Monday, July 19, 2004

Fallen Tiger

I don't care what the numbers tell me, Tiger Woods is not the number one golfer in the world right now.  I am not alone in this sentiment, either.  Woods is certainly the sport's marquee name.  He is also it's most prolific active player, in terms of major championship play.  However, the mantle of best golfer in the world right now belongs Ernie Els.

Els and Masters champion Phil Mickelson are 1-2 in the world.  You could make a case that Mickelson merits first overall.  I wouldn't quibble much.  As for where Tiger falls in my rankings, I would place him at fourth.  U.S. Open winner Retief Goosen is third.

Now, for every weekend hacker, golf writer, and most PGA Tour players, being considered the fourth best player in the world would be a dream come true.  However, Woods' own success has made this enviable spot seem like a negative.  We should all "slump" so badly.

We just need to remember that Woods is human and golf is a difficult game.  He also has the potential to break out at any time.  If he captures the PGA Championship next month, all the talk of a slump will end aburptly.   For now, though, we need to do something most pundits have try to avoid.  We need to acknowledge his competitors on the PGA Tour are pretty darn good. 

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