Tiger Woods comeback story

Junkyard Tom

Tilikum17 wrote: »

He’s the greatest sportsman that’s ever lived.

For whacking a rubber ball around the fields with a metal bat?

No.

Tilikum17

Who’s better?

Richard Hillman

It's a great comeback. He was absolutely finished both mentally and physically. When he was able to play, he was awful. Then he sorted himself out, took a break and got himself ready again. The scenes from the tour championship last year gave me goosebumps and my eyes were a little bit watery tonight.

I don't think he was ever really loved in his hay day. He was a child prodigy, more powerful than anybody in the field and quite robotic. Then when he messed up people were like "meh, never really liked him". But his life **** ups made him human. Not a very nice person, but human. His comeback seems to have made him a better person.

clappyhappy

I was living in dubai from 97 to 2008 at the height of tigers career. One of my best friends was the pro at the golf club where the dubai desert classic took place. The stories he told us about tiger when he took part in the tournament are unbelievable. I'm delighted to see him back at the top, it really is one of the biggest sporting comebacks of all time and to see him with his mum, kids and girlfriend I think he's sown his wild oats and now realises what's important to him. None of us are perfect and I hope he wins many more majors.

SharpshooterTom

Tilikum17 wrote: »

Who’s better?

Federer's the greatest tennis player ever, and there's lot less uncertainty that he's the GOAT of the sport. He also passed Sampras's record unlike Woods who has not as of yet to pass Nicklaus.

Pele, Maradona, Messi in football.

Ali in boxing.

Various olympians.

Tom Brady in American football.

Don Bradman/Sachin Tendulkar in Cricket

Michael Jordan in Basketball

Wayne Gretzky in Ice Hockey

Come on there are plenty who are a match for Woods.

Tilikum17

ThomasFlynn wrote: »

No he's not. He's arguably not even the greatest at his own frigging sport.

Plenty of great sports people who have transcended their sports as much as Woods has easily, but Woods fans really take the biscuit when it comes to being relentless sycophants.

You think Jack is better? You only need to look at their stats. Tiger pisses all over his stats. You can’t compare them with majors...jack played against far weaker fields. The 14 tiger won were against stronger fields & now the fields are even stronger again. No one will win 14 after this.

The fact that a 43 yr old with a fused back could go out & intimidate them just shows you how incredible tiger is.

SharpshooterTom

clappyhappy wrote: »

None of us are perfect and I hope he wins many more majors.

He is 43 now. This may not be his last but 'many more' would surely be a stretch.

SharpshooterTom

Tilikum17 wrote: »

You think Jack is better? You only need to look at their stats. Tiger pisses all over his stats. You can’t compare them with majors...jack played against far weaker fields. The 14 tiger won were against stronger fields & now the fields are even stronger again. No one will win 14 after this.

The fact that a 43 yr old with a fused back could go out & intimidate them just shows you how incredible tiger is.

I think there is a good argument for Nicklaus yeah, I don't mind people thinking Tiger is the GOAT, but no way is he "undisputed". A lot of people do still think Nicklaus, yougov did a poll on it recently and Nicklaus won, although there was a clear generational bias.

https://today.yougov.com/topics/lifestyle/articles-reports/2014/08/08/tiger-woods-vs-jack-nicklaus

Tilikum17

ThomasFlynn wrote: »

Federer's the greatest tennis player ever, and there's lot less uncertainty that he's the GOAT of the sport. He also passed Sampras's record unlike Woods who has not as of yet to pass Nicklaus.

Pele, Maradona, Messi in football.

Ali in boxing.

Various olympians.

Tom Brady in American football.

Don Bradman/Sachin Tendulkar in Cricket

Michael Jordan in Basketball

Wayne Gretzky in Ice Hockey

Come on there are plenty who are a match for Woods.

I think golf is far more difficult to master than any of those sports. But that’s just my opinion.

SharpshooterTom

Tilikum17 wrote: »

I think golf is far more difficult to master than any of those sports. But that’s just my opinion.

No its not. You can play top level Golf for 20/25 years.

Tennis players are lucky to get 10, Federer changed all that and won 20 majors obliterating Sampras record, not surpassed, smashed it. And he's not even finished yet.

clappyhappy

ThomasFlynn wrote: »

He is 43 now. This may not be his last but 'many more' would surely be a stretch.

I genuinely would love to see him surpass Jack nicklaus, just to witness it and for the kids to see it would be amazing. I really think he can be the greatest golfer of all time.

SharpshooterTom

clappyhappy wrote: »

I really think he can be the greatest golfer of all time.

You can make the argument that he already is, and likely he will break Snead's PGA wins record. I think his 2000-01 was likely the peak of any Golfer.

I just think there will always be an argument for Nicklaus so long as he holds that record, and I don't like the way boisterous Woods fans dismiss him as if his accomplishments mean nothing in favor of their God.

Rubberchikken

its amazing the moment he wins something, his hound dog ways are forgotten.

Tilikum17

ThomasFlynn wrote: »

You can make the argument that he already is, and likely he will break Snead's PGA wins record. I think his 2000-01 was likely the peak of any Golfer.

I just think there will always be an argument for Nicklaus so long as he holds that record, and I don't like the way boisterous Woods fans dismiss him as if his accomplishments mean nothing in favor of their God.

Every major tiger has played has has the top 50 in the world. In the 60’s the British open would do well to have the top 10.

KungPao

Cyber Tiger on the ps1 was great.

I suggest feather touch. You have entered "power drive".

Fun times.

Laois_Man

Jordan Speith looked for a short while there that he was going to outdo Woods. Equaled Woods' record score at from the 1997 US Masters in 2015, had won his 3rd major at 6 months younger than Woods was when he won his 3rd. But he has relatively vanished for the last 18 months or so. I see he finished joint 21st at the Masters today (same score as Rory). But he'll be back and is about 18 years younger than Woods (even though he looks about the same age)!

Tilikum17

ThomasFlynn wrote: »

No its not. You can play top level Golf for 20/25 years.

Tennis players are lucky to get 10, Federer changed all that and won 20 majors obliterating Sampras record, not surpassed, smashed it. And he's not even finished yet.

I love federer too. Genuinely mentioned him tonight. But the fact is, Tiger changed the game of golf. Brought it from old fart in cardigans to the ripped lads you see today.

When I starting playing 25 years ago none of my mates played. Tiger came along and now they all play.

I’ve growing up playing both tennis & golf. Golf is so much harder.

Noveight

Delighted for him. The bloke’s an all-time great.

Marengo

Comparing the skill levels in sports is a nonsense with regards to soccer, tennis, golf, boxing etc.

Everyone is subjective and chooses their own sport.

Let's just enjoy Tiger's comeback in golf without comparisons with Ali, Federer, Maradona etc. All were/are amazing practitioners of their sport. It's impossible to compare Tiger's drive on the 16th today with a top goal of Ronaldo's (Brazil or Portugal!). Apples and oranges.

Tilikum17

Laois_Man wrote: »

Jordan Speith looked for a short while there that he was going to outdo Woods. Equaled Woods' record score at from the 1997 US Masters in 2015, had won his 3rd major at 6 months younger than Woods was when he won his 3rd. But he has relatively vanished for the last 18 months or so. I see he finished joint 21st at the Masters today (same score as Rory). But he'll be back and is about 18 years younger than Woods (even though he looks about the same age)!

& Dustin Johnson looked amazing 1 year ago. None of the lads today have tigers consistency. 9 years at no 1 was he?

They do incredible well to do 1 year now.

dougm1970

ThomasFlynn wrote: »

Federer's the greatest tennis player ever, and there's lot less uncertainty that he's the GOAT of the sport. He also passed Sampras's record unlike Woods who has not as of yet to pass Nicklaus.

Pele, Maradona, Messi in football.

Ali in boxing.

Various olympians.

Tom Brady in American football.

Don Bradman/Sachin Tendulkar in Cricket

Michael Jordan in Basketball

Wayne Gretzky in Ice Hockey

Come on there are plenty who are a match for Woods.

ali wasnt the greatest boxer

Tilikum17

dougm1970 wrote: »

ali wasnt the greatest boxer

Probably meant greatest heavyweight.

SharpshooterTom

dougm1970 wrote: »

ali wasnt the greatest boxer

I've heard others say that, but like a lot this its up for debate.

Its certainly not Floyd Mayweather though.

SharpshooterTom

Tilikum17 wrote: »

& Dustin Johnson looked amazing 1 year ago. None of the lads today have tigers consistency. 9 years at no 1 was he?

They do incredible well to do 1 year now.

But Woods doesn't even have the consistency of Woods.

Peak Woods was what winning 8 tournaments a year?

He'll chip away at 1 or 2 tournament wins over the next few years (maybe). But I'm not sure he'll dominate.

unkel

I don't watch golf or any other sports really. I only picked up on Tiger Woods major golf victory today from reading online. There's the picture of a middle aged man, looking very fit and physically strong. Having beaten the rest of the world at it but more importantly having picked himself up from some serious personal lows and risen from it

I say, fair play to him. It's not for the money and not for the fame. But he achieved something truly remarkable and no doubt he has worked extremely hard for it during thousands of hours of tough training. Tiger Woods should be very proud of himself right now. Fair play to him.

Tilikum17

ThomasFlynn wrote: »

But Woods doesn't even have the consistency of Woods.

Peak Woods was what winning 8 tournaments a year?

He'll chip away at 1 or 2 tournament wins over the next few years (maybe). But I'm not sure he'll dominate.

He’s 43 years old. Also you can’t be consistent/win if your not even playing because of injury.

Peak woods was years ago. Yet he could still go out tonight and beat all those young lads.

Marengo

Tilikum17 wrote: »

Probably meant greatest heavyweight.

He wasn't the greatest heavyweight in many eyes. Even himself he said Joe Louis.

Gimme A Pound

Why was there such a big deal made over his adultery? Did he project a wholesome family man image before being rumbled?

Either way, it doesn't take away from his golfing abilities, nor was he preaching at others for infidelity (that I know of).

Marengo

Don't consider 43 middle aged, while not young no doubt. Splitting hairs a bit but 47-63 middle aged imo.

Chris Horner won the cycling Tour of Spain at 42. Tom Brady will be 42 this year.

Marengo

Wesley Attractive Sinker wrote: »

Why was there such a big deal made over his adultery? Did he project a wholesome family man image before being rumbled?

Either way, it doesn't take away from his golfing abilities, nor was he preaching at others for infidelity (that I know of).

Many famous politicians and sports stars philanered. Even Martin Luther King! Jack Johnson, Joe Louis, Bonking Boris Becker, Ronaldo (Brazil), George Best, Lance Armstrong, Ryan Giggs, Michael Jordan, Ashley Cole, John Terry.. endless..

SharpshooterTom

Marengo wrote: »

He wasn't the greatest heavyweight in many eyes. Even himself he said Joe Louis.

To be fair most sportsman rarely call themselves the greatest. Its a form of self modesty if you like. Nicklaus has said Woods, Woods has said Nicklaus, I never use that as a yardstick.

M.T. Cranium

Kermit.de.frog wrote: »

I'm Tiger Woods.

Aha, that's why you find snow so easily then. :pac:

dougm1970

ThomasFlynn wrote: »

I've heard others say that, but like a lot this its up for debate.

Its certainly not Floyd Mayweather though.

you ever heard of harry greb ?

Gimme A Pound

Marengo wrote: »

Many famous politicians and sports stars philanered. Even Martin Luther King! Jack Johnson, Joe Louis, Bonking Boris Becker, Ronaldo (Brazil), George Best, Lance Armstrong, Ryan Giggs, Michael Jordan, Ashley Cole, John Terry.. endless..

On reflection though, it is the kinda thing that sponsors are wary of. Not the serial adultery itself, but it getting into the public domain.

Bob Harris

ThomasFlynn wrote: »

You can make the argument that he already is, and likely he will break Snead's PGA wins record. I think his 2000-01 was likely the peak of any Golfer.

I just think there will always be an argument for Nicklaus so long as he holds that record, and I don't like the way boisterous Woods fans dismiss him as if his accomplishments mean nothing in favor of their God.

Apart from winning 18, Nicklaus also came second in another 19.
Woods by comparison has been runner up 6 times.
You could also argue that Nicklaus faced tougher competition but that's entirely a matter of opinion.

Wood's fans like those of many other teams or sports people tend to be dismissive of past acheivements that they didn't witness and laud the present as the greatest. Human nature I suppose.

Mint Sauce

Watched a good bit of it Saturday night, and most of yesterday.

What impressed me most, was his mental strength around the course. He was on a mission, his stride, and very little hints of how he was feeling, even during the time he took the outright lead, and for the few holes where he was sharing the lead and talks of a play off. It wasn't till he lifted the ball out if the 18 hole, that the facial expression changed, and even then there was a slight pause before the roar.

Wasn't cheering him on during the weekend, before credit where it was due, it was some achievement, and it would seem all misdemeanors have been forgotten. Just looking at the crowds reaction yesterday, he is stilled loved, think golf might be a little bit boring when he is retired.

zapitastas

ThomasFlynn wrote: »

I've heard others say that, but like a lot this its up for debate.

Its certainly not Floyd Mayweather though.

Why would Mayweather not be in the running there. Is you look at some of the boxers he was in the ring with that couldn't get a glove on him.

fergiesfolly

Sucessful elite sports people are by and large, highly motivated, self centered, ruthless individuals.
Woods however, seemed to have carried this through to his private life. A selfish, callous, manipulative odious little man.
Disliked by most, if not all his fellow professionals. The All-american good guy image was just that. An image. Honed to maximise a huge PR machine to rake in millions of dollars.

His comeback, considering his talent, self belief and sheer determination isn't all that surprising.
Hopefully, his fall from grace and subsequent injury issues have humbled him and made him a better man.
Time will tell I suppose.

Edgware

Wesley Attractive Sinker wrote: »

On reflection though, it is the kinda thing that sponsors are wary of. Not the serial adultery itself, but it getting into the public domain.

Woods was a good man to use the wedge

lawred2

Bob Harris wrote: »

Apart from winning 18, Nicklaus also came second in another 19.
Woods by comparison has been runner up 6 times.
You could also argue that Nicklaus faced tougher competition but that's entirely a matter of opinion.

Wood's fans like those of many other teams or sports people tend to be dismissive of past acheivements that they didn't witness and laud the present as the greatest. Human nature I suppose.

uuuggh those discussions turn me cold... you're either going to be clouded by recency bias or the everything was better/harder/nicer/tougher etc etc in the old days syndrome...

Never mind that it's entirely esoteric and entirely without conclusion. Pointless in other words.

However just for you - here's Golf World doing their best to contextualise what Tiger Woods achieved yesterday

https://www.golfdigest.com/story/masters-2019-15-stats-that-put-tiger-woods-fifth-masters-win-into-historical-context

valoren

This will always be the greatest comeback in Golf.



16 months earlier, Ben Hogan and his wife were hit head on by a greyhound bus. They were lucky to even survive, Hogan especially as he needed surgery for blood clotting. He was a shy, taciturn, reserved player who kept himself to himself and as a result wasn't popular at all among the galleries nor with his fellow competitors. When he was 10 years old his father, suffering from depression, shot himself at point blank range in the chest. Hogan saw it and it deeply affected him which resulted in his quiet nature and stand-off personality. The accident changed everything and he played the 1950 US Open in constant pain to the delight of the galleries. These were the days of 36 holes completed on the last day and that win was the greatest comeback in Golf. He would win 3 majors in 1953 (9 overall) and is regarded as one of the finest ball strikers the game has known and credited with the player who "invented practice". That bridge they cross over at Augusta to get to the 12th green is named in his honour.

Woods is a sociopath, the product of a bullying arsehole of a father, and his fall from grace was entirely self-inflicted. He was raised to win and he won plenty. Read up about his dad and it's no surprise Wood's was a bit mentally screwed up. He was destined to become a sort of golfing messiah according to his dad. "Tiger will do more than any other man in history to change the course of humanity" Eh?

He raised the bar for playing standards in the game, raised the profile among the masses for the best game in the world which was always a bastion for elitism. What irked people was that on the one hand he was presenting himself as the devoted family man, the reality was he was a serial philanderer and many of his sponsors dropped him instantly when the details emerged. Nobody had a problem with him banging cocktail waitresses, they had a problem with the hypocrisy of it with many feeling hoodwinked and none too happy about it. Essentially, you can't extol the virtues of married life and kids when you're concurrently sowing your wild oats with hookers. He lost his mental edge with the field.

After his philandering father died in 2006, he injured himself with notions of becoming a Navy Seal to the horror of his support team. He was obsessed with the military. He got the best treatment money can buy to get healthy again and slowly emerged back into the fold, chastened but more than welcome as his presence in the game generates serious revenue. The guy knows Augusta National like the back of his hand and I think what won it for him was his play off the tee. He finds more fairways now instead of trying to take the cover off the ball. It's not a big shock that he won and it's not the greatest comeback ever. So in summation, he's a helluva golfer but don't buy into the media hype about "the greatest comeback ever".

padd b1975

Some lad for the women all the same.

TomSweeney

Golf, not really a sport tho is it ?
Bunch of fat oul fellas playing it, driving around in carts - they're hardly fit like tennis or football players are they ?

Golf and Darts are the same category, games - not sports.

And a terrible waste of space aswell, all that acres and acres of space so some fat rich old tosser can whack a ball about, imagine the amount of proper sports facilities that could fit into a golf course ?

lawred2

TomSweeney wrote: »

Golf, not really a sport tho is it ?
Bunch of fat oul fellas playing it, driving around in carts - they're hardly fit like tennis or football players are they ?

Golf and Darts are the same category, games - not sports.

And a terrible waste of space aswell, all that acres and acres of space so some fat rich old tosser can whack a ball about, imagine the amount of proper sports facilities that could fit into a golf course ?

definitely a worthwhile contribution

TomasMacR

padd b1975 wrote: »

Some lad for the women all the same.

Personally in this age of equality, feminism and vagina power stuff. I attribute an awful lot of his early success to all those brazzers he was banging. Credit where its due. He was unstoppable when he was at that craic and his game seemed to go to sh*t when he had to knock it on the head, which wasn't by his own volition. He'd have at least another 3-4 majors to his name if his coaches could've smuggled in van loads of skanks for him to be pummelling pre tournament. Last nights miracle can only be attributed to one thing, the durty f*ckers back at it. Balls deep at this second in preparation for the Wells Fargo Championship next month.

TomSweeney

lawred2 wrote: »

definitely a worthwhile contribution

Thank you.
When a fat 60 year old can win a tennis grand slam , let us know ...

lawred2

TomSweeney wrote: »

Thank you.
When a fat 60 year old can win a tennis grand slam , let us know ...

When a fat 60 year old wins a golf major that might make some sense

TomasMacR

TomSweeney wrote: »

Thank you.
When a fat 60 year old can win a tennis grand slam , let us know ...

When a fat 60 year old can win a golf grand slam , let us know ...

padd b1975

TomasMacR wrote: »

Personally in this age of equality, feminism and vagina power stuff. I attribute an awful lot of his early success to all those brazzers he was banging. Credit where its due. He was unstoppable when he was at that craic and his game seemed to go to sh*t when he had to knock it on the head, which wasn't by his own volition. He'd have at least another 3-4 majors to his name if his coaches could've smuggled in van loads of skanks for him to be pummelling pre tournament. Last nights miracle can only be attributed to one thing, the durty f*ckers back at it. Balls deep at this second in preparation for the Wells Fargo Championship next month.

Could very well be back to the old tried and tested, consistency and repetition of the pre-shot (golf) routine is the cornerstone of any good golfer.

Cienciano

TomasMacR wrote: »

When a fat 60 year old can win a golf grand slam , let us know ...

Well, this is 2005, he didn't win but finished 2nd.