Why Tiger Woods will win the Masters

[KSB2424 3,088]

No, he’s not playing his best right now, although he isn’t playing quite as poorly as some pundits would have you believe. Facts are facts: Tiger Woods hasn’t won a tournament of any kind since November of 2009 and hasn’t won a major since the U.S. Open in 2008. This is Augusta National, and Tiger always plays well here. His first Masters as a professional came in 1997. He has won the tournament four times. But just for fun, let’s not count those wins. Not including his four championships, Woods has an average finish of just better than ninth at Augusta.

 

In 2010, the Masters was the first tournament Woods played in since his Thanksgiving 2009 car accident. In a matter of hours, Woods went from the world’s best golfer and maybe the world’s most identifiable athlete (certainly America’s) to a popular punchline. Although Tiger hadn’t played competitively in more than four months, he managed to finish tied for fourth. He has played more in the last year—his game is sharper now.

 

No, he is not performing up to his high standards, but we’ve seen this before.Gary Player won the Masters in 1978 at 42 years old. He hadn’t won a major or anything else on tour since 1974. Jack Nicklaus was 46 in 1986 when he won the Masters. He hadn’t won a major since 1980 and had only won two tournaments in the subsequent years. But to find the greatest parallel, we need to look back only one year. Phil Mickelson won the 2010 Masters despite not playing particularly strong that season. The Masters was the only tournament Mickelson won in 2010. That was the first season since 2003 where Mickelson failed to win multiple tournaments. Although he had won eight tournaments, he hadn’t won a major since the 2006 Masters.

 

The other significant parallel is the off-course problems of both Mickelson and Woods. No, the problems aren’t the same. Mickelson’s wife and mother were diagnosed with breast cancer while Woods had his extra-marital affairs become public knowledge. Mickelson is definitely the more sympathetic character, but golf was not the first thing on his mind—just like it’s not the first thing on Woods’ mind. Player, Nicklaus, Mickelson and Woods all have won thing in common: They have all enjoyed great success at Augusta. It brings out something special in all of them. It’s something that can’t be explained with statistics, but it’s there.

 

People who play well at Augusta once frequently do so for their entire careers. Through 2010, 74 Masters have been played. Sixteen players have won at least two Green Jackets, and those 16 players account for 45 of the 74 championships. During last weekend’s Shell Houston Open, NBC color man Johnny Miller labeled Mickelson the favorite to win the Masters. Mickelson is certainly on a short list—he looked great in winning his first tournament since the 2010 Masters.

 

For the first time since right before the 1997 Masters, Mickelson is ranked ahead of Woods in the world rankings. Does anyone remember what happened there? Also, remember that this is not the first time that we have seen Woods struggle to win majors. After winning in 1997, Woods wouldn't win another major until the 1999 PGA Championship, a period of 10 majors. After faltering at the 2000 Masters, Woods won the next four majors, completing the "Tiger Slam."

 

After winning the 2002 U.S. Open, Woods did not win a major until the 2005 Masters—again, a period of 10 majors. The 2005 Masters was the first of two majors that Woods would win in 2005—he won two majors again in 2006. Now, here we are, and 10 majors have been played since Tiger's last major victory. Granted, he has only played in eight, as he missed the final two majors of 2008 with a knee injury. Augusta is a tough course, but it is a place where struggling great players can find their game and win—it has happened before.

 

We will never see the era of 2000-2002 again. In those years, if Tiger was in the tournament, the only fair bet was him against the entire field. There are too many young, talented players now that weren't around then.

 

That doesn't mean that Tiger is not a good bet. He is indeed the best bet, and will be for quite some time.

 

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/653895-the-2011-masters-why-tiger-woods-is-still-the-favorite

 

[NewbieJr 541]

Well, the law of averages say that eventually this douchbag is going to finally win a tournement. Hell, it's his second season since all that went down. How many golfers have won PGA events since he last did? He's going to win just by luck one of these times.

[cbfalcon 824]

The article is stupid..

 

But sure, Tiger could win this week. He'd definitely amongst my 5 favorites.

[cyclone24 1,838]

This would actually be more believable if the topic read :Why KSB will win the Masters.

:thumbsdown:

[420allstars 13]

He is just plain due for a win, and hopfully he is back gang banging porn stars and not caring what the rest of us think!! thats what he needs to get on his game

[NewbieJr 541]

This would actually be more believable if the topic read :Why KSB will finally throat Tiger's meat at the Masters.

:thumbsdown:

Fixed it for ya

[Yer mom 2]

and hopfully he is back gang banging porn stars and not caring what the rest of us think!! thats what he needs to get on his game

 

Yep. The sooner he accepts his "tiger stripes" and gets comfortable in his skin again he'll return to his throne as king of the golf jungle.

 

Sure he's hated, but golf also completely sucks without him playing well.

[Cruzer 1,993]

Based on how poorly his short game and putting have been, I give him Zero shot.

[WhiteWonder 2,249]

Sure he's hated, but golf also completely sucks without him playing well.

 

this is only true if you're a casual fan.

 

 

 

 

As for Tiger winning, the "he is due" arguement is hilarious. That might be true if his game was even close to being in shape. It's awful right now.

 

Could he magically pull it all together this week? Yes but it will be because his changes have clicked, not just because its been 2+ years.

 

 

 

Phil has to be the favorite after his weekend performance last week. He could be playing ho-hum and be a favorite, as Augusta spark him. But coming off last week, he has to have supreme confidence in his game.

 

Other guys I like this week include: Bubba Watson, Hunter Mahan, Justin Rose, Aaron Baddeley, Ian Poulter, Rickey Barnes and...... Jose Maria

[Yer mom 2]

this is only true if you're a casual fan.

 

True. The problem for me is even though I really like guys like Ernie Els, Olazabal, Vijay and others, I will only root Red, White and Blue. Having to watch a slow paced sport and pull for a Michelson or a Johnson who dont bring the swagger I would want to hold my attention? Just gimme a purse and show me a cack and ill get right on that.

 

Tiger is golfs alpha male, thats the motherfockin American im pulling for

[drobeski 3,061]

I hope he wins, dont really give a fock what he did in his personal life. When he is on, he is great to watch.

[cbfalcon 824]

I'm in the group that says Tigers problem is putting. Even if he isn't hitting it his best, he can work his way around that course well enough to contend.

 

And sure, he could have a hot week with the putter. It'd be lucky, but it could happen.

[KSB2424 3,088]

I'll take Tiger, Graeme McDowell, Dustin Johnson, and Fred Couples (only because I can't root against him). I'll let anyone of you schmucks pick six to my four. 1 month sig bet.

 

Tiger MutherFocking Woods Ya'll!@#!

[cbfalcon 824]

I'll take Tiger, Graeme McDowell, Dustin Johnson, and Fred Couples (only because I can't root against him). I'll let anyone of you schmucks pick six to my four. 1 month sig bet.

 

Tiger MutherFocking Woods Ya'll!@#!

 

I can't see how Dustin Johnson doesn't end up with at least 2 Masters titles in the next 10 years.

 

I don't care about sig bets, but I like Phil, Dustin, and Rory. McDowell doesn't strike me as a Masters champion. Freddie is a safe top 20 guy, but he has zero chance to win.

[WhiteWonder 2,249]

I'll take Tiger, Graeme McDowell, Dustin Johnson, and Fred Couples (only because I can't root against him). I'll let anyone of you schmucks pick six to my four. 1 month sig bet.

 

Tiger MutherFocking Woods Ya'll!@#!

 

after Phil, DJ is my fav golfer on tour. But i'll take a sig bet for shiots and giggles.

 

 

Phil, Bubba Watson, Hunter Mahan, Ian Poulter, Justin Rose, Aaron Baddeley.

[crackattack 513]

I bet he wont.

[KSB2424 3,088]

after Phil, DJ is my fav golfer on tour. But i'll take a sig bet for shiots and giggles.

 

 

Phil, Bubba Watson, Hunter Mahan, Ian Poulter, Justin Rose, Aaron Baddeley.

Done.

 

Not who finishes higher, but to win. If none of the picked golfers wins, it's a push.

[dain11279 935]

I just don't see it happening. When he's went through swing changes in the past he was at least contending and maybe even winning a tourney or 2. Dude hasn't seriously contended on a Sunday since he came back from all the off-course sh!t. Even the two 4th place finishes he had in majors last year he was never in the mix on the back nine. I still for the life of me don't understand why he changed his chipping and putting stroke. He's prolly the greatest short game player ever.

 

He'll prolly have a good round, maybe two. I predict somewhere around a 15-20th place finish. Maybe a top 10.

[listen2me 23 1,592]

Hope he at least lurks on the leader board.

 

Based on how he has played, I don't see a reason to give him much of a chance at actually winning though.

[cyclone24 1,838]

Now give some of these guys credit......its not just Tiger struggling.

 

Remember.....this newer group of guys grew up watching Tiger and molding their games, mindsets, etc after him. This isnt unlike the NBA after Magic and Larry came in......soon after the league as a whole got much much better.

 

But the tour is now chalked full of Tiger era come uppers who can flat out play....so i think its both....Tiger struggling and a good crop of talent that Tiger kinda created in a way.

 

Either way.....Tiger aint walking through that door fellas.

[KSB2424 3,088]

This is what kills me about this topic. Obviously when you get the best players in the world in a tournament trying to pick the ONE guy to win is difficult. The overwhelming odds are that you will be wrong. We can sit here and pick apart any golfer as to why he won't win. Thats the easy part.

 

Phil put together two great rounds last week and is the defending champ so he is the favoarite right? But do you really see him winning back to back tournaments and back to back Masters? Nah. Not going to happen. Doesn't pass the smell test. That would be like running the NCAA tournemet over again and UCONN still winning it.

 

So who else is there? Either the guys playing really good right now, Kuchar, Baddley, Donald, ect. are playing well, but they've never really won a Major before.

 

And alot of the guys that have won majors are not hot right now. Save for Phil.

 

You guys sit here and break down every detail to Tigers game. If you did that to every player we could find faults. The fact is that he notoriously does really well in Agusta. He's a full year removed since his 'comeback'. His on course 'demise' has been noted, but that's compared to old Tiger. Will he ever be the Tiger of old? No. But that doesn't mean he still can't get it done. Experience is what he has on his side now. This first major of 2011 is the best time as ever to make it happen.

[cyclone24 1,838]

This is what kills me about this topic. Obviously when you get the best players in the world in a tournament trying to pick the ONE guy to win is difficult. The overwhelming odds are that you will be wrong. We can sit here and pick apart any golfer as to why he won't win. Thats the easy part.

 

Phil put together two great rounds last week and is the defending champ so he is the favoarite right? But do you really see him winning back to back tournaments and back to back Masters? Nah. Not going to happen. Doesn't pass the smell test. That would be like running the NCAA tournemet over again and UCONN still winning it.

 

So who else is there? Either the guys playing really good right now, Kuchar, Baddley, Donald, ect. are playing well, but they've never really won a Major before.

 

And alot of the guys that have won majors are not hot right now. Save for Phil.

 

You guys sit here and break down every detail to Tigers game. If you did that to every player we could find faults. The fact is that he notoriously does really well in Agusta. He's a full year removed since his 'comeback'. His on course 'demise' has been noted, but that's compared to old Tiger. Will he ever be the Tiger of old? No. But that doesn't mean he still can't get it done. Experience is what he has on his side now. This first major of 2011 is the best time as ever to make it happen.

 

 

Fine can we at least say the hump that wins the par 3 tourney today for sure wont win the Masters?

 

 

Personally....i like the johnsons.....wait....that didnt come out right

 

Zach or Dustin. Zach has done it before and his game is built for the accuracy needed there. And Dustin is a heck of a player.

[porkbutt 873]

i'm pulling for tiger...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

...to tear his achilles and duff his tee shot on Hole 1

 

 

fock him

[Cruzer 1,993]

Now give some of these guys credit......its not just Tiger struggling.

 

Remember.....this newer group of guys grew up watching Tiger and molding their games, mindsets, etc after him. This isnt unlike the NBA after Magic and Larry came in......soon after the league as a whole got much much better.

 

But the tour is now chalked full of Tiger era come uppers who can flat out play....so i think its both....Tiger struggling and a good crop of talent that Tiger kinda created in a way.

Well, yes and no. We're still talking about Tiger Woods here, 35 year old Tiger Woods. Not 48 year old VJ Singh, not 42 year old Retief Goosen, not 41 year old Ernie Els, not 40 year old Phil Mickelson, not 44 year old Steve Striker, and not 40 year old Jim Furyk. Tiger, by all accounts, is the pretty much the same age as those carrying the torch now. Westwood, Donald, Casey, Kucher, Poulter, Watson, Mahan - all these guys are in their young to mid 30's too. I'm not certain any of these guys grew up watching Tiger - these guys grew up playing the same video games as Tiger. That being said, there is a movement (finally) towards a younger breed of star. The world's #1 is 26 years old - with Rory, Molinari, DJ, and Fowler also making huge splashes. Still though, this game is being dominated by those in Tiger's age range. On the golf world rankings list, 15 of the top 20 players are over 30, in two weeks Watney turns 30 so that number will go down to 4.

 

I am inclined to say it is more Tiger slipping than others stepping up and getting that much better. Why? Well, it's in the numbers............ We all agree somebody has to win - right? Wether it is Tiger, Goofy, or Mickey - somebody is going to be crowned the champion. But in looking at the numbers, nobody has really reached the level of 'old' Tiger. Scoring average has always been one of my favorite stats to view - we will use it for this purpose.

 

* From 1999 thru 2010, Tiger led the tour in SA all but 3 years.

* Average scores those years: 68.43, 67.79, 68.81, 68.56, 68.41, 68.66, 68.11, 67.79, 68.05

* Top leading tour scoring averages from years Tiger wasn't #1: 68.84, 69.12, 69.61.

 

Even in Tiger's highest year average where he finished #1 he bettered the very best of the tour in the year that number led. What does it mean? To me it means that even though others have taken over and are on top now, they did it with an extreme amount of help from the former #1. The Tiger of even 2009 was better than anything on the planet today.

[Cruzer 1,993]

Rory is still pissed off about getting snubbed for Rookie of the Year last year - is even boycotting the Players in May. Give me him to win a big one and say stick it to the PGA.

[WhiteWonder 2,249]

This is what kills me about this topic. Obviously when you get the best players in the world in a tournament trying to pick the ONE guy to win is difficult. The overwhelming odds are that you will be wrong. We can sit here and pick apart any golfer as to why he won't win. Thats the easy part.

 

Phil put together two great rounds last week and is the defending champ so he is the favoarite right? But do you really see him winning back to back tournaments and back to back Masters? Nah. Not going to happen. Doesn't pass the smell test. That would be like running the NCAA tournemet over again and UCONN still winning it.

 

So who else is there? Either the guys playing really good right now, Kuchar, Baddley, Donald, ect. are playing well, but they've never really won a Major before.

 

And alot of the guys that have won majors are not hot right now. Save for Phil.

 

You guys sit here and break down every detail to Tigers game. If you did that to every player we could find faults. The fact is that he notoriously does really well in Agusta. He's a full year removed since his 'comeback'. His on course 'demise' has been noted, but that's compared to old Tiger. Will he ever be the Tiger of old? No. But that doesn't mean he still can't get it done. Experience is what he has on his side now. This first major of 2011 is the best time as ever to make it happen.

Phil won the week before the masters back in 2006 for what its worth.

 

I dont think its anything like replying the ncaa. Golf is an individual sport that has often been dominated by a select few. We've seen it ne Tue case when tiger or Phil is on their game. Were also talking about an event played at the same venue each year where experience becomes a huge factor

[WhiteWonder 2,249]

For what its worth I'm not saying tiger can't pull it together this week. But for people to claim he will win this week simply because "he is due" proves to me those people don't knowalot about the game and may only follow golf or tiger because he was on their wheaties boxes and gatorade bottles

[BudBro 123]

He is just plain due for a win, and hopfully he is back gang banging porn stars and not caring what the rest of us think!! thats what he needs to get on his game

there is credible psychology to this theory. the problem is he has no reason to keep it secret...which was the catalyst.

[KSB2424 3,088]

For what its worth I'm not saying tiger can't pull it together this week. But for people to claim he will win this week simply because "he is due" proves to me those people don't knowalot about the game and may only follow golf or tiger because he was on their wheaties boxes and gatorade bottles

Who is saying that Tiger Woods will win simply (only) because he is due? Nobody is saying that. Your'e putting words in peoples mouths.

 

Tiger plays well at Augusta. Tiger is a year removed from his 'comeback'. Tiger usually plays well at all Majors (even last year). Tiger has the skill set to win. AND at some point I do think he will win a major so he is due to win. But that is just one small factor of many.

 

You took one small portion of the overall stance and left out the rest. Try to be a little more intellectually honest. TIA

[WhiteWonder 2,249]

He is just plain due for a win, and hopfully he is back gang banging porn stars and not caring what the rest of us think!! thats what the needs to get on his game

 

Tia

 

Maybe u thought I was talking about u, ksb

 

Check everything before rushing to judgement.

 

I respect ur opinions but don't get so defensive unless u plan to be fair and accurate

[KSB2424 3,088]

Tia

 

Maybe u thought I was talking about u, ksb

 

Check everything before rushing to judgement.

 

I respect ur opinions but don't get so defensive unless u plan to be fair and accurate

Maybe you should "quote" the post you are responding too instead of making broad, generalizing statements. For instance I'm speaking to you so I quoted your post.

 

Its easy and makes it where we don't have to read minds. HTH

[Yer mom 2]

there is credible psychology to this theory. the problem is he has no reason to keep it secret...which was the catalyst.

 

I like to think the problem is that he needs to take comfort and acceptance of the bangin of the hotties as what he likes to do, and not feel like hes a scumbag for going against the grain of society. Theres nothing wrong with having a good fockin time he just shouldnt have taken vows.

 

More likely though, because he had a satisfactory home life by most standards and a nice family, he hung his comfort hat on that, thats what gave him peace of mind and stability. The rest of the shenanigans, I assume that he assumed, he "earned" in his own mind for whatever reasons. Perhaps his dad lifestyle played a role in that.

 

Its no secret that Earl was a player, and when Tiger left for Stanford, he pretty much was completely unsupportive of Tiger holding on to his girl from So Cal. Earls attitude was more along the lines of theres plenty of box available where youre at, dont let a long distance relationship interfere with your golf game. This is how it came across in his bio anyway.

 

Earl built Tiger like the Russians built Ivan Drago, to seek and destroy.

[nospk 230]

I'm going with Nick Watney

[WhiteWonder 2,249]

Maybe you should "quote" the post you are responding too instead of making broad, generalizing statements. For instance I'm speaking to you so I quoted your post.

 

Its easy and makes it where we don't have to read minds. HTH

Now ur biotching just to biotch.

 

Sorry, I thought just by having read your own thread you might know what I was talking about.

 

I didn't quote anyone because I was speaking to everyone. Next time, I will quote the evidence. However, to be fair, my thoughts are all out there in type. No need to "read minds" if you just read the words in front of you. (HTH)

 

It's funny that The first issue was that I was putting words in peoples mouths. Now all of a sudden its because I didn't quote.

 

Oh well no love loss buddy

[WhiteWonder 2,249]

Done.

 

Not who finishes higher, but to win. If none of the picked golfers wins, it's a push.

 

combined only 3 of our golfers shot under par.... Phil (-2), Freddy (-1) and Tigger (-1) go figure .... your 50% is much better than my rate but we made some poor picks for day 1 across the board.

[KSB2424 3,088]

combined only 3 of our golfers shot under par.... Phil (-2), Freddy (-1) and Tigger (-1) go figure .... your 50% is much better than my rate but we made some poor picks for day 1 across the board.

It's just the first round. Way to much golf to go. This is like an NBA game, you can't call who's going to win until the fourth quarter starts. The first three quarters/rounds is feeling out the course and posturing for position.

 

I have no idea of the stats, but how many times has the leader after day one actually went on to win it all? I know Jacks done it and Tiger too, but I don't think it happens all that much whatsoever.

 

There will be a lot of movement today and tommorow. Some of our picks may be in the hunt on Sunday.

[cbfalcon 824]

It's just the first round. Way to much golf to go. This is like an NBA game, you can't call who's going to win until the fourth quarter starts. The first three quarters/rounds is feeling out the course and posturing for position.

 

I have no idea of the stats, but how many times has the leader after day one actually went on to win it all? I know Jacks done it and Tiger too, but I don't think it happens all that much whatsoever.

 

There will be a lot of movement today and tommorow. Some of our picks may be in the hunt on Sunday.

 

I feel like you can never know much until the end of the day Friday. Have to give everyone a chance to play early and play late. Too many times (it seems not so much the case this week though) the course in the AM is completely different than the course in the PM.

 

After today, we'll pretty much know who will be there Sunday afternoon fighting for the jacket.

[Cruzer 1,993]

I have no idea of the stats, but how many times has the leader after day one actually went on to win it all? I know Jacks done it and Tiger too, but I don't think it happens all that much whatsoever.

Have been 5 total - Tiger is not one of them: Craig Wood, A. Palmer, Jack, R. Floyd, and T. Immleman.

[listen2me 23 1,592]

Have been 5 total - Tiger is not one of them: Craig Wood, A. Palmer, Jack, R. Floyd, and T. Immleman.

 

 

KSB doesn't look much up, he just chokes down the balls and expects Tiger to be included in everything.

[Cruzer 1,993]

 

KSB doesn't look much up, he just chokes down the balls and expects Tiger to be included in everything.

I knew Jack and Floyd had done it, looked up the other 2. But I def knew Tiger had never done it - he has traditionally started relatively slow in all 4 of his Masters wins. What many don't remember, even in his record setting '97 win - he shot 40 on the opening 9 of that Thursday round. Then the flood gates opened and the ass kicking was on.