The talk about professional golf this past week has focused on Tiger Woods -- his phenomenal U.S. Open win and the fact he'll miss the rest of the season with continuing knee problems, including what will be his third surgery in five years. Throw into that healing from stress fractures, and the PGA could be without Tiger for longer than the rest of the year.
"Tiger is our tour," Kenny Perry said from the Travelers Championship. "When you lose your star player, it definitely hurts."
A person who left a post concerning Woods' performance made the comment "everyone else is playing for No. 2."
These are very powerful comments, but excuse me for thinking they might be a little troubling. If Tiger is absent from the tour, then what's going to happen to the tour? If there is the perception that everyone else was playing for No. 2, does that translate into that nobody else can be a star?
The one thing I like about pro sports is that it's harder for dynasties to exist anymore. To me, it keeps things interesting. Woods, who many think is the greatest golfer ever to hit the links, has been playing at a dynastic level, a testament to his awesome talent. At the same time, I think the PGA has a unique opportunity here to see if a few of its golfers can step it up now that the specter of Tiger is on hiatus. I'm not convinced it's always a great thing when one golfer dominates a tour. I'd like to see some players step up their game, just for the sake of a stronger field and more viable contenders when Tiger returns. I suspect the PGA wouldn't mind that, either.
At the same time, golf needs Tiger Woods, and I know millions wish a him speedy recovery. Still, I like to see what golfers will benefit from his absence, or maybe we can see a "future Tiger" emerge.
It certainly would add spice to the game.
Tiger gone????
Oh heavens what ever shall the butt kissing commentators speak about now? They might actually have to talk about some PGA players other than Woods. There is no doubt Tiger is the greatest golfer to walk the course these days but the fact is, the sport involves much more than just that single person. It should be treated that way as well. I don't watch golf mush anymore but that may change with the fact he will miss the rest of the season but the first or second mention of him and the channel will be changed once again.