Friday 29 June 2012

What is it with Tiger Woods’ haters?

OK haters, i’m not a Tiger “fanboy” or “cheerleader” or “ass-licker” (that was inappropriate) as you would call me. I am tired of debating the question “Is Tiger back?” He is! Alright!? Winless from November 2009 to November 2011, Tiger now has 4 wins in seven months, including 3 official wins in four months. No other player has had that sort of success so far this year.

I can hear the haters shouting at me: “He hasn’t won a major though.” Fair point, but there are only four a year. Even if Tiger is slowly crawling towards his top form, it is tough to win majors. Winning another five before his carrer is over will be tough. I have no doubt he will win more majors. If his knee holds up, he will be winning multiple times per year for another 10 years. I predict a further 15-plus PGA Tour wins at least.
After the whole Steve Williams-Tiger Woods separation saga mid-way through last year, I was not sure if I would still support Tiger. But I do. After all, he did sign my autograph book when I attended the 2011 Australian Open, even though he couldn’t find it in himself to look at me after I said thanks!

Golf is boring without that intimidating, Nike red shirt wearing, fist pumping guy in contention on a Sunday. My own research tells me that since Tiger last won a major at the 2008 US Open, until the conclusion of the 2012 US Open, 16 majors have taken place. There has only been one multiple major winner: Padraig Harrington with two in succession after Tiger’s 2008 win. Funnily enough, Tiger was not even competing in those two because of knee surgery. There have been a whopping 13 first time winners, with Angel Cabrera, Harrington, and Phil Mickelson being the only exceptions.

Essentially, Tiger has dominated the game like no other player, ever! No other player, certainly in the last 20 years at least, wins anywhere near as consistently as he does. How can you not enjoy that!?