Tiger Woods - a fan's view
- Posted on June 25, 2007 4:25 PM
- 0 comments
THE TIGER, UNTAMED AND HUMAN
By Craig Evans
The game of golf has seen many great players, names such as Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Ben Hogan, all great players but unfortunately I was too young to truly appreciate their greatness. Then the world of golf received a bolt of lightning to the heart when a young man named Tiger Woods entered the professional golfing arena in 1996. Since that time he has won 12 major titles and continues to break records and chase down all records that were achieved by the many greats of the past.
When I was 7 years old I picked up my first golf club, it was a 5 iron that had been cut down to compensate for my lack of height and I still have in my possession my score card from that day which was about 156 for nine holes. Not bad considering I was 7 years old standing at a height of 3ft... plus I only had a cut down 5 iron which I used for every shot except putting. Well, the game of golf became my passion and I have tried to master it ever since that day.
The game of golf according to Tiger seems to be almost effortless at times; as if he knows what shot to play for every condition or lie, as if he has a secret weapon that no other golfer has stumbled upon. But Tiger isn’t a god, he’s mortal like anyone else... only truly unique and the greatest golfer I have ever seen. I stayed up until the early hours of the morning watching the US Open on TV and as always, instead of supporting the usual routine in barracking for your fellow countryman I was wishing and hoping to see Tiger win another major title. I’m not sure about the philosophy of sport star following but in the simplest terms I’ve always backed those whose greatness surpasses all others in their chosen field. Unfortunately Tiger missed his putt on the 18th to force the game into a playoff and lost by one stroke to winner Angel Cabrera of Argentina. As they say, you can't win them all the time, but I won't stop watching because as soon as Tiger gets his putter working he will win another major and I will break out the cigars and champagne in celebration.
What astounded me most about Tiger’s performance during this year's Open was his 17 greens in regulation in the 3rd round. If his putter had delivered like his driver that day I have no doubt he would have demolished the field in spectacular fashion. In 2006 Tiger lost his father to cancer and even though he has won tournaments since that day, the personal loss has shaped and affected him, as any loss of a close family member has on anyone. Tiger’s father was his best friend, his teacher and mentor, his idol to whom helped shaped a magnificent person and of course athlete. Tiger now has to face each challenge without the physical presence of his father, but I assure you there are times I’m sure that Tiger would feel like his father is there walking down the fairway with him saying “Hang in there mate, take a deep breath, forget about that shot for now and focus on the next one.” That’s just a guess but I’m sure his father’s wisdom guidance and love are bestowed upon the heart of Tiger forever and with that support will come the dawn of a new day and greatness to come from the greatest player to ever pick up a golf club.
With great anticipation I await the star of the 2007 British Open because if I’m right we have yet to see the best of Tiger and it’s only a matter of time and place that the world will be stunned and mesmerized by the greatest golfer that’s ever lived.
Who will you support at this year's Open? _Post your views and messges in the coments section. You could always head down there in person... get your tickets here.
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