Sick of Tiger

[Chambokl]

You guys have to realize that it is not Tiger's fault or the media itself. It is all of our fault. I bet you the # of viewers is a lot higher when Tiger plays. I hope you guys know why the rating are higher, people will watch TV when Tiger is on it.

Why do you think the golf channel paid so much for their TV contract.

Tomorrow, we will all go to work and at lunch mention that Troy Matteson is leading the Buick Invitational and 95% of the golfers will ask you "How is Tiger doing"?. That is just how it is and the money for the Golf Channel is with Tiger. Believe me, if they could, the Golf Channel would had sign a contract that they would only televised tournament when Tiger is playing.

Football rating are going through the roof when Brady and the Pats are playing.

Tiger is the King and we better get use to it because that is how it is going to be all summer.

[Skiddlydidly]

I agree. Even though I'm a big fan of his, and I know that Tiger is the top dog and the big money maker for the tour, it feels like we're following a one-man tour sometimes.

I'm usually more inclined to watch tournaments when Tiger's not in the field. It's just more interesting to watch different players, compare thier styles and swings and so forth. Also, when Tiger's really on his game, he makes few mistakes, which makes for boring golf to watch.

[Kilroy]

Tiger gets in lots of funky spots. He is a majician at recovering. That is not boring.

Too much Tiger? Perhaps, but I am glad to be able to witness his play.

[Colby]

Do you think that you'd be watching golf on a 24/7 Golf only channel or playing as many new courses or have the variety in equipment that we have today without Tiger's influence?

I don't watch the golf channel 24/7, or hardly at all for that matter, and I rarely watch a tournament because all I hear is Tiger this and Tiger that, even when he is not playing.

Golf courses existed long before Tiger, and some very good ones I might add, and they will continue to exist after Tiger is gone.

Personally I think he has done as much damage as good for the game. Where the game used to be about skill and shaping the ball around some beautiful courses, now it is a rip and grip game that has eliminated some beautiful courses from being played on the PGA Tour. Also, almost any event that Tiger is not in has been relegated to B status and is treated as such. Some of these events are having difficulty in finding sponsers willing the shell out the big dollers required to host a tournament and have fallen by the wayside.

His public relations image is a shame in my opinion. Whether this is his doing or his handlers I cannot say, but when Mike Weir is told not to sign pictures of Tiger putting the Green Jacket on him after his Master's win, there is something wrong. Also I have seen Tiger at two tournaments, one of them marshelling in his group, and he is a jerk before and after the rounds.

He may be the best golfer ever, but I really wish it was someone deserving of the honour.

[3Jack]

Having been up close with Weir on three occassions last summer, I must say that he isn't exactly sugar and spice with the fans either... there are lots of guys who'd you expect to be engaging with the fans, who aren't, and those who surprisingly are engaging.

But, I have rationalized it like this: I'm rather unapproachable when I'm in the middle of doing my job - at least when I'm doing it effectively. Some people can only get the job done using a certian mindset / approach, and if that means they have to block out distractions before, during, and even after their round, then that's what they've gotta do.

And regarding pre and post round jerkiness, it may be that he's sick of the professional autograph hounds who intentionally run over kids and old ladies in their effort to have their two dozen copies of Raising a Tiger signed. It's unfortunate, but doodes like that spoil the fun for the rest of us.

[justsomeguy]

Isn't that the wonderful thing about a democratic society?

But seriously, ever since Bobby Clampett came out of college way back when, the media have been searching for the "Next Nicklaus". If Tiger had never materialized, it would probably have been Mickelson, or Els, or someone else. Media and corporations will hitch their wagon to any passing star, and ride the hell out of it till it burns out.

Mickelson maybe, but not Ernie Els. When it comes to media coverage, Ernie is missing that essential ingrediant that Tiger has...

...Tiger Woods is an American.

Every society loves their heroes, but American culture and American media (and especially the American sports media) take hero worship waaaay beyond anyone else. The "superman" image is an ingrained part of their culture. Tiger Woods is good-looking, physically fit, intelligent, articulate and has an entertaining style of play. As the directors in Hollywood would say: "the camera loves him". And he comes from "humble" beginnings to boot.

If Tiger Woods was just as good and just as dominant as he is today - but from Switzerland (a la Roger Federer) - you would not see the same media hype.

[Colby]

Having been up close with Weir on three occassions last summer, I must say that he isn't exactly sugar and spice with the fans either... there are lots of guys who'd you expect to be engaging with the fans, who aren't, and those who surprisingly are engaging.

But, I have rationalized it like this: I'm rather unapproachable when I'm in the middle of doing my job - at least when I'm doing it effectively. Some people can only get the job done using a certian mindset / approach, and if that means they have to block out distractions before, during, and even after their round, then that's what they've gotta do.

And regarding pre and post round jerkiness, it may be that he's sick of the professional autograph hounds who intentionally run over kids and old ladies in their effort to have their two dozen copies of Raising a Tiger signed. It's unfortunate, but doodes like that spoil the fun for the rest of us.

That's why I specifically mentioned before and after the round. During the round, I could care less how the fans are treated, these guys are working. But walking off the practice green an hour after the round and walking by adoring kids without acknowledging them is crappy given his image that the TV gives Tiger. I've never seen Weir personally, so I can't comment on that, but I have seen Tiger escorting hime from driving range to practice green and through 18 holes for four days. It's pretty bad when I overheard one of the marshalls at a charity event tell the kids that Tiger has already signed his one autograph for the day.

[mberube]

I was playing golf long before Tiger came on the scene, and would be golfing and talking on this forum if he had never appeared. We don't need Tiger except to fuel these endless series of discussions.

You have to admit that most members here have started the game only since Tiger is on the prowl.

Mike

[Baxter]

Give me Tiger and more Tiger - I love watching him....It's not fair to the rest of players and thier fans but when they start bring in the money like Tiger does they will on TV more......Win Baby Win - just like Tiger....

[mberube]

I must admit that I love the tiger coverage. I’m crazy about golf because of Tiger. I have started playing 12 years ago when Tiger fever started. I watch tournaments only when Tiger plays with a couple of exceptions (Majors, MikeW in contention, Villegas and a couple of other young guns.). Other then that I feel that there is no excitement, nothing out of the ordinary happening.

Mike

[3Jack]

I must admit that I love the tiger coverage. I’m crazy about golf because of Tiger. I have started playing 12 years ago when Tiger fever started. I watch tournaments only when Tiger plays with a couple of exceptions (Majors, MikeW in contention, Villegas and a couple of other young guns.). Other then that I feel that there is no excitement, nothing out of the ordinary happening.

Mike

I second your post Mike, I'm the same way. Watching golf when Tiger isn't playing, or if Weir isn't in contention isn't that engaging.

[3Jack]

That's why I specifically mentioned before and after the round. During the round, I could care less how the fans are treated, these guys are working. But walking off the practice green an hour after the round and walking by adoring kids without acknowledging them is crappy given his image that the TV gives Tiger. I've never seen Weir personally, so I can't comment on that, but I have seen Tiger escorting hime from driving range to practice green and through 18 holes for four days. It's pretty bad when I overheard one of the marshalls at a charity event tell the kids that Tiger has already signed his one autograph for the day.

And that's why I specifically addressed before and after round issues. I saw the same thing regarding Tiger at the President's Cup - I can't argue with you there regarding zooming off on a cart as soon as his round was done, but I can't blame him to be honest, considering all the professional autograph hounds that were weaseling their way to the front of the crowd to get Jack to sign memorabilia that you just knew was going to be on ebay the next day.

[mberube]

His public relations image is a shame in my opinion. Whether this is his doing or his handlers I cannot say, but when Mike Weir is told not to sign pictures of Tiger putting the Green Jacket on him after his Master's win, there is something wrong. Also I have seen Tiger at two tournaments, one of them marshelling in his group, and he is a jerk before and after the rounds.

He may be the best golfer ever, but I really wish it was someone deserving of the honour.

I can’t blame him or any other athlete who react the same way. Unless we can live one day in their shoes we have no clue what it feels like. Fans are annoying. At the Rider cup in MTL fans always had something to say or to ask the players like Tiger, Mike, Els…. They all react the same way. They say thanks or nod their head but they all have a F*O* face. I gather it must be extremely annoying. Fans can’t just sit there, watch the player and acknowledge by clapping their hands. They always manage to say something stupid. I found most of the fans around annoying imagine them? The fact is that they don’t know the fans and they just don’t care.

[NoBack]

You have to admit that most members here have started the game only since Tiger is on the prowl.

Mike

let's see what your poll brings out, although I suspect alot of the "older" crowd does more looking than posting.

[NoBack]

I second your post Mike, I'm the same way. Watching golf when Tiger isn't playing, or if Weir isn't in contention isn't that engaging.

So a tournament with VJ, Phil, Garcia, Furyk, Weir, Ames and all those young guns, does not interest you guys?

[mberube]

let's see what your poll brings out, although I suspect alot of the "older" crowd does more looking than posting.

I’m just curious. The poll will not prove anything unless every active member participates. Very doubtful…

[mberube]

So a tournament with VJ, Phil, Garcia, Furyk, Weir, Ames and all those young guns, does not interest you guys?

When VJ, Phil, Garcia, Furyk, Weir, Ames and all those young guns are there, tiger is also there.

[NoBack]

I’m just curious. The poll will not prove anything unless every active member participates. Very doubtful…

Your right on this one.
I have lots of friends who have golfed for way more than 12 years and come in here as visitors but do NOT post at all. The Cat is the best golfer today (no not the best ever - there are other threads about this discussion). But he did not invent the game, and we would still be playing if he was NOT in the picture.

[Kilroy]

I know I'd be playing without Tiger on the scene. I watched him win the US amature in the clubhouse after a round. I had never heard of him before but he definately got my attention that day. Greg Norman was # 1 and Balata balls were popular!

[Hacker]

I know I'd be playing without Tiger on the scene. I watched him win the US amature in the clubhouse after a round. I had never heard of him before but he definately got my attention that day. Greg Norman was # 1 and Balata balls were popular!

Ah Yes, The Shark!! My second favorite golfer of all time

[quinner]

I personally agree that they do talk about Tiger too much. But personally I would rather here about Tiger than listen to how much Daly eats and drinks, and how Wie's parents are hurting her career. Like I want to hear about a professional golfers problems, I have my own and I watch golf so I don't have to think about them. I don't have any sympathy for professional athletes with problems; the entire world is there for them to have and if they manage to #$*@ it up, that's just too bad!!!

Sorry had a Billy Madison - Will Ferrel moment there.

[BC MIST]

I just can't get my feeble brain wrapped around the fact that this is a golf forum yet so many people constantly attack the man who has single handedly elevated this sport to the level of popularity that it enjoys today.

Tiger has contributed his share but the one who did what you stated above was Arnold Palmer. No one elevated the game more, at the time, than Arnie did.

[dH]

Being a huge tiger fan I like the extensive coverage. Seriously how about someone steps the heck up and then they'll be talked about...

[Kilroy]

Good point dH.

Rory? Are you listening? Or just talking?

[LobWedge]

IMO, the huge amount of media attention that is being heaped on Tiger is doing more harm than good to golf. He's #1, and I agree that he deserves the attention that #1's are supposed to get, but the proportion is way out of whack. Pro golf is made up of many more wonderfully talented players than just Tiger.

What happens if Tiger goes on to break Jack's record, and then suddenly decides to pull a Jim Brown, or Barry Sanders, and hang 'em up in his prime? Maybe he wants to spend more time with his family. Maybe he's tired of the grind. Maybe he's got nothing more to prove. He's got more money than God, so he'll never have to worry about that. The media and golf will be in a world of hurt if that day comes, and they're not ready for it.

Ask any proctologist, he'll tell you that no matter how important the head is, you need to pay attention to the "back end" too.

[DLIII]

Is anyone else sick of seeing Tiger already? It's his first event and he's all they talk about on the Golf Channel! "2 Weeks of Tiger". I have the utmost respect for him and it would be a dream to play a round of golf with him, I'd settle for following him while he golfs, but come on. Enough already. There must be other stories.
Oh well, just had to vent.

I don't think so. The truth is no one cares about the other players on tour. I mean jeez Phil Mickelson. How many stories can you read about his 'fitness' routine. or WIll Mackenzie snow boarding. .Big yawn. Golf News is boring. Always has been, always will be.

[DLIII]

Tiger has contributed his share but the one who did what you stated above was Arnold Palmer. No one elevated the game more, at the time, than Arnie did.

I agree BC, but you did say at the time. Arnold is an incredible icon in the game. He's still a superb pitchman if you're selling something.

However, If you compare apples to apples. With a combination of a strong political environment, expanded media coverage, a growning asian economy and a superb representitive in Tiger Woods. The game has experienced a growth like it may never see again.

[jonf]

I don't think so. The truth is no one cares about the other players on tour. I mean jeez Phil Mickelson. How many stories can you read about his 'fitness' routine. or WIll Mackenzie snow boarding. .Big yawn. Golf News is boring. Always has been, always will be.

I don't think it's that people want to hear more news about other players. It's just that they want to actually see people other than Tiger hit their shots. He's not the only guy on the course. I mean, we know they're going to talk about him the entire time. Could they at least show the other players shots? He's not the only guy on the course, even if he is the only one worth talking about.

[Andru]

I don't think it's that people want to hear more news about other players. It's just that they want to actually see people other than Tiger hit their shots. He's not the only guy on the course. I mean, we know they're going to talk about him the entire time. Could they at least show the other players shots? He's not the only guy on the course, even if he is the only one worth talking about.

Well I watched today and they followed Stewart Cink, Joe Durant, Tiger Woods, Ryuji Imada and Phil Mickelson.

It's not easy having a camera crew everywhere on the course. Here's the thing. they usually have some stationary cameras s on the back nine. and two portable crews. one of the crews followed Mickelson the other the final group.

In a tournament like this where the most watched golfer in the world is dominating the field. What else is there to show? They showed some of the decent shots. Like Rory's putt etc. I'm not sure what the answer is but showing joe shmo putt out for 51st is less interesting than watching a cool swing-vision segment of Tiger's tee shot, but that's just me.

[pheenster]

I can’t blame him or any other athlete who react the same way. Unless we can live one day in their shoes we have no clue what it feels like. Fans are annoying. At the Rider cup in MTL fans always had something to say or to ask the players like Tiger, Mike, Els…. They all react the same way. They say thanks or nod their head but they all have a F*O* face. I gather it must be extremely annoying. Fans can’t just sit there, watch the player and acknowledge by clapping their hands. They always manage to say something stupid. I found most of the fans around annoying imagine them? The fact is that they don’t know the fans and they just don’t care.

The fans are who make their entire lifestyle (huge paycheques, private jets, smoking hot significant others, etc., etc.) possible. Without the fans and the TV ratings they generate, they're just guys who can hit a little ball better than the rest of us.