There was a time not too long ago, that Tiger Woods was not only considered the best golfer in the world, but the most dominant pro athlete that we had. Those times seem so long ago now. Due to injury to his left leg that have been plaguing him for awhile Tiger Woods will miss the U.S Open for the first time since 1994.
Since returning to the golf course after having a heap of personal matter that he had to deal with, Tiger has just not been the same. The dominance is gone, it is now more of a shock if he is hanging around the leader board going into the final day of a tournament, where before it was expected. This time around though missing some time will be far different for Tiger than the last time. Last time he was trying to save a marriage, be a father, handle things that arguably take priority over the golf course. With all of that in the rear view mirror now Tiger will be sitting around healing, thinking and pondering about yesteryear. One thing about Tiger Woods is that he is a very fierce competitor, and this time he will be able to take his time away to focus solely on how he can re-claim his greatness.
When Tiger is back to finish out the golf year one of two things can happen. Either we will see the old fist pumping, front running, take no prisoners Tiger, with a focus for the game and winning way that pushes him back to the top. Or we will see him dwindle, fall to the middle of the pack and slowly but surely fade away from greatness. Only Michael Jordan can rival Tiger Woods in what he has meant to his individual game from a performance and marketing standpoint. If indeed the latter of the two scenarios happens, I for one hope Tiger is remembered for what was done on the golf course, because it could be quite some time before we see another athlete in ANY sport as dominant as he once was.
Richard Rodawalt
AB3 Sports
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