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Tiger Woods wins over a tough fan: The British press.
Tiger Woods’ U.S. Open victory this week — his 14th major — has the British press wondering whether he could be the greatest ever sports star in history.
“At this year’s tournament, Woods proved that he not only possesses extreme levels of talent and professionalism, but the same measure of endurance and courage too,” said today’s Guardian newspaper. “Woods arrived at Torrey Pines unfit and struggling for form, but he simply would not let a physical weakness manifest itself into a psychological one - the mark of a true champion.”
When wondering who could possibly match Woods, the newspaper said that tennis star Roger Federer is the obvious choice from the present crop of sports stars. “But his inability to overcome Rafael Nadal on clay to win the French Open surely puts him behind Woods,” the paper said.
Perhaps then Pele? “He was more professional and was every bit as inspirational for Brazil,” the paper continued. Muhammad Ali, too, might give Woods a decent run for his money.
Readers wrote in with their own choices, which included Diego Maradona, Lance Armstrong, and Michael Jordan.
Comments
By JeremiahWright
June 17, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
Only to youngsters who have no frame of reference, no knowledge of sports history, and no understanding of what makes a “complete” icon. You’d have to include Jordan, Joe Louis (a great boxer AND a war hero), and Muhammad Ali (great boxer, but fanatic on the side).
By Rick
June 17, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
To endure and excel in the toughest sport in the world for 7 years, Lance Armstrong is the best. To those who doubt stage cycling is the hardest, just imagine yourself performing at 85% to 100% of your physical ability for 6 to 8 hours a day for 21 days in any sort of climate. Any doubters?
By MountainDawg
June 17, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this
Woods is a great golfer no doubt, but much of his perceived “Sports Star” status is due to mass hype & over-exposure from Madison Avenue. He’s by NO means the greatest sports figure of all time. It’s hard to select one “greatest” sports figure. I know many would select Jordan or Ali, etc…but my vote would go to Babe Ruth (due to his huge legacy). As far as greatest players of all time, I’d say Johnny U/Joe Montana (football), Ty Cobb (baseball), Larry Bird (basketball), Wayne Gretzsky (Hockey) & Bobby Jones, Arnold Palmer or the Golden Bear (Golf).
By reds_ohare
June 17, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this
Tiger?? The man who mutters curses under his breath and throws clubs when he hits a bad shot? I can think of plenty other sports figures who are much better role models than Tiger. Is he a great golfer? Yes. He is one of the greatest golfers (if not the best) right now, and likely for years to come. It’s true that his PR has spiffed up since his early days, but he still has a long way to go.
By reds_ohare
June 17, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this
Tiger?? The man who mutters curses under his breath and throws clubs when he hits a bad shot? I can think of plenty other sports figures who are much better role models than Tiger. Is he a great golfer? Yes. He is one of the greatest golfers (if not the best) right now, and likely for years to come. It’s true that his PR has spiffed up since his early days, but he still has a long way to go.
By Reality
June 17, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
In the eyes of Georgians he’d have to be 100% white to get that distinction. Peace.
By Rick
June 17, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
I agree with Reds. Tiger may be the greatest golfer in history. He may win more majors than Jack & Arnie combined. But he will never be the champion either of them are with his petulant behavior. Tiger would never make it as a team player.
I don’t know if you can list a single greatest sports star. Different sports demand different talents. Here’s my list:
Baseball: Hank Aaron Basketball: Michael Jordan Boxing: Ali Football: Joe Montana Golf: Jack Nicklaus Hockey: Gretzky Indy Racing: A. J. Foyt NASCAR: Richard Petty Soccer: Pele (but who cares?)
By reds_ohare
June 17, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
Reality, it has nothing to do with his color. There are people outside of Georgia who feel the same way. It’s his attitude. I would feel the same way about Ernie Els, Padraig Harrington, or Vijay Singh, if they were to have the same attitude. A great golfer is a great golfer, regardless of nationality, sexual orientation, race or gender (Well, if you want to get technical, women shouldn’t play golf, but I won’t even go there, because I try to play). Tiger is a great golfer, but he is a poor sportsman.
By reds_ohare
June 17, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
Reality, it has nothing to do with his color. There are people outside of Georgia who feel the same way. It’s his attitude. I would feel the same way about Ernie Els, Padraig Harrington, or Vijay Singh, if they were to have the same attitude. A great golfer is a great golfer, regardless of nationality, sexual orientation, race or gender (Well, if you want to get technical, women shouldn’t play golf, but I won’t even go there, because I try to play). Tiger is a great golfer, but he is a poor sportsman.
By mamaj
June 17, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
Golf is not a sport!
By reds_ohare
June 17, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
Sorry, i’m not hitting the button twice, or refreshing, so i have no idea why i’m posting twice… :-/
By reds_ohare
June 17, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
Sorry, i’m not hitting the button twice, or refreshing, so i have no idea why i’m posting twice… :-/
By Jason
June 17, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this
“Tiger?? The man who mutters curses under his breath and throws clubs when he hits a bad shot?”
How awful! An athlete who shows emotion!
“I can think of plenty other sports figures who are much better role models than Tiger.”
Such as?
Tiger Woods is the greatest athlete of my generation, with Michael Jordan a distant second. I base this on two criteria: 1)The perfomance gap between Woods and the next best golfer(s) is the largest I’ve even seen in sports, and 2)he is a consummate professional—intelligent, well-spoken, responsible, generous, grounded, etc.
By Jason
June 17, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
“Golf is not a sport!”
How do you figure?
By Becky
June 17, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
At least Tiger only mutters under his breath..Has he ever hit someone with a club? You’ve never heard anything about him doing drugs or hitting a woman have you? So who cares if he get upset over a bad shot, he is human isn’t he? So put your envy back in the bag & grow up..
By KT
June 17, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
Tiger- great golf player. Sports icon- maybe not. I haven’t heard anyone talk about Jackie Robinson. Now he’s an icon.
By Becky
June 17, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
Jason, they figure because they can’t play!!
By M. Taylor
June 17, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
I am not surprised at the comments from Atlanta. When I checked the Journal this a.m., I was also not surprised that no Tiger picture was seen in the highlights re Tiger’s winning the National Championship. Of course, Tiger tend to keep his focus on the positive. Thanks to Tiger and Rocco for a very exciting US Open. MT
By Michael Vick
June 17, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
Hey, don’t forget about me.
By ed
June 17, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
Rick,
Your an idiot. Hes not a team player?? ummm can you say ryder cup dumb aZZ.. presidents cup
By M. Taylor
June 17, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
I am not surprised at the comments as people tend to forge that Tiger has won over 70 plus tournament worldwide. He might even be more admired worldwide that in the US. I bet many would have preferred Ernile or Sergio, or Adam to win rather than Tiger. Well, too bad. When I checked the Journal this a.m., I was also not surprised that no Tiger picture was seen in the highlights re Tiger’s winning the National Championship. Of course, Tiger tend to keep his focus on the positive. Thanks to Tiger and Rocco for a very exciting US Open. MT
By Kiki
June 17, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this
Hands down, Michael Jordan, no question. Joe Louis also comes to mind—greatest heavyweight of all time, war hero, and Nazi-defeater. Tiger simply can’t top that, although he may be the greatest golfer to ever play the game.
By T.Rogers
June 17, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
A great sports figure is more than someone who dominates their sport. They should expand their sport’s popularity. They have also should transcend their sport. I would say Muhamad Ali, Micheal Jordan, and Tiger Woods.
Also, its sad when you can count on Georgian’s and their biases. Tiger is a horrible role model becuase he curses under his breath! I think that poster has other issues with Tiger, namely his appearance.
By Jason
June 17, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
Michael Jordan was only marginally better than his contemporaries: Dominique Wilkins, Magic Johnson, Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, Hakeem Olajuwon… On the other hand, there’s no one even remotely close to Tiger Woods on the PGA Tour. Furthermore, Jordan’s achievement was directly influenced by his skilled teammates, while Woods’ success is entirely his own creation.
By Arnold_Palmer
June 17, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
I know the media loves Tiger…..cute nickname, fist thrusting screams….but be for real! The media gushes “he fought through a painful knee to win”…..I want to puke!
Golf is recreation, not a sport. Eighty five year olds with artificial hips play golf. No running, no hitting, a game for office types. A great golfer, yes but the “Greatest Sports star”! — no way!
By Rusty
June 17, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
Babe Ruth. The man single-handedly saved the game of baseball. Btw,had the foul pole/line rules of his era been the same as they are today, Ruth hits 800+. Look it up. The Great Bambino is still King!
By Jeff
June 17, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
Tiger is not the greatest sports figure. Carl Lewis, Mark Allen (look it up, triathlete), Lance Armstrong, Ali, Jordan, even Bo Jackson, are all tremendous pure sports figures. Tiger does one thing well and that’s it. Yes, he COULD become the greatest golfer of all time, and probably will, but a golfer is as much an athlete as a Nascar driver. There’s a totally different realm of athleticism to get to multi-sport stars like Carl Lewis, Bo Jackson and Mark Allen. I would even throw in Herschel Walker as a pure athlete above Tiger. I would even throw in a couple of professional wrestlers as more pure athlete (capable of doing many things) than Tiger. Tiger will go down as the best golfer in history, but he’s not the greatest sports figure by any stretch. And for the Cynthia Tuckers and the Terrence Moore’s, most of the athletes I named are black, so you can give up the next diatribe about racism. I would even consider Vick a more pure athlete than Tiger.
By John
June 17, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
Jim Thorpe and Johnny Weissmuller where sports stars. Tiger does hit the little white ball quite well though.
By Jason
June 17, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
“The media gushes ‘he fought through a painful knee to win’…..I want to puke!”
Woods walked over five miles a day around a hilly course for a week straight, occasionally stopping to swing his club in excess of 135 mph, transferring all his weight onto a recently operated-on knee. All the while he maintained near-perfect tempo and total focus. No football, hockey, baseball or basketball player could ever pull that off—not even with their human growth hormones.
By Michael Vick
June 17, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
Thanks for your consideration Jeff.
By amy
June 17, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
Now here’s an athlete for you…Not the best of all time, but certainly an inspiring athlete…Michael Phelps, Olympian Swimmer…check him out this summer in the Beijing Olympics.
Also what about Johnny U?
By ron
June 17, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
Tiger is a great golfer but he’s not my cup of tea.He’ll never change golf the way Palmer and The Golden Bear did.Unless you’re a golfer you probably don’t know much about Tiger.Ali ,on the other is known to everyone.He cuould be the world’s best known sports figure.
By michelle
June 17, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
i like tiger, i really do. but to be brutally honest, unless you’re an athlete in a sport that hasn’t had any kind of technological help (clubs, balls, shoes, bikes etc), then in my opinion, you can’t be a “greatest athlete of all-time”, but more of a “greatest athlete of your generation” or whatever. i would also not lump all athletes into one category, as they are athletes in very distinctive sports.
you’ve got to include some of the best athletes from back in the day, who didn’t have all the technology we have now, or their sport doesn’t/didn’t thrive on such things to begin with. example, bobby jones for golf, ali for boxing and so forth.
By Dave
June 17, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
Tiger is probably the greatest golfer that ever lived and probably in the top 5 sports figures. I give golf little credibility, though, as an athletic event. Golf IS hard, no doubt, but so is bowling and darts. Neither of the three demand much athletic ability at all. Tiger is an incredible athlete….in GOLF’s world. But in the world of basketball, football, soccer and even tennis, he is EONS behind. If you play golf for exercise and fitness, you are either over 65 or one sad physical specimen. Remember, golf IS hard to play, but there’s no element of foot speed, agility or physical fitness. If you have to “get in shape” to play golf, you already have one foot in the grave.
By ed
June 17, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
dave or bart parkerson,
**”no element of foot speed, agility or physical fitness.”
you are a complete idiot. that statement alone shows how dumb and unknowledgeable you are!! **
true you dont have to be in shape to play golf but you dont have to be in shape to play all those other sports either. but tiger is in great shape which enables him to hit the ball farther and create great club head speed which probably you dont even understand. Saying he is EONS behind makes you look and sound like a freaking joke. I know tiger is in great shape and easily is up there with other athletes. If you think tiger cant keep up with some basketball/soccer players running wise you are again a complete moron and have no idea how he trains.
By Dave
June 17, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
Jason, there are hundreds of women that do that every weekend while shopping. Please don’t use the term “golfer” with “athlete” ever again. It makes you sound really stupid.
By dan
June 17, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this
hey dave if golf needs no athletic ability to play why arent we all joining the PGA playing golf and making millions. get a clue you f’n moron.
By Bobby
June 17, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
Ever see Roger Federer hit a serve 140 mph? Or how about Andy Roddick hit one 152 mph? Guess what? SOMEBODY HITS IT BACK! Now you have to run that down, return it and it comes right back. It involves SPRINTING, STOPPING, CUTTING and LATERAL MOVEMENT. Gold an athletic event? Don’t think so…..
By dale
June 17, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
dave,
what makes an athlete that kicks a soccer ball or hits a tennis ball or shoots a basketball anymore more athletic than a golfer. is it because they run around? thats a pretty weak argument
By michelle
June 17, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
sorry ED…
if you honestly think that tiger can physically hang with a running professional soccer player, you have absolutely ZERO idea on how a soccer player trains. i’m willing to bet everything i own and that includes my kid, that you are wrong in that particular comment.
not saying it doesn’t take physical ability to play golf at a professional level, but comparing him to a soccer player is just plain dumb.
By Dave
June 17, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
Ed and Dale, you are obviously couch potatoes or golfers, yourselves. Don’t have to be in shape to play soccor, basketball or football? What imbicles you are. You could be out of shape and play them for saaaaay….5 x minutes. Get off your defensive pogo stick. Your opinions have obviously NOTHING to do with reality of facts. Tiger could not play basketball against 100% of the college players and not a SINGLE soccer player world wide. Quit wishing for something so absolutely ludicrous. Golfers aren’t athletes. They’re golfers. Nothing more.
By JohnnyLightning
June 17, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
Tiger may not be the best athlete of all times but I would bet the farm that he is probably the best mentally prepared athlete of all times. Tiger basically beat the us open field of some of the greatest golfers in the world on basically one leg. Tigers knee was in such bad shape that I would bet he probably almost needed a wheelchair to compete in the US open tournament he was still the best golfer in the field. The field thought they had tiger by the tail but as it turned out that tiger was saving his best play right when you thought he was done. Twice Tiger was left for dead and had to stroke a birdie on the 18th hole to extend play at the open or his tournament would have been finished. That in itself represents some of the most clutch performances that I have ever seen out of Tiger although Tiger has been doing this since he was a junior ameteur. I agree that Tiger Woods is a great sports figure, and perhaps the GREATEST OF ALL TIMES. I am amazed at what Tiger had to overcome to win the US Open. I could not believe the depth of Tigers game and the extremes to which he played. Tiger played at both ends of the spectrum where at times he looked extremely pitiful and at other times he looked completely locked in and UNBEATABLE. I have never witnessed a Tiger Woods performance like that. Tigers performance was definitely a performance for the ages. I believe if Tiger Woods was at the top of his game he would have lapped the field by probably 20 strokes or more. When Tiger went 3 strokes up on Rocco Mediate in the playoff round he might have won the 18-hole match by at least 9 strokes because Tiger would have continued to pile on birdies and eagles and he would have never let up off the throttle under Rocco was so far out of it that the Rock Star would have had his star go out. I cant recall a time where I saw Tiger in a playoff where he went up 3 strokes just to immediately give those back plus another to immediately lose 4 strokes while being in a playoff match. When Tiger and Rocco teed off at the 18th hole Tiger was trailing the tournament by one stroke where Tiger was forced to birdie the hole virtually while the entire tounament was hanging in the balance. That was absolutely clutch since he had already done that the previous day. Before Tiger made his birdie putt on 18 I thought that Tiger was about to lose the tournament only to win it in stunning fashion in sudden death. Tigers ending to the US open was something sort of like a fairy tale ending, where when the clock strikes midnight, the glass slippers turn into gold. I think Tiger has become a folk hero and I will never view him the same again. I think Tigers star has trenscended ALL athletes that I have ever seen or witnessed. As Tony the Tiger used to say on the old frosted flakes commercials, they are GRRRRREEEAAT and Tiger is undoubtedly the greatest of them all!
By Rick
June 17, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
Ed,
First of all the fact that you don’t know the difference between “your” and “you’re” makes any argument you give suspect.
Tiger Wood’s record in the Ryder Cup? 7 wins, 11 losses, 2 draws (He’s won 50% of his singles matches but only 31.25% when he’s paired with others.)
He’s won 11 points out of a possible 25. (Only 44%.)
His record in the 2007 President’s Cup? 3-2.
Not exactly the team player you believe him to be, huh Ed?
By Mike
June 17, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
Golfers keep screaming “We’re athletes, too!” all the time. They know they’re not, we know they’re not. They are playing a slow paced game, hitting a ball that isn’t moving and you walk from place to place. Getting the ball to go into the hole is difficult, mind you. But athletic it isn’t. Golfers, just bask in the sun that you are better in golf than most of the rest of us. But I’ll take you to the hole in basketball (over and over), you can’t outrun me, you can’t cover me in football and I’ll beat your eyes out in tennis. But you are a better golfer than me….
By ed
June 17, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
rick,
sorry i dont spell check what i type
just because he didnt win every match teamed up or not teamed up doesnt make him a non team player. that argument is very stupid and pointless.
By michelle
June 17, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
“what makes an athlete that kicks a soccer ball….any more athletic than a golfer?”
i’m not sure i should even afford you an answer, but since you’re entirely off-base with that comment, you do deserve some schooling.
sprinting, running, plyometrics, abdominal strength, stamina, lateral movements, kicking - happen in less than a minute out of 45 continuous minutes of playing soccer (plus another 45 after you get a break), while a golfer has to hit the ball a minimum of 1 time on a par 3 - if they’re good, and a maximum of what, 10-12 shots on a par 5 if they’re bad. oh let’s not forget they walk from hole to hole, not run. so even if tiger walked 5 miles on a bum knee, he sure as hell didn’t run 5 miles on a bum knee. try playing soccer with a bum knee and cutting laterally or jumping in the air. you can’t. and his surgery wasnt’ even close to “real” surgery…he got some cartilige cleaned out. try having total reconstructive surgery and being out a minimum of 12 weeks before you’re able to run, i dont’ care what doctor or facility you have at your disposal, he was not supposed to play.
By ed
June 17, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
dave and any other idiot that thinks tiger is not an athlete,
read over this and gain some knowledge:
http://sports.espn.go.com/golf/news/story?id=2921413
By SlipperyElm
June 17, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
Tiger will win more than 30 major tournaments before his career is over. He will have won so many by that time he is through playing that his majors record will stand forever. Tiger is a freak of nature and we will never witness another athlete as special as Tiger. Tiger will break Jacks record next year by winning ALL FOUR MAJORS. Tiger will win at least one more before this year is over (either the British Open or the PGA Championship) and will finish the year only three majors short of Jacks record. Dont ever bet against Tiger Woods because you will lose every time. HE IS THAT GOOD.
By john
June 17, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
michelle,
i think you are a little off base my friend. you dont think you need stamina or abdominal strength in golf? guess you dont play
i bet tiger trains better than most of the athletes in other sports. he most likely is the exception however which is one reason why he is great at what he does.
By Mike
June 17, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this
Ed, no one is saying Tiger isn’t an athlete. He is an athlete. In fact, he’s a SUPERIOR athlete….in golf’s world. But he isn’t in the same stratasphere as the Michael Jordons, John Elways, Maradonnas or even Roger Federers. Golf simply doesn’t have the same demands for the physicality, strength, speed or agility as the other sports. Even baseball is a distant 4th to football, basketball, soccer and (I would think) tennis. Tiger could not compete with most of the amatuers of all of those other sports. It’s not apples to apples. Now, maybe he COULD be pretty good at one or more of the other sports…if he trained for a few years and developed that athletisism. But now, he’s a good athlete and an overpowering golfer in a sea of soft opponents.
By michelle
June 17, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
john:
i didn’t say you don’t need stamina or abdominal strength in golf, but when you are walking every hole (conserving your energy by not running - wow, lots of stamina there) and you’re hitting a maximum of 216 golf strokes per 18 holes - that’s being very liberal with 12 shots times 18 holes), golf is ho-hum compared to soccer.
and yes i play. i’m a soccer player and i PLAY golf. see how i didn’t label myself a “golfer”? ;)
kudos to mike…apples to apples it ain’t….there is no comparison between the sports at all.
By Mike
June 17, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
John, you need a little, but not a lot of stamina and abdominal strength to play golf. I play it. The physical part is a walk in the park. Getting the timing and control is the bear.
“I bet Tiger trains better than most of the athletes in other sports”
Whups….the ingorance level in that statement is off the meter. He doesn’t train as hard as those athletes because golf doesn’t DEMAND that kind of shape, strength and agility. Guys, give it up! He’s the greatest golfer that ever lived, but he’s NOWHERE near being the athlete that you guys imagine he is. He couldn’t compete in football, basketball or practically all other sports that combine true athletic ability. It’s like comparing a house cat to a lion. The cat is great around mice and birds. He can kill and eat them all. But he ain’t no lion.
By Racist Examiner
June 17, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
I’m willing to bet if Tiger was completely white without a hint of black showing in his face he’d be praised as the one of the best sports figures ever….and Obama thinks we come far…HA!
By TigerSupporter
June 17, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
I agree with racist examiner in that if Tiger were white, people would want him to run for president or maybe be Obamas running mate or something OR Tiger would have been on the cover of every magazine after winning the US Open yesterday. Instead people are slapping Tiger around saying he cusses alot and has a bad temper. Most caucasians are insanely jealous of Tiger and hate that their sports best player is represented by an aftrican american guy.
By Jason
June 17, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
“Jason, there are hundreds of women that do that every weekend while shopping.”
Do what?
“Please don’t use the term ‘golfer’ with ‘athlete’ ever again. It makes you sound really stupid.”
Whatever. Tiger Woods makes $87 million more a year than the highest paid “athlete,” LeBron James, and he’ll have a career that lasts three times longer.
By Fulton
June 17, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this
While there’s no doubt Tiger is great & perhaps the greatest. But at the end of the day, as far as sports go; it’s still only golf…
By What?
June 17, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this
Did somebody really put Bo Jackson in the mix for greatest sports figure?
That’s funny. Seriously tho, Tiger Woods is very easily the greatest golfer to ever breathe near a golf course. I’m just not quite sure if I can call him the greatest sports star. But he certainly deserves serious, serious consideration in that argument.
By What?
June 17, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this
Oh by the way,
Tiger Woods was a multi-sport athlete recruited for several things including track & field. The “he’s not an athlete” conversation doesn’t work simply because he chose the sport where he could get more money for less physical punishment on his body.
Plus, just look at him. He’d probably kick your tail.
By Arnold_Palmer
June 17, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this
For those who think you have to be a “tip athlete” to hit a ball far, I have two words “Jon Daley”
There is all the proof you need that golfers AREN’T real athletes. They have skill, but beer guts & smoking are allowed!
By John
June 17, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
I used to consider myself to be a great fisherman. You know, walking along the bank in the hot sun, the bug bites, the pesky bursitis in my shoulder hurting when I cast. Maybe someday a fisherman will be consider the greatest athtele.
By zeke
June 17, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this
No. He is also not the greatest golfer ever! Jack is! When Jack played and won all his tournaments and majors, he had tremendous competition, Palmer, Trveno, Player and Watson through most of his playing years! Even though there are more good players today, there is not a group of three or four to constantly put the pressure on Tiger! Jack was and is the greatest of all time, PERIOD!
By John
June 17, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this
How can you say that muttering curses or showing emotion on the golf course is a bad thing? Tiger demands nothing but the best from himself and when he doesn’t achieve he shows emotion. I see nothing wrong with expecting nothing but the best from yourself.
Nothing but a class act. Lets not forget that Arnie and Jack were from a completely different era. Grow up, seniors.
By Mark
June 18, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this
An athlete is anyone who plays a sport/game/race for a living, which is far, far more than 98% of this blog can say. You think Tiger isn’t a great athlete? I don’t see your name up there. It’s easy to voice an opinion on the AJC blogs. It is another thing to show talent. Last I checked, making comments on a blog is not a talent.
I don’t see what the argument is. Tiger is the best golfer of our generation. Argue “style” or “grace” all you want. Wins are wins. That’s all that matters to the record books. It’s your own predispositions you’ll have to deal with, not history’s.
By brian
June 18, 2008 7:12 AM | Link to this
Golf is not a sport and nascar is not a sport. They are entertainment thus Tiger Woods is one of the greatest entertainers of all time.
By lava
June 18, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this
Well, the white community tries to hype Phil Micklesson to try and match him with Tiger,what a dismal flop he is..thats why Tiger is not getting the pros here…Reality, u right.The greatest though,i wld say is Pele, after all, he played the most popular sport in the whole wide world.Rick, take that!
By Michael
June 18, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this
Golf is not a Sport! - It is a game like horseshoes and croquet. Just look at John Daly.
By Jan
June 18, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
Tiger is a great athlete, a great entertainer, and, as attested to by his peers, a great sportsman. When he is in a tournament, the fans arrive in droves and the television coverage is phenomenal. In comparing him to Jack Nicholas, he is angelic. Apparently MOUNTAINDAWG has forgotten the arrogant, elitist behavior exhibited by “Golden Bear”, as he was most certainly not a role model. Arnie Palmer was a great golfer, but not in the same league as Tiger, although he was and still is, a wonderful human being. Bobby Jones was great for his time, but only played for a few years, and never achieved the playing status of Tiger. This man is a golf genius, dedicated to the sport, and someone for young people to admire. Tiger crosses all boundaries and invokes admiration because he is beyond good, and he behaves in a most professional manner. I never watched golf tournaments until Tiger came on the scene. If he is playing, I try never to miss watching. Also, for the record, I am a white female, married to an avid golfer and have an adult son who is a golf pro. I tend to believe some of the comments above are inspired by jealousy, not racism.
By Eric
June 18, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
TigerSupporter - Do you research before you run your mouth. Tiger does not consider himself African American. He is Cablinasian. Actually, being referred to as black makes him mad.
By Corey
June 18, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
The jury is still out. However, he’s the greatest gift the PGA has ever received. Ratings are way up. Youngsters are becoming interested in golf because of Tiger.
By lava
June 18, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
Eric,dog, whats that got to do wit golf!!!!?
By CalvinPeete
June 18, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
I know most people may not want me to be brutally honest but Tiger will finish his career with more than TWICE the majors that Jack has. I am predicting that Tiger will finish with about 39 majors provided his health holds up and he plays all four majors every year for the next 20 years. When Tigers career is over most people will forget there was ever a Jack Nickalas.
By PaulWilson
June 18, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
Tiger is an athlete that transcends all sports and all races. Tiger has done more as a humanitarian than most other african-american athletes. Tigers contributions to the world will be earth shattering after it is all said and done. TIGER IS THE GREATEST ATHLETE TO EVER LIVER AND IS CERTAINLY THE GREATEST ATHLETE THIS CENTURY HAS EVER SEEN.
By GoldenRetriever
June 19, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
I believe that Tiger Woods is so good with his golf game that had he played the US Open on crutches or even in a wheelchair HE STILL WOULD HAVE WON! In Tiger Woods we are witnessing the worlds premier athlete to have ever lived. I cannot recall another athlete that made their mark on their sport more than Tiger other than Jack Nickalas and Jacks record will be shattered within the next couple of years. Tiger has made more of an impact on his sport than anyone, even though that is debatable. I realize how great Muhammed Ali, Michael Jordan, Wayne Gresky, Jim Brown, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul Jabaar and many other great athletes were and I take nothing from them. However, Tiger has revolutionized the game of golf and brought more fans to his sport than any of those other guys. Moreover, Tiger has begun rewritting the golf record books and will continue until he owns ALL of Jack Nickleson’s records. Tiger has provided more drama than the PGA Tour ever thought they would get. Golf should adopt a separate channel for Tiger Woods and call it the Tiger Channel to catalogue all of Tigers heroics past, present and future, beginning with his three consecutive junior amateur wins to his 65 tour victories including his major wins and beyond. Tiger has transcended the sport of golf and his popularity has spilled over into the other sports as well. Tiger will soon, if he hasnt reached this plateau already, become sports first $100 million dollar a year athlete, which means he will get paid that much money each and every year. I read the other day that his endorsement deals are roughly about $87 million dollars a year and when you add his PGA Tour winnings of $20 plus million per season, Tiger is ALREADY in the neighborhood of $100 million dollars per year, which is absolutely astounding and mindboggling, but well deserved. Tiger is terrific and I hope he decides to play in this years British Open and PGA Championship. I will not watch golf again until Tiger Woods returns to the PGA Tour.
By WalterAnderson
June 20, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
The only regret I have about watching Tiger on the PGA tour is that Tiger has NO EQUAL on the tour. Sure the media has hyped several rivals for Tiger most recently Tiger and Phil Mickelson. Before Phil it was Tiger and Ernie Els or Tiger and Sergio Garcia (El Nino) or Tiger and ViJay Singh but the cold hard truth in reality is that Tigers stats far exceed those rivals. Those guys arent even in Tigers zip code. Tigers career stats are ALREADY up there with Jack Nickalas, Sam Snead, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer and some of the all-time greats so that makes Tiger a living legend. Unfortunately for Tiger, he virtually has NO contemporary rivals who you could say can consistently beat Tiger or at least give Tiger a run for the money. For those who are unaware of this, should Tiger decide to never return to the PGA Tour, Tigers numbers already rank up there with golfs greatest players and Tiger has already won enough tournaments, majors and has done enough on the PGA tour to eventually gain entry or admittence into golfs Hall of Fame should he decide to retire today. Not bad for a 32 year old legend that has many wonderful years of premium golf left to play. I guess you can say Tiger still has plenty left in the tank. So I suppose the PGA Tour has finally figured out how to beat Tiger and that is to have Tiger remove himself from PGA tour competition so that other golfers can win on the tour. That is extremely good for golf for now someone will emerge as a formidable rival for Tiger when he returns to action on the PGA Tour.
By BoSupporter
June 20, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
No disrespect to Jack, Tiger Woods is the greatest golfer to ever live. I do believe, however, that Tiger is not, in my opinion, the greatest athlete to ever live. I believe that distinction goes to BO JACKSON since Bo Jackson achieved all-star status in two professional sports. Bo was also a track star at Auburn. Bo was the best and purest athlete of our generation. Bo would have excelled at anthing he put his mind to. Bo had the talent to rush for over 10,000 yards in football AND hit over 500 home runs in baseball. Had it not been for Bo’s career ending injuries, Bo would have made it to the Hall of Fame in two sports, Baseball and Football.
By LisaRutherford
June 20, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
It is quite true that there is no one remotely close to Woods in talent on the PGA tour, but Woods has had some classic epic battles and some wonderful duals throughout his 11 glorious years on the tour. Woods battle with Rocco Mediate was legendary although Rocco was rated #158 on the PGA tour. Woods had an epic battle with Bob May (my favorite Tiger Woods tournament of all times) that was absolutely breathtaking and exhillerating until Woods drove to a thrilling finish in that tournament. I marveled at both men as they continued to drain unbelievable birdie shots one after the other. May, who almost beat Woods in that match, has fallen completely off the depth chart on the PGA tour. Woods has battled Vijay Singh and Sergio Garcia and may others, however no one on the tour has consistently routinely beaten Woods and probably never will.