So it looks like Tiger finally put an end to that 20 tournament losing streak. He wrapped up the WGC-Bridgestone, like he has so many times before. The longest winless streak of his career is over.
Now maybe he can just get back to his normal routine and just go back to being the same player he always…What? What do you mean he didn’t win? I saw him on every sports news show on TV. I saw Tiger on ESPN constantly! He must have won!
Adam Scott you say? Well I knew he was playing well, but he couldn’t possibly have beaten Tiger. 17 under?! He finished 18 strokes better than Tiger?! Well then, what the hell was I watching?!
Nope, my eyes and ears did not deceive me. Tiger was never really in the hunt after Day 1, but that doesn’t stop the sports media. Rather than focusing on the guy who led the tournament from start to finish, we’re focused on the guy who, after the first day, was never closer than six strokes back. Rather than pay attention to the guys who finished tied for 2nd (each shooting a final round 66), we’re worried about the guy who only broke 70 once in the four rounds.
I get on the PGA’s case for failing to properly promote its players on the tour. But I guess that’s only part of the problem. Just as much of the problem, if not more, is the media. No matter what happens (on the course anyway) the media just can’t get enough of Tiger. It’s been 21 straight winless tournaments, but the media acts like it’s just the opposite. Once again, it’s “Tiger, Tiger, Tiger….oh, and by the way, blah blah blah won.”
Need an example? Friday night, I tuned into Sportscenter. Before they even showed the results of the second round, there was an entire segment on Tiger’s second round struggles, even though he was only three strokes off the day before. A few segments of the show later, we get to the actual highlights of the round. Here, we see a few more strokes and reactions from Tiger before we get to see anyone who is actually in contention. Need further proof? Check out this clip
Still leading off with Tiger. We have to wait through three of Tiger’s putts before we hear about the guy who won. And there’s barely even a mention of either Luke Donald or Rickie Fowler, who finished tied for second. And people wonder why the sport is in the shape it’s in…
So here’s a bit of a plea to the mainstream media – do the sport a favor and start focusing on some of the other great players on the tour. Please realize that, until he shows otherwise, Tiger is no longer the elite player he was. Until he shows otherwise, he is a middle-of-the-pack player. OK, benefit of the doubt due to his accomplishments…he’s still a top-tier player. But he is NOT the Tiger of years past. And until the time comes that he does show otherwise, why not take the time to introduce us to, and promote the other great, young talent on the tour. It can do nothing but help the sport as a whole.
Swing ’til you’re happy!
Agree 🙂
Agreed, but I think it is understandable that the news and golf fans still care about the greatest golfer of his generation. I admit that I still care about how Tiger plays, but I have also finally come around to enjoy some of the other players – which will never include anyone who uses a long putter.
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It’s been going on for 15 years. Nothing is different except that he’s barely found himself in contention in the last two years. I’m with you on this and have been since the onset. All their eggs in his basket is a dangerous thing. Great player? Yes. Otherwise there is nothing else to cover. He’s a robot on the golf course, smug if and when he gives interviews, only signs autographs when he plugs you in the back with an errant shot. He is as self-centered as they come and always has been. His talent doesn’t overcome the fact that he’s a boob in every other way. “But he brings a huge audience.” Yes, viewership is always up. Will someone PLEASE acknowledge publicly (that would require the media to partake) that a portion of that added audience is tuning in to see David beat Goliath. Yes people love to see the Yankees lose, Duke basketball lose, Florida football lose. It’s in our nature to see the top get plucked. That’s happened with Tiger, now let’s move on. He’s a schmuck in just about every other way than scoring on the golf course. Finally, as a notable in the media tweeted me yesterday, the media likes to make the proverbial Kool-Aid, then drink it. So true. Quit creating the story and just report what happens. This week Tiger did nothing on the golf course and deserves the commensurate amount of coverage.
He’s the face of the PGA, that’s why no one dare say anything negative about him. ESPN tells us daily about how we want our Tiger back, it’s pathetic.
Tiger WAS interesting as a winner but is pathetic as a loser. But his performance lately does lend creedence to the adage that golf is a mind game. Tiger has obviously lost his mind. I’m beginning to doubt that he has what it will take to regain it.
I couldn’t agree with you more! I am sick of hearing about Tiger, the loser (in golf and life). There are so many excellent players that the media could be focused on, and Tiger is just not one of them. What a shame. And a sham.
It’s a shame Tiger has had such difficulty in the role model category; however, his success gives golf a real boost in the world of sports.
I kept thinking about this all night..(don’t ask me why?) But i have concluded that if Casey Anthony was on the PGA tour, she would hog all the coverage too. The media, and the viewers are just naturally drawn to villains. I think it’s because we all want to transfer our own personal guilts on to someone else. Except for me, because I’m not guilty.