Tiger Woods: Gary Player Was Right !

After reading an article from Will Gray at the Golf Channel.com, I find myself in agreement with almost everything that the nine-time major champion, Gary Player had to say about Tiger Woods. The article, entitled: Player: Woods’ shot off flagstick cost him Masters  touched on Tiger’s woes at the 15th hole on Friday at Augusta National, along with his[Tiger’s] quest to overtake Jack Nicklaus’  eighteen major championships.

I don’t know if you watched that morning, but Tiger was on a roll! He had his short irons dialed in, and was quickly making his way up the leaderboard. In fact, the wedge he hit to 15 was a great shot that found bad luck, and the water that protects the 15th green.

I also agree that some folks blew the drop Tiger made way out of proportion. Had Tiger, and his ego not gotten in the way, he very well could have won his fifth Green Jacket. I propose that had Adam Scott been up against Tiger in the final round instead of Angel Cabrera, the outcome might have been quite different.

Don’t get me wrong here, it was still a great win by Scott, and the playoff was historical, but we all know how intimidating Tiger Woods can be on Sunday with a share of the lead.

I especially thought Brandel Chamblee made way too much out of the situation when he called for Tiger to DQ himself. Had the officials DQ’d Tiger, I’m not sure the historical CBS/Masters agreement would have stood up. You had the feeling on Saturday morning that something was afoot, and they just couldn’t pull the trigger.

The situation, however, derailed a Tiger charge that might well have produced that 15th major.

I disagree with Mr. Player’s take on Tiger Woods ever catching and passing Jack’s 18 majors. I felt all year that if he didn’t get at least one in 2013, 18 and 19 would never come. I stand by that conviction.

I do agree that if Tiger continues to search for swing perfection, his chances of catching Jack go down immensely. I realize the changes were designed to take the pressure off his left knee, but he is spending way too much time on a swing that isn’t producing the results. Maybe it’s time for the World’s Number One player to get back to the basics, and the business of playing golf.

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