OT: Tiger's Back

[chase07470]

Made a bet with a big Tiger fan, even though I don't like betting against him. He took 40-1 that he'll finish in the top 2 this week on a $5 bet. I took 8-1 that he'd finish in the bottom two on a $5 bet.

From what I'm seeing of that swing, it looks like neither will be right, I was thinking I was a lock until all the video started coming out.

Anyway, good to see him moving freely through the swing. Hope he doesn't get into the tournament and start cranking hard on the driver like he's known to do. His only hope of a healthy future is to swing long and smooth like we're seeing. Very doubtful we see short game issues, he's had time to groove his technique.

 

[MoobyCow]

I'm glad he's back, makes things interesting. As for the short game... I don't know. The list of guys who have recovered their putting stroke after losing it is pretty small.

 

[chase07470]

So, bogey free 65. Crisp, crisp round. He looks pain free. He also looks like he's finally learning how to smooth the driver. That driver has been the biggest nemesis in his game forever because he was always trying to get an extra ten - 15 yards out of it. Had to go to the stinger because he simply couldn't not go after it with the big stick. Crazy to think how his game improves if he suddenly, vastly improves the accuracy in the one area of his game that's dogged him.

Everything else is right there. The iron play is still spectacular and the putter looked as smooth and as good as it ever has. The short game was adequate but a lot of guys are struggling on that course with the heavy bermuda grain and those delicate pitches to uphill greens.

Exciting times ahead if Tiger can stay healthy and come back and beat the young bombers at 41.

 

[Abro1975]

First golf I've watched since the Ryder Cup. People watch Tiger, simple as that.

 

[jtung230]

85% of golf is between the ears. Wonder if going back to a Scotty putter will him him mentally.

 

[AshSaturday]

I'm of opinion Tiger messed up his back, knees and all scr*wing so many women. Also seemed lost without his father. I bet you I'm right. One of the most dominant athletes of his time when he was good.

 

[zappaa]

Who is Tiger's swing coach at the moment, he may be without one.

Chris Como is out!

 

[soundcrib]

He's still with Chris Como.

 

[FanuSanu52]

I started reading this and earnestly thought you were talking about Clemson jumping Ohio State until about halfway through.

 

[AreYouNUTS]

First golf I've watched since the Ryder Cup. People watch Tiger, simple as that.

As a "casual" fan I've watched much more golf - much more - since Tiger began to fade. Much more interesting, IMHO, especially since they stopped showing his every freakin' swing when he was nowhere near the leader board.

 

[DHajekRC84]

No great fan of either but lots of respect. Dare I say the NFL is better with those damn Cowboys playing well and golf is with Tiger back (?) as well.

 

[jtung230]

Golf needs Tiger. Rounds played, viewership and equipment sales are all way down.

 

[mildone]

What is this "golf" thing you guy are talking about?

 

[Knightmoves]

Will be interesting to see if he can finish strong this weekend, especially if his back can hold up playing 4 days in a row.

I still think that the chip yips are something that are always lurking in the background, even for tour players who have suffered from them. Since Tiger is also fighting the driver yips he has lots of demons to overcome, along with having a bad back.

A good finish this weekend will offer hope for Tiger in 2017, but will not be an indication that he has returned to being a top contender on tour IMO. His game and health are too fragile to compete against the top players in the world week after week until he proves it over an entire season.