Tiger is back in the winners circle- returns to world's top 20!

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What a great finish, vintage Tiger, thrilling

A good win for Tiger, but there's no way that a charity/exhibition tournament should carry world ranking points, let alone enough for someone to jump 30 places. It's unfair on the other players who have now dropped in the rankings simply because they don't worship at the feet of Tiger and subsequently weren't invited. Same goes for Sun City.

It will be interesting to see how he gets on when he goes up against the world's best. He still has a lot of work to do to win a regular event IMO.

Not a bad field for either event and I sure would not compare it to a mid week event at your local club ... but it is easier to beat 20 golfers rather than 100.

Not sure what value Tiger will put on this win in the cold light of day ... notwithstanding ill-gotten world ranking points of course.

He must still be harbouring doubts as to whether or not he can muster that winning feeling when it really matters viz a tour event.

Although, perhaps the question we should be asking is how the opposition will react to a 'born again' Tiger? Will they just roll over or will they have the bottle (like Yang did) and keep him firmly caged.

Gael

Reckon TW will see it as one more piece in the jigsaw but not a lot more. Think as much as anything he needs to know his game is moving the right way which, by the looks of it, it is. Even he'll need the confidence of knowing he's making progress.

Re. the other players, I'm sure they won't roll over as much as they did before if paired with him for R4 of a big event. Even if the result ends up the same, it should make for better contests. Also think the others have been forced to improve so should be closer in any case.

Marcus wrote:A good win for Tiger, but there's no way that a charity/exhibition tournament should carry world ranking points, let alone enough for someone to jump 30 places. It's unfair on the other players who have now dropped in the rankings simply because they don't worship at the feet of Tiger and subsequently weren't invited. Same goes for Sun City.

It will be interesting to see how he gets on when he goes up against the world's best. He still has a lot of work to do to win a regular event IMO.

Erm this wasn't an invitational this was based on the world rankings. You have to be top 50 to be elidgible and at the cut off Tiger was 49.

I think Tiger just needed some confidence to hole the putts when he has to, he could have won the Masters in Australia and of course Augusta if he'd still had that previous confidence on the greens. He's not back to his best, but doesn't really need to be to win.

navyblueshorts wrote:Gael

Reckon TW will see it as one more piece in the jigsaw but not a lot more. Think as much as anything he needs to know his game is moving the right way which, by the looks of it, it is. Even he'll need the confidence of knowing he's making progress.

Re. the other players, I'm sure they won't roll over as much as they did before if paired with him for R4 of a big event. Even if the result ends up the same, it should make for better contests. Also think the others have been forced to improve so should be closer in any case.

Interesting times. I seem to recall reading that McIlroy would welcome the opportunity to go head to head with a rejuvenated Tiger Woods.

Be careful for what you wish Rory!

monty junior wrote:He's not back to his best, but doesn't really need to be to win.

I beg to differ. He never used to have to, but you only have to look at this event last year, where he finished in almost exactly the same fashion, to see that there are players (from outside the US, his countrymen have yet to grow a pair) who will beat him if he's not absolutely on his game.

But he has been so far off his game this past two seasons' he hasnt had a hope, they weren't just him not at his best but at his abselute worse. The standard is no higher now than 2009 when he was still winning more often than not and with a clear understanding of his new swing and the same steely determination he can still win many times whilst not at his peak.

Re: by MustPuttBetter Yesterday at 11:52 am

".I completely welcome new posters so please don't take this the wrong way, but isn't it funny how when someone who rarely posts on golf comes on this board it is inevitably to talk about - and wow about - Tiger?

Simba, Keizo, mthierry.......... i'm sure i can find others

If i see a new name i'm always 90% certain it's going to be a post about how wonderful Tiger is"

I am no great fan of woods but I love to see sport in its rawest form of one sportsman wanting to beat the other. That win had a bit of that and he does,in golf terms, have that quality which is great to watch.
This forum,in general have negative things to say about him and it's very predictive and clique. To say infrequent posters have just one view is narrow minded and is counter productive to introducing new/more frequent posters.

No-one divides opinions like Tiger, Noel - difficult to be neutral about him.

Hope you'll continue to contribute to the board - your buddy Jonathan Byrd will be defending his title in four weeks' time.

Kwini, I appreciate how he can divide opinions but it just seems ridiculous at times. I know I don't want to watch some robot hit fairway,hit green, putt maybe two putt. I enjoy watching those recovery shots,and not just by him but any golfer who has that skill and imagination.
Looking forward to seeing Byrd hopefully have a good run. Enjoyed Duffner recently, interesting pre routine and to watch (hence me not liking robots).

p.s. I really enjoyed this tv coverage because for once it showed all the duffs no matter who it was by. Normal tv coverage does not show this and this was such a rarity. Each tv company should appreciate this makes it much better to watch.

I know what you mean; I'm in the school that marvels at his skill in certain situations but can't abide his demeanour. But then I'll never think much of Ballotelli either.
One thing is certain however, and that is that golf will be all the better if he comes back and plays a fullish schedule.
The game badly needs its best players competing against each other.

Kwini.I think we all agree about his demeanour,not good nor nice, but what a bloody extraordinary shotmaker. Rather watch him than say David Toms, i'll hit it straight and get there without much excitement."
Did you see my p.s. and if so do you agree/disagree with it re:tv companies showing all the duffs?

Noel,
I really didn't see much of the coverage so can't comment. I DO know that I can't abide some of the NBC commentators who pretty much make it unwatchable for me!

Kwini, I honestly think Balotelli is fast becoming my favourite player. Interesting background, maverick player, sometimes genius sometimes villain. But wears his heart on his sleevel and by all accounts it's a big heart. And clearly completely bonkers. I can see how some wouldn't like him though.
But in most ways he is the polar opposite to Woods really, totally non corporate and controlled. They do both have a big talent though.

Diggers wrote:Kwini, I honestly think Balotelli is fast becoming my favourite player. Interesting background, maverick player, sometimes genius sometimes villain. But wears his heart on his sleevel and by all accounts it's a big heart. And clearly completely bonkers. I can see how some wouldn't like him though.
But in most ways he is the polar opposite to Woods really, totally non corporate and controlled. They do both have a big talent though.

Interesting Diggers. You could say Balotellie is the Ian Poulter of football!!

Rickie Fowler is the Stephen Ireland

JPX wrote:

Diggers wrote:Kwini, I honestly think Balotelli is fast becoming my favourite player. Interesting background, maverick player, sometimes genius sometimes villain. But wears his heart on his sleevel and by all accounts it's a big heart. And clearly completely bonkers. I can see how some wouldn't like him though.
But in most ways he is the polar opposite to Woods really, totally non corporate and controlled. They do both have a big talent though.

Interesting Diggers. You could say Balotellie is the Ian Poulter of football!!

No No No, Ballotelli has more talent in his little toe than Poulter has, and I genuinly think he is bonkers, where as Poulter's persona, is all an act!

JPX wrote:

Diggers wrote:Kwini, I honestly think Balotelli is fast becoming my favourite player. Interesting background, maverick player, sometimes genius sometimes villain. But wears his heart on his sleevel and by all accounts it's a big heart. And clearly completely bonkers. I can see how some wouldn't like him though.
But in most ways he is the polar opposite to Woods really, totally non corporate and controlled. They do both have a big talent though.

Interesting Diggers. You could say Balotellie is the Ian Poulter of football!!

I suppose they have a few things in common but are also clearly massively different as well. Can't say Poulters background interests me much though and I don't find him interesting to watch play.

Noel wrote: Re: by MustPuttBetter Yesterday at 11:52 am

".I completely welcome new posters so please don't take this the wrong way, but isn't it funny how when someone who rarely posts on golf comes on this board it is inevitably to talk about - and wow about - Tiger?

Simba, Keizo, mthierry.......... i'm sure i can find others

If i see a new name i'm always 90% certain it's going to be a post about how wonderful Tiger is"

I am no great fan of woods but I love to see sport in its rawest form of one sportsman wanting to beat the other. That win had a bit of that and he does,in golf terms, have that quality which is great to watch.
This forum,in general have negative things to say about him and it's very predictive and clique. To say infrequent posters have just one view is narrow minded and is counter productive to introducing new/more frequent posters.

What rubbish
I wasn't saying anything negative about new posters, just noting a (correct) observation that i found interesting. I expressly said it wasn't even about new posters as such and i also said it wasn't a critisism.
All the same you have proved me correct and i thank you for that.

You are however entitled to your (incorrect) opinion

Diggers wrote:I suppose they have a few things in common but are also clearly massively different as well. Can't say Poulters background interests me much though and I don't find him interesting to watch play.

Well he's certainly been more entertaining than Poulter has been this season. Been pretty awful since his matchplay win.

Poulter has actually been decent the last couple of weeks. He seems to be best at the end and beginning of seasons. Not the only one, lots of Saffa's are similar, hence why they are always worth a bet on The Masters.

He's very similar to Justin Rose in that a win has glossed over what would otherwise be a dissapointing season.

I see Rose has pulled out of the Dubai Championship with 2nd child due.

I read that the win put Tiger at no. 21 in the rankings.

Since when is 21 in the top 20?

earlsy

You forget that any number 1 without a major is invalid so technically tiger is number 20.

Rubbish Mac, and a pathetic attempt at deliberate wummery.

It was meant to be joke, poking fun at those who question Donald.

Hard to tell with you Mac, given your Woods lickspittling

Do you two want to get a room

earlsy wrote:I read that the win put Tiger at no. 21 in the rankings.

Since when is 21 in the top 20?

Casey finishing third which affected it, apologies for my horrendous error

Monty -

Many a tiger hater very anxious about his return to form.

Shotrock wrote:Monty -

Many a tiger hater very anxious about his return to form.

Not at all. Looking forward to the cut-and-thrust of pro-/anti-TW discussion. As long as it's realistic chat about his current form (or lack thereof!), I can't see a problem can you?

Navy - Absolutely. Far and away the best player of this generation ... perhaps returning to some glory? McIlroy, Donald and a host of others wanting their piece of the pie. 2012 should be a blast.

mpb,
You are arrogant in the extreme. I have an opinion,you have an opinion, but I would never say you are "incorrect". I have posted 50 times and up until then then never posted about Tiger. You and others only want to create trouble for other posters without foundation. You seem like a typical golf snob. I thought this forum was for golfers of all levels and knowledge and ability to discuss and express opinions and viewes and that is simply what I did I am astounded that anybody would be critical about my post as it was just my personal opinion. As with most forums some people try to create conflict for no reason whatsover I always thought they were supposed to be lighthearted banter. Obviously your knowledge about these things are far more superior to mine and so I will take on board your helpful comments. Thanks.

Views on Tiger Woods range from blind devotion to irrational contempt and provide ample proof we have some oddballs at both ends of that scale (fill in your own names). Both extremes come across as equally ridiculous.
I enjoy the professional game and don't care too much who is playing or which side of the oceans they hail from. We the viewers and fans of golf, are definitely not short changed by the players.
It really is early days yet but all the signs are that we are in for a fascinating year ahead and that the Tiger haters will have much to choke on.
Personally, I hope he is back and that he provides the sternest possible test for the young pretenders and all those who have enjoyed the spoils in his absence. That is a true win win,because they will all have to play at their very best to win and we all get to watch.

Have to agree with the Chevron commentary criticism, it was abysmal. So grateful for the mute button.

GT350 ... define "irrational contempt".

GT350,
I agree with what you say and next year will make great viewing.

Noel wrote:mpb,
You are arrogant in the extreme. I have an opinion,you have an opinion, but I would never say you are "incorrect". I have posted 50 times and up until then then never posted about Tiger. You and others only want to create trouble for other posters without foundation. You seem like a typical golf snob. I thought this forum was for golfers of all levels and knowledge and ability to discuss and express opinions and viewes and that is simply what I did I am astounded that anybody would be critical about my post as it was just my personal opinion. As with most forums some people try to create conflict for no reason whatsover I always thought they were supposed to be lighthearted banter. Obviously your knowledge about these things are far more superior to mine and so I will take on board your helpful comments. Thanks.

Noel, you obviously can't let this go and in my experience only arrogant people label others arrogant so fill your boots.
What trouble have i tried to create? I merely made a semi light hearted banter, jokey observation which i said at the time wasn't meant to cause offence to anyone and certainly wasn't specific to you whoever you are. You say you thought forums were meant to include banter and yet you can't even recognise it.
If i seem like a golf snob to you that's fine. I can assure you i'm not one. You seem to me like a silly little child who needs me to agree with you before you can let this go. Unlucky for you.

My knowledge of these things and most other things is almost certainly superior to yours though, you have that bit correct. Now run along

I have to disagree, the presence of Woods makes the viewing almost intolerable, particularly if it is a US based event where the director chooses what is shown, I don't really mind if it is proportional, but the over the top coverage and insufferable gushing (and literal trouser shuffling) from commentators.
I don't remember Norman or Faldo getting this sort of treatment when they were on top.

That's because Tiger is far better and dominant than either Norman or Faldo.

That's also because Norman or Faldo never delivered the ratings bump Woods does. The coverage is over the top to some, not enough to others, but to a much larger group it's spot on.

He certainly delivered a fair old bump to that fire hydrant...

monty junior wrote:That's because Tiger is far better and dominant than either Norman or Faldo.

Really? I could have sworn he's won nothing but a tin pot tournament in two years and was ranked as low as 52.

I know that next year will be a more interesting year than the last 2.

I have not been a Tiger fan, but you have to admire his skill/class on the golf course, It will be interesting to see if the gap between, an in form Tiger and the others is still as large, (I think it is) will Rory be the only one to challenge him and give him a run for his money in Majors, not sure, do not think Rory has the dedication that Tiger has (hope I am wrong).

One thing for sure is next year is going to be more enjoyable to watch

Tiger only got into the competition because he was the sponsor......

AND it was a limited field that carries too many ranking points

He is a washed up has been and will struggle against a full field of talented players - his putting will fall apart in a "real" competition... likely to be in the 3rd round

God how I hate the sycophants that commentate on the TV coverage... switches me right off. I'd rather watch real talent and good golf shots.

GWR
Not sure what you are drinking, but I think its turning you blind, Tiger played exceptionally well last week in all 4 rounds

IMO Tiger is the most talked about golfer in the world, therefore, it is only natural that when he is in the field the powers that be at the tv stations are going to feed that demand good or bad.

Gael - I think you're fishing. It really is self explanatory.

As for the "Tin-Pot" tournament, to be fair, it was just one of three being played last weekend and contested by 11 of the world's top 25 players. That is as many as the Hong Kong and Nedbank combined.
The Chevron was every bit a test for someone on the road back from injury as the Nedbank or the Hong Kong Open was for two players currently at the top of their game. Some people need to understand that picking your moments is part of the process of building confidence in any sport and it takes some thought. I would say all three did a good job last week.

As for the OWGR issue, it may not be a perfect system but it is the same for everyone. People hate the OWGR when it doesn't reflect their own views, but the numbers just don't lie. The reason Tiger Woods moved over twenty places up the rankings, is simply that even his worst two years have been better than most of those players between ten and fifty in the rankings.Not good by his standards, but good enough for most others.

super_realist wrote:

monty junior wrote:That's because Tiger is far better and dominant than either Norman or Faldo.

Really? I could have sworn he's won nothing but a tin pot tournament in two years and was ranked as low as 52.

Pointless comparison, he's been injured and changed his swing. If you are really comparing Woods to Faldo and Norman in terms of greatness you need your head checked, i can't speak factually but i'm pretty sure they never won 7 consecutive tour events multiple times. Tiger's on his way back, 2012 will be a great year.