That was the sentiment expressed by one fan at Augusta National yesterday, as Tiger Woods battled through a tough third round. It was a visceral reaction, on a moving day that featured a brilliant display of Mickelson magic and nearly relegated Mr. Woods to final round irrelevance.
The Woods-Mickelson dream rivalry of the past decade has not always lived up to expectations but it tends to shine through brilliantly at opportune times and yesterday was certainly one of those. As a result, a thrilling final round is expected today.
There are a number of other players in contention and they have several fascinating stories among them. For example Lee Westwood, seeking the breakthrough major that's eluded him for so long, is leading by one as the final round begins, and Fred Couples has a chance at becoming the oldest player to ever win the Masters (not to mention the only one to win without wearing socks).
There's been some brilliant golf on display and it's succeeded in mitigating the anticipated "circus atmosphere" to an extent some thought wouldn't be possible. Expect that to continue today as "great players continue to do great things."
However, the message that should be taken away regardless of who wins... is that the majority of golf fans... avid and casual... don't want to see Tiger Woods punished. Some, like the fan I quoted in the title of this post, actually see Tiger as a victim. They would see a Woods victory as a vindication. Most however, are simply pulling for their favorite player... be it Tiger or Phil or one of the other extraordinarily talented contenders... and looking forward to watching the best players in the world play spectacular golf on a beautiful Masters Sunday.
Photo:Jamie Squire/Getty North America
None of my players are in the hunt, but I'm looking forward to watching today, and I think that has something to do with Tiger.
ReplyDeleteLet's face it, everything was heightened with Tiger returning and playing the way he did. The whole thing was so much bigger than it would have been without him. I don't think there are many guys on the tour who don't want him back.
ReplyDeleteI think it would be quite satisfying if Cheetah Woods fell flat on his lying face.
ReplyDeleteI think it would be quite satisfying if Cheetah Woods fell flat on his lying face.
ReplyDeleteNo need to repeat it Anon, we heard you the first time. No matter what Tiger does today at Augusta today I think it's fair to say he's proved himself with this comeback and probably dissipated a good bit of the negativity. Remember, many in the media were predicting he might not even make the cut, and his own goal was to be in contention going into Sunday.
ReplyDeleteMr. Woods definitely adds some electricity to the tourney, but there have been some INCREDIBLE shots from all lots of players. I hope some folks realize that Mr. Woods isn't the only one that makes golf exciting.
ReplyDeleteI'm not rooting for a "W" for Mr. Woods, but I wouldn't have been cheering for him even if the past several months hadn't happened. I have other players that are my faves. But I still want to see him play.
"I hope Tiger loses so they can give someone else some much deserved attention".
ReplyDeleteEnough about him, there's more to golf than this one guy.