Question for Those who Don't Root for Tiger

[iacas]

I have a question for those who don't root for Tiger (i.e. like those who were rooting for DiMarco, Els, Garcia, Goosen, or anyone not named "Woods" yesterday at the Open Championship).

Why? Why don't you want Woods to win?

Let me tell you why I root for Tiger, and then I'll shut up. I root for Tiger because:

1. I enjoy seeing dominating performances. Even winning by 15 is exciting... "will he even bogey a single hole today?" (2000 U.S. Open) and all that.
2. I want to some day be able to tell people that I saw just about every shot the greatest player of all time ever played en route to his 25 (or whatever) major victories.
3. Tiger isn't arrogant. He's not a jerk. He helps kids. He may be guarded about his privacy and he may never give a real, non-PC answer, but he's had to learn to do that. He's a good guy. There are other good guys, I agree, but you can't knock Tiger at all.
4. His work ethic is unparalleled. Vijay can hit all the balls he wants - Tiger works just as hard. He just goes about it differently.

Basically, really, it boils down to the second reason: I want to some day be able to say "I remember watching Tiger Woods play." I don't want to say "I remember watching 70 different players win 80 majors over those 20 years... I want to say that I saw the best ever at his best.

So, barring any outrageous statements, this should be my only post in this thread. I want to sit back and hear good reasons why people don't root for Tiger. What are they?

[Thrash13]

I've said this before, but I'll say it again. I've never liked how Tiger reacts on the golf course at times. The "GD" he let go this past weekend was classless. There really isn't anything else to say about that. The other golfers always on TV don't react that way, or at least I've never seen it.

It may not be classless to some people, but it is to me. I won't get into that argument though because you and I have had it time and time again here in the forum.

Tiger is the greatest of all time, but that doesn't mean everyone should bow down to him and love him. I just like others better. I've always been a fan of golfers who don't show much emotion on the course. I would rather watch Furyk, Goosen, Scott, Donald, etc. win any day of the week because they act like they have been there before. It's nothing against Tiger, it's just not my style or preference.

All fans have their favorites, and Tiger is at the top of a lot of peoples' lists. That's fine, and I respect that. However, it really shouldn't be that big a deal for others not to root for Tiger.

I agree about Tiger's work ethic. He is the hardest worker and thinker in the game of golf, and that's how he wins 90% of his tournaments. All the talent in the world can't replace his thinking skills, and I do respect him for that.

You can respect someone and still not cheer for them. That's where I stand as far as Tiger goes. I respect the heck out of him, but I'll still cheer for others when it comes down to it.

Lastly, a 15-shot blowout is anything but exciting. That U.S. Open might have been one of the most memorable, but it was on my TV set less than any other U.S. Open since 1995. I found it to be quite boring.

[allin]

I don't mind Tiger winning, but his greatness is best measured by his ability to respond to competitive challenges. What were Jack Nicklaus greatest moments? They were moments measured for the most part against the challenges of Palmer, PLayer, Trevino, Watson. I think one of Tigers best moments was the great shots he and Els hit in their playoff in Hawaii tournament of champions. His ability to fend off Dimarco or Bob May. His run away wins are awesome but don't really inspire me.

[ttee9]

I've said this before, but I'll say it again. I've never liked how Tiger reacts on the golf course at times. The "GD" he let go this past weekend was classless.

.... Why would that bother you..?

It can't be any worse than watching Nicklaus or Palmer staggering around the clubhouse and wreaking of booze before a match in the 80's ....

[LarryK]

I root for Tiger because:

I find myself rooting (or not rooting) for Tiger based largely on the circumstances at hand. When I find myself on his side, it is usually for all the reasons you mentioned and the fact that another major step in golf history is about to be made.

But as exciting as that is, sometimes it is even more exciting to watch an underdog slay a Goliath. I was kind of pulling for DiMarco in the head to head at the Masters, and I wouldn't have been thoroughly disappointed to see him win the Open as long as it would not have been the result of Tiger pulling a Philly Mick. Thank, God, that didn't happen. I'm a fan of great golf. And whenever Tiger wins it is highly likely we have seen great golf. But if I'm rooting against him it is because I'm anticipating someone is about to play even greater golf and for whom the victory might personally mean a little more or who may be just as deserving from a personal standpoint.

[gripitandripit]

I root against Tiger. I enjoy watching him play and have nothing against him as a professional or a person. What I can't stand is the way the media makes every golf story about Tiger. If someone other than Tiger wins, its because Tiger doesn't have his A-game. Tiger can be 12 shots off the lead, but the tv coverage will show every shot. Its almost as if the winner is a side note. If Tiger goes through a mini slump, its because hes going through a swing change. Always an excuse for a poor performance. It gets exhausting. Like I said, this is none of Tigers doing. I just get sick of having Tiger shoved down my throat.

[iacas]

If Tiger goes through a mini slump, its because hes going through a swing change. Always an excuse for a poor performance. It gets exhausting.

As you say below, it's not Tiger making a big deal of his swing changes/slumps, it's the media, but I want to add this to my list of the reasons I like Tiger: he is not afraid to change things to improve. He sets a record in winning the Masters in 1997 and immediately embarks on a swing change to get better, then does it AGAIN a few years later. That takes balls.

But let me be very clear, and to re-state what you said: Tiger never makes excuses for himself. The media may, but I've seen the media be awfully harsh on Tiger, too. It probably evens out in the end.

Like I said, this is none of Tigers doing. I just get sick of having Tiger shoved down my throat.

Hey, what can ya say? He sells.

[Thrash13]

.... Why would that bother you..?

Well, I hate hearing anyone say GD, not just Tiger. It may be even worse for Tiger because he is always in the spotlight. Nonetheless, it's not my cup of tea by any means.

As for Nicklaus or Palmer, I was born in 1982 and didn't start watching religiously until 1996. So I obviously never seen them acting in the manner you described. I can't really comment on that.

[FAHooGolfs]

The "GD" he let go this past weekend was classless. There really isn't anything else to say about that. The other golfers always on TV don't react that way, or at least I've never seen it.

If you go to some practice rounds before big tournaments, you'll hear a lot worse than that.

I don't like hearing people say GD either, but for some reason, when there's oodles of $$$ riding on every shot, I can somehow rationalize at least the emotion necessary to conjure up such phrases.

[Wood]

I'm on record in this forum somewhere that I love to see Tiger doing well, as I like to say I'm watching history happen. 20 years from know, I'll be the old a**hole saying,"these young whipper snappers today have nothing on Tiger Woods. Back in my day....."

BUT, I also enjoy parody. I enjoy rooting for the underdog (RUDY, RUDY, RUDY) every now and again. I am looking forward to the time when (if ever) someone steps up and TAKES TIGER DOWN on the final day of a major in the final group, just to see who it is going to be.

So my thoughs may be conflicted because I'm not always rooting for Tiger. Man was it fun to watch him bring the Open field and course to it's knees.......

[Rafcin]

I've said this before, but I'll say it again. I've never liked how Tiger reacts on the golf course at times. The "GD" he let go this past weekend was classless. There really isn't anything else to say about that. The other golfers always on TV don't react that way, or at least I've never seen it.

The latter Cody.. I heard "son of the b.." out of Ernie, heard the f-word from Couples (before reading it - if I asked you for "classiest" players - wouldn't you name both of them?), and few more from others.

I think it's good. He's not a robot even though his results might imply it... he's a human and he has emotions. Don't see nothing wrong with it at all and IMHO - that's a really weak argument against him. Nobody is more professional on the course when he's "in the zone". Ooops, forgot this thread is for people who don't like him. I don't belong here

[elivate]

Personally, I don't "root" for Tiger, but I also don't root against him. I was actually very happy to see him win The Open. The thing that dissapointed me was that he actually gave the other guys a chance to step up and knock him off, but no one stepped up to the challenge. I don't think he actually clinched the title until the eagle at 15 on Sunday. (I am pretty sure it was 15). Prior to that, there were a few guys that could have made a nice charge, but they didn't.

My favourite golfer has always been Ernie Els and it has nothing to do with him personaly, it is his game. I really like to see a guy swing so effortlessly, but hit the ball so far. Tiger destroys the ball for sure, and that is really exciting to watch, but for me, watchig someone like Ernie, or Goosen swing like they do is amazing...

And of course I am a big Mike Weir fan, as most of us canucks are...

[DDBowdoin]

This may not belong in this post but I think it does relate somewhat to the issue. Personally, I love Tiger Woods and all the aspects of the game... he is amazing athlete and the best rep of the game to the outside world... you can argue that Tiger Woods has helped propel golf into a better position in mainstream sports... especially among the youth...

someone mentioned earlier about winners being side notes... well, thats one of the biggest issues on tour right now... personally thats the way I see it... its like John Sendon who? Oh wait who played in that tournament?... personally I love the TV coverage of Tiger, I don't want to watch some little player who happens to be having a good round, I want to the see the greatest of all time play... well or not, the way he reacts and changes his game is truly inspirational

[jamesduncan]

It can't be any worse than watching Nicklaus or Palmer staggering around the clubhouse and wreaking of booze before a match in the 80's ....

I was lucky enough to watch both of these players on a number of occasions in the 80s and never once saw them exhibit this type of behaviour.

do u happen to have some links or articles to back this up? Thatd be interesting reads for sure. Palmer was very gracious the few times I interacted with him and I have 2 Nicklaus Macgregor Tourney balls at home, with no lingering smells.. note: feel free to start a new thread if so, dont want to take this one off topic

[ezmoney5150]

Tiger is one of the best players of all time if he doesn't become "the" best. I watched him play in the NCAA Championship at Ohio State's Scarlett course and knew then he was going to be great. I've played that course and its tough. He took to it like it was a pitch and putt.

I root against him for two reasons. One, I don't like how he reacts to the crowd when it comes to pictures. If you're in the downswing and someone snaps a picture he goes ballistic. With the concentration he has is he saying he can't block that out? I mean you could have a train roaring in the backround (which sometimes does) and it won't bother me, and I'm a hack. I could understand it if its dead quiet and and in the backswing somebody does it but c'mon.

The other reason is the media. During the US Open Tiger's 12 over and the TV camera's are focused on him grinding out a 7 footer for double bogey. So many good players in the field and they're focusing on him. I wouldn't doubt it if the networks and PGA Tour are brainstorming a way that Tiger can be exempt from ever missing a cut again.

[ttee9]

I was lucky enough to watch both of these players on a number of occasions in the 80s and never once saw them exhibit this type of behaviour.

... I've been in and around them more than once in clubhouse settings at the Grand Cypress, Amelia Island and Firestone .. and there's been more than one chapter written about "social occasions" and tour players.

At one time, there was more than Visine needed .l.o.l. but always gentlemen.

[ttee9]

One, I don't like how he reacts to the crowd when it comes to pictures.

... Wasn't that Bjorn that swung at the photographer at the 16th hole at the NEC last year..?

Let's be honest, there's not a time or a place that a player hasn't lost his his cool because of 50 camera's going off - or a cart goes by, or someone starts talking at our local course .... I bet your play would change in a heartbeat if someone did that to you.

[iacas]

I mean you could have a train roaring in the backround (which sometimes does) and it won't bother me, and I'm a hack. I could understand it if its dead quiet and and in the backswing somebody does it but c'mon.

A train is a constant noise (like white noise). At PGA Tour events, and particularly majors, it IS quiet. The click-click of a camera can sound very loud when it's quiet.

The baseball analogy is often used: if MLB players can hit a baseball at 95 MPH with 50,000 people screaming, why can't a golfer hit a golf ball? The difference? White noise versus isolated noise. C'mon, you play golf, be real. If you don't want to root for Tiger, that's fine, but don't make up silly reasons to root against him (or anyone else).

The other reason is the media. During the US Open Tiger's 12 over and the TV camera's are focused on him grinding out a 7 footer for double bogey. So many good players in the field and they're focusing on him. I wouldn't doubt it if the networks and PGA Tour are brainstorming a way that Tiger can be exempt from ever missing a cut again.

He was the story. As soon as the majority of people care more about whatever else, the networks will stop focusing on him. And, what's worse, this isn't Tiger's fault. If it's anyone's, it's collectively "yours" and "ours" - the folks that consume the media. Seems awfully silly to blame the player for the coverage you/we have a hand in heaping on him.

At least give good reasons, eh? I may think Cody's reason (i.e. "Tiger occasionally swears") may be silly, but at least it's something Tiger himself can control.