OT: Masters Final Round
Sunday at Augusta has come, and hopefully can match yesterdays drama. As a Tiger fan, and a Phil hater, yesterday was a tough day to watch at times. For the first time in months we will see Tiger wearing red, and hopefully for the first time in years we will be seeing him wearing green also.
Normally I wouldn't have a dog in this fight, but since everyone's reasons for wanting Tiger to lose are so irrational, I'll be cheering for him today.
I would love to see Tiger come out and shoot a 65 to win the green jacket and shut everybody up (outside of the golf media that is). However, as much as it pains me to say this, I think Phil will be just good enough to win. With that said, I'm really just hoping for the fireworks moving day brought!
Why would a Tiger victory "shut everyone up"? No one doubts his ability to play golf. That's not what the criticism is about.
who is rooting against Tiger solely because of his infidelities would realize that he's still the same golfer and person he always was and they are wasting their energy.
You seem to be operating under the assumption that Tiger's critics are all golf fans looking to throw him off his game. I think the people most disgusted by his actions are those who don't care about golf and aren't going to be swayed by the fact that he won a tournament.
Maybe I just don't want them to have the satisfaction then. I understand being disgusted with his actions, but for me an athlete is an entertainer and nothing more. If they happen to be a good guy, hey that's a plus, but that's not why I watch.
April 12th, 2010 at 10:59 AM ^
I think it is going to be an interesting test to see if one of the things that made Tiger what he was on the golf course was his conduct off the course. I hope he returns to his former self inside the ropes b/c golf is much better with him on the leaderboard than without him.
That being said. I dont believe the media cares if he patches things up with his wife or not. They would prefer him tagging every cocktail waitress in town if that means he in the hunt on Sundays for the ratings.
What made me laugh the most is the commentary between Faldo and Nantz about Tiger's conduct. That with Nantz paying his wife $72 grand a month in spousal support till she gets remarried or dies and Faldo who's had his fair share of mistresses, one famously beating his Porsche 959 with a golf club.
Wouldn't mind seeing Tiger win for same rationale as uofmfootball97.
I don't see Phil winning. With Tiger playing in front of him, I could see that getting in his head. If Tiger doesn't win though, KJ Choi or Lee Westwood would be fun to see. Both have never won a major, both are extremely good players at times. Plus, I've been watching Choi all week, so seeing him win would be cool in that sense.
a "Phil hater". Seems like a decent guy, what is it about him that you "hate"?
Btw, I love to watch Tiger as well. I don't "hate" either of those guys. They are both great golfers and have created some memorable moments in recent golf history (Tiger moreso than Phil, obviously).
As a big Tiger fan, I hate all of Tiger's closest competitors. So with Phil consistently challenging Tiger, and combine that with the fact the two don't get along. It creates a strong disliking for Phil, although he does seem like a genuine nice fellow.
FWIW, Phil was voted the eighth most hated athlete in sports by GQ a couple years ago. Just stating this factually, as I have no opinion on him whatsoever.
I don't see how anyone could be a Phil Mickelson hater. He is one of the nicest guys on the tour. He has been through as much personal trouble as Tiger or anyone else has over the past year with his wife and mother-in-law battling cancer. I would love to see him go out and win this tournament. Tiger has had a rough start so far and he needs to get it going to make up the 5 stroke deficit.
I really hope he will be in true form and put himself in position to win today. But I think at this point it's anyone's game.
I think Westwood is going to drop. He had such a good game yesterday and being at the top of the board for two days will take its toll on him mentally as he has Phil and Tiger breathing down his neck. Phil and KJ Choi will be competitive with Tiger as well and remain atop the Leaderboard with him.
I'm just excited as can be for a good round of golf today. Whoever wins is good in my book. I could care less as long as everyone stays competitive.
I have no problem rooting for both Tiger and Phil, but I would really like to see KJ win it. He has quietly and consistently put together a wonderful tournament. He has went shot for shot with Tiger each day, but has not received much publicity because of his quiet demeanor. Go KJ Choi.
I'm a Tiger fan, but he still hasn't won a major when trailing after 54 holes, right?
there's always a first time for everything
The gap is too far for Tiger to make up. As much as I would like to see him win (what a great story that would be), I believe the winner will come out of the Westwood/Phil pairing. Those guys have experience and know how to play that course. They wont come back too far. And Tiger wont make enough birdies without sprinkling in his fair share of bogies too.
It will be close but in the end, the gap will just enough for Phil or Westwood to hang-on for victory.
I think you underestimate the choke-ability of a player such as Phil and any player not named Tiger.
Golf is a funny sport, played over four days, the champion of the first three days is usually not the champion on the fourth day.
Tiger has never been a big come-from-behind guy (especially in the Majors) and his putting has been pretty bad this week. Phil used to be a major choke artist but he has won 3 Majors (two at Augusta) and I expect him to win with a total of -14. Westwood will shoot an even par round to finish at -12. Tiger will get to -10 or -11, but never seriously threaten.
BOOK IT!...or should I say RABACK IT!
I'm hoping Tiger lights it up early and we get to see a duel.
Does Westwood really have that much experience being in contention on Sunday in majors? I know the announcers mentioned last year there were a couple majors that he had a chance to win.
I know he's been around for a while but I just don't recall him beening a regular fixture on the leaderboard on sundays at majors - especially compared to Mickelson and Tiger.
Westwood/Mickelson pairing: isn't there some stat that shows in recent history (10 yrs or so) the amount of time the winner of the Masters comes from the final pairing is really high?
Would definitely be towards the very top of the "best golfer to not have won a major" list. Three top 3's in just the last 2 years. He's about due, we'll see if the nerves hold.
If he can get an eagle at 2, and not take more than 1 or 2 bogeys today, we could witness the best final round of the Master's ever.
Fireworks today, I just have a feeling.
I think televised golf is ruined for me for the near future. It's way too awkward listening to the announcers try to dance around Tiger's sex with lots and lots of random chicks.
I watched for about 5 minutes and heard three separate references.
If Tiger wins... he will get soooo much ass
I'm a Tiger fan and would like to see him succeed as well. If it is not Tiger, I am a huge Fred Couples fan as well. I don't wear gloves when I play golf like Freddie. I would like to see anyone other than Lefty win it.
not looking good for Eldrick
Well Tiger is done. Unless Phil and Lee fade, Tiger would have to pull off some crazy shit to have any shot.
Tiger is just imploding. I guess I was wrong. Westwood and Phil continue to play well and Tiger continues to take himself out of it.
He did it with smoke and mirrors (and sheer will power) the first two/three rounds. But you can't take that much time off and not have it effect you. Eventually in a 4 round golf tournament - especially on a course as hard as Augusta National - the rust will show up, i.e the flaws in your game will show up.
I expect this loss to fuel him the rest of the year though. This loss will stay with him and fuel a charge that will lead Tiger to atleast 1 major this year.... maybe 2. Unfortunately, one of those won't be The Masters.
After that eagle I dunno, he is playing with house money now. Hopefully he comes out aggressive and everything clicks.
But unfortunately I don't see it. He is fighting his swing too much.
Hope you are right though.
Ryan Moore's outfit is unbelievable. Clutch cardigan.
Although I like some more than others, I don't hate anyone out there. I am partial to seeing Americans win majors, though. I hope Phil wins; it would be a nice story and he is the only American out there with a very good chance. It is probably too much to expect Tiger to win, even if he gets hot on the back nine.
The Euros hate us so much that I really won't be too happy if Westwood wins, but Choi would be an alternative that I could stomach.
I dont understand how you can hate a golfer. They don't carry the same history teams do. While I like some golfers better than others, it's hard for me to see how any one golfer has done anything so bad as to elicit the same kind of emotions I have for OSU and ND.
i don't understand how someone can root for woods. there is no denying his talent but his character is another matter. you shouldn't be able to treat people (spouse, family, the press) like crap and bask in the glory of victory. it would be like rooting for usc and kiffen to win the nc.
How about Anthony Kim slowly working his way up to 11 under. Less than 9 holes to play and this tournament is getting tight.
I think Choi will win it. Probably in a playoff against Mickelson.
EDIT: or not.
That's the tournament there. What a shot by Phil to end it most likely. The only thing that is keeping me from hysterics is Phil beat a rusty Tiger. I mean Tiger is 1 under and playing horrid.
EDIT: Short eagle miss by Phil, I guess that gives the field a glimmer of hope.
He can choke this away no problem, as I type this Woods 3 putts from 5 feet. I still think this tournament is wide open. Don't count out Westwood.
Wow, what a shot by Phil!
That is so Mickelson. Nails the ridiculous approach and blows the eagle putt.
Come on Phil, fight the urge to Phil-Mickelson this thing.
Tiger misses a two footer after missing a birdie putt. That's a shame.
I don't have a burning hatred for Tiger for doing what 60% of professional athletes do.
Having said that, it's nice for him to get a shot of humility by blowing a gimme because he's too frustrated to take the extra 5 seconds necessary to make sure he hits it. And probably cost himself $50K or more, not that he cares.
Edit: and then he eagles 15. Tiger, you're a fucking idiot.
I've ever seen who can play like dog meat on a day like today and still finish top 5.
Isn't it just as irrational to be a Tiger lover (loaded phrase there) as a Tiger hater? Or for that matter, a Phil hater (or lover...or anyone else)? I mean, with no real local ties or connections, generally, aren't you just rooting for who you like, for all the arbitary reasons you root for someone/thing?
In any regard, I think Tiger should go all Hollywood Hogan WWF/WWE style as the American hero turned baddie. Sports loves and needs villains. Pistons/Bulls. Yankees. The evil out of Columbus. Tiger shouldn't be the Dallas Cowboys, loved or hated...he should be the Raiders. Sell more Nike gear. And unveil it by ripping off his red polo and showing himself in all black underneath. He could even grow some black pencil stubble. It's not like his attitude and personality was all charm and sugar beforehand...he was MADE to be the guy everyone loves to hate!
Great win by Phil. Nice to see his wife there after his victory. If Tiger had won, would his wife be there?
I think it was stated before the tournament that she wasn't going to be there, regardless of what happened. I might be wrong on this though.
Yes, hail2mich, it was great to see Phil's wife there. So why ruin the moment by finding an bad place to mention Tiger's troubles?
This tournament was ultimately about Phil and was a nice victory for him. Neither Phil nor his wife have anything to do with Tiger. I am glad Phil won; the way he did it was indeed "masterful," and should go a long way toward shutting up those who still see him as "Chokelson."
He hit a lot of great shots under pressure, and kept his "Phil moments" from ruining his round. It would take too long to explain, but this might be the best victory of his career, and might take him to another level, though the increment may be small.
Congratulations to Phil, and continued good luck to both his wife and his mom in their fight.