability that he is going to win, because, paraphrasing his father, “Tiger will hit at least one shot every round that will leave you amazed”. My opinion is that his late father is still correct for 3 out of 4 rounds that Tiger plays.
Lastly, considering the scrutiny that Tiger is subjected to, and that he is human, while his golf game is superhuman, he does a helluva good job managing everything.
Great article.
I don’t like the media fawning, but how can you blame them? What are they supposed to do, show us John Senden highlights after Tiger just putts out to win on 18?
It’s too much media, not too much Tiger.
Could he improve a few things? I think so. He could work on the profanity. If he was really concerned with things people notice on-course (the nose blowing, the lingo, etc., that you mention), I suppose he could work on that, too.
But part of his genius is that he insulates himself from things that can harm him. Like Joe Torre taking all the media heat and ownership heat for the Yankees all those years, Tiger has learned how to give interviews and press conferences in a way that fulfills his “obligations” while protecting him from the hurtful questions, the scandals, etc.
But you nailed it Ben, his golf is unique. Dominating at every level, and by margins we just don’t see. There will never be a satisfactory method of determining the greatest golfer ever, but I know if there’s ever a way to play a tournament with all of the greats, in their prime, playing together, I know who I’ll be betting on.
Agreed with pretty much everything. He’s an awesome golfer with no obvious weaknesses anywhere. Given the media storm which surrounds his every breath, I think he handles that side of things ridiculously well. I’ll stick with Jack for now, partly as he was “The Man” when I was starting out, but I’ll happily tip my hat to Tiger as he is now and in the future.
The Sand Trap…now brought to you by IMG.
What’s wrong with Tour Velvet Cord grips!?
He is all those good things you have stated.
What’s missing is a competent adversary to give drama and interest in the tournaments he plays in. He is, without doubt, the best golfer out there. However, watching the “Tiger Show” is like watching a one man exhibition. I think there has to be some chance of him not winning to add the necessary tension to make it interesting. I consider myself a real golf fan, and I see nothing today to match the back nine at Augusta when Nicklaus, Kite, Weiskopf, et al all had a definite chance of winning. To me it’s not that interesting to watch Tiger carving up his opponents. To the non-golf celebrity seeking viewer it’s high drama — for me, it’s boring.
This blog just jumped the shark (and I’m not referring to Greg Norman). Time to get a diary, Ben.
That is honestly the most self-indulgent, pointless thing I have read on TST.
Mr. Alberstadt:
I won’t say this is a “pointless” article like Jordan above but I do think your article should reference or give better examples than you’ll find in the “inane Tiger bashing” link to the other forum.
I have a right to despise the guy. I USED to like him…and then in one particular interview (this is paraphrased but the message is still the same) when asked if the Grand Slam will ever be won in the modern day his reply was something to the effect (and in a condescending manner as well)…”hrrrmmmphh well, I’ve already done it”…what? Ok, he held all four majors at the same time and that IS AMAZING and HISTORIC but it ain’t the GS as defined as we now know it–maybe it was a slip maybe it was not intentional…but I don’t think so…it was the first time I noticed what a jackass the guy is…ok, it’s hard not be a prick when you are as good as him…I mean he could probably beat Forrest Gump in ping pong. It not so much what he said but the WAY he said it…his disbelief that someone could even ask that question after what he had accomplished. After this interview I noticed more and more that he just can’t help himself…he loves himself too much to act otherwise.
It would be hard to be humble if you’re TW…but by now, at his age and his experience he should be less of a jerk…and he’s not…he doesn’t want to be…throwing clubs at Bay Hill a couple of weeks ago once again is a recent example…doesn’t he know he doesn’t have to express anger that way because HE’S TIGER WOODS…he will just recover on the next shot or later in the round with a shot that will more than make-up for something that doesn’t go his way…Stevie needs to remind him more often that “he’s Tiger Woods” and the universe will take care of the rest…no F-words necessary, no blaming photographers 8 fairways away or loud squirrels.
As I listened to Arnold Palmer be asked by Miller and Hicks in the NBC booth during Bay Hill how Palmer felt about being called the “King” I wondered how Tiger will answer a similar question (if anyone dares to ask as it in the future)…Arnie said he never really felt comfortable with the tag…but over time he came to accept it if someone referred to him that way in his presence…he essentially said he was grateful for the opportunities he’s had and thankful for the fans…Tiger will never reply in such a fashion…and if he were to even come remotely close to showing the class that many other elite (in their fields) individuals display it won’t be genuine…because he’s a jackass.
The putt at Bay Hill this year and the putt at Torrey Pines last year and the 6 iron from the bunker in Canada, the (60 foot?) eagle putt against Steve Scott in the U.S. Amateur were all amazing shots…incredible theater as you say…great highlights…superhuman perhaps…and that’s good for the game…but I like to be a contrarian and with his amazing play and equally cock like behavior TW makes that easy. I look forward to part two of your article.
This might be worth a look for this thread.
http://sports.espn.go.com/golf/news/story?id=4037243
I think considering the enormity of the media following, he has been an outstanding role model. Especially compared to his counterparts in other sports. I watched a 2 part series on the Golf Channel for winners of a contest with Nike golf balls and he was down to earth and personal. The young man is the best golfer ever I have ever seen and I have been an avid fan for over 40 years.
I can’t believe that there are paople on this site that like Phil. The guy is a 6 pack away from being John Daly…He does less with more talent than anyone besides big John. If he had half the desire and work ethic of Tiger, they would be on level ground. As it stands, he is another Mark O’Mera, a guy who won a couple majors and collects checks
Tiger will leave his mark on the game of golf because he has dominated the scene since childhood. Players like that are called prodigies that make the grade.
His critics can lambast him but they cannot take anything away from him because he has truly earned his place in history. If another player wants to be where Tiger is… regardless of race… he will need to put in the work. Love him or hate him, he does what many will not do… work unceasingly to achieve excellence, sacrifice, and deliver!
And what makes this story better… the fact that he is multi-racial. Everyone can claim him or they can despise him. It doesn’t matter. Tiger remains immune to it all.
Mr. Alberstadt:
I won’t say this is a “pointless” article like Jordan above but I do think your article should reference or give better examples than you’ll find in the “inane Tiger bashing” link to the other forum.
I have a right to despise the guy. I USED to like him…and then in one particular interview (this is paraphrased but the message is still the same) when asked if the Grand Slam will ever be won in the modern day his reply was something to the effect (and in a condescending manner as well)…”hrrrmmmphh well, I’ve already done it”…what? Ok, he held all four majors at the same time and that IS AMAZING and HISTORIC but it ain’t the GS as defined as we now know it–maybe it was a slip maybe it was not intentional…but I don’t think so…it was the first time I noticed what a jackass the guy is…ok, it’s hard not be a prick when you are as good as him…I mean he could probably beat Forrest Gump in ping pong. It not so much what he said but the WAY he said it…his disbelief that someone could even ask that question after what he had accomplished. After this interview I noticed more and more that he just can’t help himself…he loves himself too much to act otherwise.
It would be hard to be humble if you’re TW…but by now, at his age and his experience he should be less of a jerk…and he’s not…he doesn’t want to be…throwing clubs at Bay Hill a couple of weeks ago once again is a recent example…doesn’t he know he doesn’t have to express anger that way because HE’S TIGER WOODS…he will just recover on the next shot or later in the round with a shot that will more than make-up for something that doesn’t go his way…Stevie needs to remind him more often that “he’s Tiger Woods” and the universe will take care of the rest…no F-words necessary, no blaming photographers 8 fairways away or loud squirrels.
As I listened to Arnold Palmer be asked by Miller and Hicks in the NBC booth during Bay Hill how Palmer felt about being called the “King” I wondered how Tiger might answer a similar question (if anyone dares to ask it in the future)…Arnie said he never really felt comfortable with the tag…but over time he came to accept it if someone referred to him that way in his presence…he essentially said he was grateful for the opportunities he’s had and thankful for the fans…Tiger will never reply in such a fashion…and if he were to even come remotely close to showing the class that many other elite (in their fields) individuals display it won’t be genuine.
The putt at Bay Hill this year and the putt at Torrey Pines last year and the 6 iron from the bunker in Canada, the (60 foot?) eagle putt against Steve Scott in the U.S. Amateur were all amazing shots…incredible theater as you say…great highlights…superhuman perhaps…and that’s good for the game…but I like to be a contrarian and with his amazing play and equally cock like behavior TW makes that easy. I look forward to part two of your article.