The excitement builds: Phil vs. Tiger

[PEZGolf]

Tiger is back, and Phil is at the top of his game. Guess what? I do not think that either will win the Masters. Let us think about it. Who has won the last two green jackets--Zach and Trevor. NO Tiger and no Phil. There are quite a few players who are playing well, so do not be surprised if Trevor puts the jacket on one of the "others", rather than the #1 or #2 in the world.

I like it this way. It is like watching two heavyweights slug it out, while a little guy sneaks in and wins the girl!! Previously, I did a thread about underdogs vs. favorites, and as you can tell, I definitely root for the former to knock off the latter.

[PiKapp23]

I like to watch the best go head-to-head. Like in the NCAA's, very few people truly want teams like Arizona or Syracuse in the championship game. A 'cinerella' is always a nice story, but I think real sports fans want to see the best competing for the biggest prizes.

As it relates to the Masters, this could be interesting. I don't think Tiger is really on form yet and with Phil you just never know which game will show up. There are a number of other players who could sneak in depending on the weather conditions, but as long as the green jacket is presented to a guy who played great and not someone who 'backed in' I'll be happy.

[uuassistant2009]

wait a minute! Tiger not in form yet. Did you watch sunday at Bayhill? He only posted the low score of the day (67) and erased a 5 shot deficit. I think he is hitting his tee shots more accurate than he has for long time. He is stuggling with a shot here or there, but who doesn't. And seriously, how many players would have made that put on 18. i'm willing to say less than 2% of the top 250.

With that said. i'm not betting against Tiger.

[bIGwIRE]

Tiger is back, and Phil is at the top of his game. Guess what? I do not think that either will win the Masters.

I will concede to half of your arguement.... Phil will not win the masters.

[alcorn]

I could see a match up but I really don't think it'll happen. I think its more likely either one of them against a dark horse or just a dark horse stealing.

[PEZGolf]

I could see a match up but I really don't think it'll happen. I think its more likely either one of them against a dark horse or just a dark horse stealing.

I agree with you. Both Zach Johnson and Trevor Immelman were "under the radar" before the last two Masters. Zach made it clear that his game plan was to never go for a par 5 in two, and he stuck with that plan. His wedge play and putting were so good that he played those par 5's in well under par. With the lengthening of the golf course, many of the long hitters cannot get the number of birdies and eagles on those holes that they used to get. Trevor Immelman had missed a lot of playing time due to medical reasons so no one expected him to contend. Everyone knew that he was a good ball striker, but not really tested in terms of contention in Majors. While all of the media and fan focus was on Tiger, Phil, and other big names before the tournament began, both Zach and Trevor quietly went about their business, got the lead, and stubbornly protected that in spite of attempts by the big names to catch them. In my opinion, the last two Masters were great theater. It is my hope that this year's will be the same. You can tell the golf season is really beginning when the azaleas and dogwoods are in bloom, and the "patrons" gather at Augusta National. There is no tournament quite like it.

[Chas]

Watney at nine-to-one. But don't tell anyone - wouldn't want the odds to fall.

[tjy355]

I like to watch the best go head-to-head. Like in the NCAA's, very few people truly want teams like Arizona or Syracuse in the championship game. A 'cinerella' is always a nice story, but I think real sports fans want to see the best competing for the biggest prizes.

This is where I disagree. REAL sports fans watch and enjoy the games without regard to the teams where the casual fan is only interested when the well-know front runner is involved. This seems to be especially true in golf with the TW effect.

[Chas]

That is so true. In fact it's my very definition of a true sports "fan" (how I dislike this word, it's so light-weight somehow). The real test is, are you still interested in the match/tournament/whatever when you aren't famililar with a single one of the players? It's a rather hypothetical definition but I'm sure you get my point. I'm not saying that following certain professionals is a bad thing or in any way negative (I do it myself, as we all do to some extent I'm sure), but those people shouldn't be the primary reason for your interest. If it is, you aren't a serious sportsperson in my book.

Come to think of it, not so hypothetical. When I'm visiting Europe and turn on the TV late at night because of the time difference and it feels like lunch time or something, I might watch a sport that I almost never get to see over here (e.g. rowing, or squash, or field hockey, or cricket ....), a sport that I've known and loved in the distant past. I might not recognize a single player while I'm watching the event but I still watch intently, for love of the game - not the particular players.

[Lemay427]

Its Tiger vs. the PGA, not Tiger vs. Phil.

[PEZGolf]

Its Tiger vs. the PGA, not Tiger vs. Phil.

But right now, Phil is the best of the rest of the PGA as Tiger is still #1.

[flap]

Personally I would have rather seen Phill take off this week go to augusta and practice his ass off instead of play.But I'm only the 800 lb gorilla in ha room.

[PEZGolf]

Personally I would have rather seen Phill take off this week go to augusta and practice his ass off instead of play.But I'm only the 800 lb gorilla in ha room.

I have mixed reactions to his decision. He knows the course at Augusta so there is nothing new to be gained by practicing there. In fact, you can have some bad shots that then create bad memories when the tournament begins. It comes down to "different strokes for different folks". Jack believed in going to the course where the Major was and practice there. Others have played somewhere else, as Phil is doing. Bottom line: if it works for you, do it, no matter what you and I think about it.

[bigfred31]

phil can play his best but when tiger is on nobody in this game today can come within six shots of him even if they play their best.

[mcfc_nick]

whats the betting that neither of them come close?

[pachardos]

I would love for either Tiger or Phil to win again but I wouldn't mind seeing Ogilvy get his first . Gotta love that guy.

[RichF]

Tiger is back, and Phil is at the top of his game. Guess what? I do not think that either will win the Masters. Let us think about it. Who has won the last two green jackets--Zach and Trevor. NO Tiger and no Phil. There are quite a few players who are playing well, so do not be surprised if Trevor puts the jacket on one of the "others", rather than the #1 or #2 in the world.

Mickelson? I doubt he can turn it around after the last two days.

Woods - unless he gets the awry driving sorted, I can't see him winning either. My picks are now down to these three (I originally picked Karlsson): Karlsson Harrington Ogilvy

[Stillhacken]

I would love for either Tiger or Phil to win again but I wouldn't mind seeing Ogilvy get his first

Im banking on Ogilvy. His short game is unreal. Im looking forward to some great golf.