I just watched Tiger win his 13th major, and just finished reading many of the blogged comments of golf fans who can't accept the fact that he is only 5 wins behind Nicklaus, and will surpass him soon. What is revealing is how many hate the fact that he is so good, so dominant, so focused, so physically and mentally fit, and so much better than the other golfers he is competing against.
One thing about golf, unlike the other sports, is that you don't get paid until you win. Since Tiger is the #1 golfer in the world, and has already become the wealthiest golfer ever, that speaks volumes for how much he has won - many fans have a problem with this also. As he approaches Nicklaus's record of 18 majors, he will face much of the same, if not more, of the barbs and hate that Aaron and Bonds were subjected to. Nicklaus is the white idol of golf just like Ruth was the white idol of baseball, and it is clear that many cannot accept their records being broken by black men such as Aaron, Bonds and Woods.
For those who say that Tiger Woods is merely just good, they sound foolish - no one wins over 50 tournaments and 13 majors by age 32, if they are merely just good. For those who ask why he gets so much coverage, it's because no one comes close to being as good in golf right now. Why do the sportscasters gush over him? Because 2 to 3 million more viewers watch tournaments that Tiger is in, than those he isn't in. That's 2-3 million more households watching Tiger - not Vijay, nor Phil, nor Ernie.
Where would golf be without Tiger? I would guess that there wouldn't be anyone who would capture the imagination of fans and casual onlookers as Tiger has. Without Tiger, golf would still be considered an elitist sport. And as for it not being fair that the focus is on Tiger all the time and other golfers deserve some coverage and credit, I say, In order to be on top, you have to beat the man on top. No one has been able to do it consistently. Are there tournaments where other players play better than Tiger and win? Yes - but the reason why Tiger gets so much attention, is because he is usually at least near the top of the scoreboard.
The reason Tiger wins so much is because of his constant practicing, his talent, his skill, his desire, and physical strength. It's laughable that some fans are bashing him for working out and being in shape. Perhaps if the rest of the players worked out as much, they probably would be as physically fit - so far, none of them come even close. In addition, he is stronger mentally than anyone else in the game.
Those who complain that he has no real competition and he does not compare to Nicklaus because Nicklaus had to beat guys like Watson, Trevino, Player, and Palmer, I say, all he needs to do is beat those of his generation. When compared with his generation, Woods has 13 major victories compared to the next highest player who only has 3 major wins. All in his generation have the same advantages such as advanced training, equipment etc., but no one else is even close to him.
Tiger is the only player that, even if not leading by several strokes, is still worth watching. The guy puts on a clinic every time he goes out there. And when he's ahead in a tournament on Sunday morning, you can take it to the bank. Tiger is doing his job. He is not a comedian, nor a politician - he plays golf to win. There is no rule in golf that says you must smile, shake hands, talk to the fans while on the course, etc.
He is the best because he works hard, is focused, is the best prepared, and refuses to be distracted - it's as simple as that!
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