Tiger Woods

[Schmidty]

You know, my instincts are to dislike him, since I'm usually for underdogs, and because his personality ranges from zero to abrasive.

But damn, he is so fun to watch. I can't help but to root for him every time I see him now. It's like the weirdest feeling for me.

[Dr. Sak]

He got the benefit of two drops today. One on the hole he eagled where he hit into the high rough and then one on the hole where he chipped in for birdie where a dumb fan picked up his ball.

I am pulling for Rocco Mediate, he is from about 3 miles from my house.

[Dr. Sak]

I gotta give it to him though...he's playing through a ton of pain.

[Schmidty]

I am pulling for Rocco Mediate, he is from about 3 miles from my house.

Oh, I am totally rooting for him too, but it's just that when Tiger is on the screen, I'm just compelled to watch.

[Dr. Sak]

Just sick man...another eagle.

[Schmidty]

He's amazing.

[cmp]

Wow. What an end to the round. That was impressive.

[larrymcg421]

It was an insane round. He missed so many fairways, and missed them badly. A lesser player would not have been able to recover nearly as well from those spots, favorable drops or not.

[Dr. Sak]

With him hurting...I think if he holds on to win...it might rival Jack winning the 86 Masters.

[MrBug708]

Two money shots

[Logan]

Two money shots

Do you pay double for that?

[Young Drachma]

I hate when golf is on NBC, because I forget to go watch. But man o' man. Seeing the highlights...Tiger is a monster.

[Jas_lov]

Great finish for Tiger. It's going to be interesting to see if his knee holds up because he was missing fairways badly as someone else said. 2 eagles and a lucky birdie and he's in the driver's seat though. I'd like to see Rocco win too, but I think Westwood might have a better chance to beat Tiger.

[Young Drachma]

I can't believe he's come this far to blow it. Especially on Father's Day and even playing in pain. He's got a lead and he'll be Tiger tomorrow. Can't wait to see this finish.

[kcchief19]

He got the benefit of two drops today. One on the hole he eagled where he hit into the high rough and then one on the hole where he chipped in for birdie where a dumb fan picked up his ball.
I never know what to make of that. On one hand Tiger benefits from drops because he knows the rules as well as or better than anyone on tour and knows how to use them to his advantage.

I think the only benefit he got when the fan picked up his ball was that he got a drop but the benefit was that he hit into the grass where the fans had trampled it down and he was going to get that benefit regardless. Frankly, Tiger hits the ball into crowd into trampled grass much too frequently -- frequently enough that it seems like a strategy. If he can cut the ball into the crowd and know he'll get more distance, have a better angle and have a decent lie, why not "mishit" the ball like that? How often do we see Tiger slice a ball into another fairway or into the crowd and we're all amazed at how he has a much better shot than if he were in the rough or sometimes in the fairway. He and Stevie have got to identify those spots before the tournament.

The guy is simply unbelievable. I was trying to explain to Mrs. kcchief19 that watching those last six holes was like watching Babe Ruth pitch a shutout while hitting three homers. It was unreal.

[MizzouRah]

Can he read a freaking green or what? The guy is amazing...

[rowech]

Tiger is the greatest competitor since Jordan.

[oliegirl]

I can't believe he's come this far to blow it. Especially on Father's Day and even playing in pain. He's got a lead and he'll be Tiger tomorrow. Can't wait to see this finish.

I had this conversation with my husband and dad last night while we were watching the Open. They were both saying they thought he would drop out. I said I disagreed - the man is a champion, he has determination and drive that we can't imagine. Tiger Woods is not going to drop out of the US Open when he is going into the final round in 1st place. I just don't see it happening.

I'm sure he has a doctor there with him who spent most of last night treating his knee - ice, meds, electrical muscle stimulation, whatever it would take to get him through the final round today. If he drops out, I'll be shocked, and disappointed as I'm really looking forward to watching today...

[Eaglesfan27]

Wow. What an end to the round. That was impressive.

Very impressive. Looking forward to seeing a great round from him today. He is one of my favorite athletes to watch.

[Zelig]

This is going to come across a certain way, and I don't think I can word it any other. Do any of you feel like you are being manipulated a little bit? I know I talked to several friends after Paul Pierce was chugged out in a friggin wheelchair, only to make a TRIUMPHANT return and "oh lord, look how he plays through the pain, what a champion, what a hero to all the little kids out there." hmmmmmm

Now, Tiger actually had knee surgery, but the dramatic holding yourself up by the fingers and hearing the plaudits of the masses, just has that feeling of situational manipulation to me, and many I talk to.

Now, do I want him to win? Heck, yes, he is the greatest golfer I have ever seen, and I feel lucky to be alive and watch his greatness. But, this feels contrived.

[Young Drachma]

This is going to come across a certain way, and I don't think I can word it any other. Do any of you feel like you are being manipulated a little bit? I know I talked to several friends after Paul Pierce was chugged out in a friggin wheelchair, only to make a TRIUMPHANT return and "oh lord, look how he plays through the pain, what a champion, what a hero to all the little kids out there." hmmmmmm

Now, Tiger actually had knee surgery, but the dramatic holding yourself up by the fingers and hearing the plaudits of the masses, just has that feeling of situational manipulation to me, and many I talk to.

Now, do I want him to win? Heck, yes, he is the greatest golfer I have ever seen, and I feel lucky to be alive and watch his greatness. But, this feels contrived.

I get what you're saying, but I don't really think it's orchestrated. You might be confusing the hyperbole of the commentators with the actual performance of the athletes.

Especially in Tiger's case, it was just Tiger being Tiger. If you've watched him his whole career, it was him doing stuff he does and so, it's not contrived because it's just more evidence of his greatness.

The fact that he manages to raise the degree of difficulty each time, while being in the midst of performing that excellence is the reason for the responses you're seeing about what he's managing to do. We'll see how today goes of course. The thing is, no one would fault him for losing today. But he's shown an ability to rise to the challenge better than anyone in sports today.

If you could measure clutch, it wouldn't be called a clutch rating, it'd be called the Tiger Scale.

[Zelig]

Very fair response. Thanks.

[Dr. Sak]

Zelig I get what you are saying to an extent. But I think a lot of it has to do with the announcers pointing out over and over again how much pain Tiger is in and critiquing the way he walks and his grimaces.

I don't want Tiger to win, I'll be honest. I never root for the guy and would rather have any other golf win but him. I am a huge Jack Nicklaus fan and I don't want Tiger beating his Major record. He probably will by the time he's done, but just because he is great, doesn't mean that I have to root for him.

I also don't like how every bad shot he hits he has to put on an act of how disgusted he is. If he isn't throwing his club, he's screaming god dammit, or pouting. So say it is because he is intense and hates to lose. But I bet there were 150 other golfers out there that hate to lose too.

And don't even get me started on his caddie, that guy is a grade A jackoff.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I'm going to take this a little further than Zelig-

We're talking about golf, right? Golf?? GOLF!?! (I suddenly feel like AI).

I get his knee gets torqued driving the ball, and he's walking the course, but we're talking about golf.

Let him take someone's tee shot off his face, Ryan Malone style, and then continue on. But walking a golf course??

[Suburban Rhythm]

Zelig I get what you are saying to an extent. But I think a lot of it has to do with the announcers pointing out over and over again how much pain Tiger is in and critiquing the way he walks and his grimaces.

I don't want Tiger to win, I'll be honest. I never root for the guy and would rather have any other golf win but him. I am a huge Jack Nicklaus fan and I don't want Tiger beating his Major record. He probably will by the time he's done, but just because he is great, doesn't mean that I have to root for him.

I also don't like how every bad shot he hits he has to put on an act of how disgusted he is. If he isn't throwing his club, he's screaming god dammit, or pouting. So say it is because he is intense and hates to lose. But I bet there were 150 other golfers out there that hate to lose too.

And don't even get me started on his caddie, that guy is a grade A jackoff.

bsak, if I didn't know any better, I'd think you'd taken a post about Crosby, and typed 'Tiger' in every place it said 'Crosby'.
;)

[Dr. Sak]

bsak, if I didn't know any better, I'd think you'd taken a post about Crosby, and typed 'Tiger' in every place it said 'Crosby'.
;)

Tiger doesnt bitch when he doesn't get the calls plus I don't think I've ever seen Tiger dive.

[Young Drachma]

Anybody watching this US Open Challenge stuff? Foursome of an essay writer contest winner ordinary person, along with Justin Timberlake, Matt Lauer and Tony Romo.

No one has birdied today, apparently. Would be fun to do that, especially with guys like Greg Norman and Butch Harmon caddying for you and giving you advice.

I think the contest winner has inoperable non-smoking lung cancer. Wow...well then that's cool he got to live out a dream like this.

[Dr. Sak]

I watched it and I agree that was cool to watch.

[Karlifornia]

lol@the shots of the golfers walking through the parking lot. It's not quite as dramatic as a football, basketball, or hockey player coming through the tunnel.

[Karlifornia]

Dola,

Are the scores usually this low in the U.S. Open? I know for the majors they usually like to make it pretty hard, but I seem to remember some courses where guys were double digits under par.

Edit: I guess I should be asking "are the scores usually this high?"

[MrBug708]

Dola,

Are the scores usually this low in the U.S. Open? I know for the majors they usually like to make it pretty hard, but I seem to remember some courses where guys were double digits under par.

Edit: I guess I should be asking "are the scores usually this high?"

The scores really are irrelevant. It all depends on the par they give for each hole. They could have raised par on a couple of questionable holes from 3 to 4 and from 4 to 5, and the scores would be "prettier" but still the same

[Karlifornia]

The scores really are irrelevant. It all depends on the par they give for each hole. They could have raised par on a couple of questionable holes from 3 to 4 and from 4 to 5, and the scores would be "prettier" but still the same

Isn't there like, a 600 yard hole?

[fantom1979]

Isn't there like, a 600 yard hole?

9th hole, 612 yards
13th hole, 614 yards

http://usga.usopen.com/course/index.html

[Dr. Sak]

Dola,

Are the scores usually this low in the U.S. Open? I know for the majors they usually like to make it pretty hard, but I seem to remember some courses where guys were double digits under par.

Edit: I guess I should be asking "are the scores usually this high?"

The last two winners won the US Open at +5. Usually the winner is around par.

[Young Drachma]

The US Open is pretty much a bloodbath and the USGA loves it that way. This year isn't even as crazy as the past few, which were brutal in terms of setup. But I like it. Makes it an ultimate test.

[Young Drachma]

What a commercial.

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/OlJaT5ZPkuc&hl=en"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/OlJaT5ZPkuc&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

[kcchief19]

Wow ... Tiger is going to double one -- again -- and Rocco is rolling. This is going to be a wild day.

[Logan]

I've said it before, I'll say it again...this is what HD is made for.

[Young Drachma]

I think we all knew the knee would cause him fits, the question is how much will it impact his ability to finish today. Gonna be a wild ride today for sure.

[Logan]

Ew...terrible miss by Tiger on two. Settles for the bogey.

[Young Drachma]

Luke Donald withdraws. That sucks to have to withdraw on Sunday.

[larrymcg421]

Bogey by Mediate and Tiger is only one down.

[Schmidty]

Wow, another amazing shot.

[Young Drachma]

Tiger back in the lead.

[larrymcg421]

Tiger in serious trouble here.

[Schmidty]

Tiger in serious trouble here.

He's never in real trouble. I've bought into his mystic and raw skill. He'll at least par this.

[kcchief19]

Now, Tiger actually had knee surgery, but the dramatic holding yourself up by the fingers and hearing the plaudits of the masses, just has that feeling of situational manipulation to me, and many I talk to.
I have to admit a certain level of feeling the same way. I don't think it's orchestrated, but I think Tiger has always overreacted to injuries and pain, whether it's tweaking his knees or hitting a stinger. I don't doubt he's in pain, but look at a guy like Fred Couples who has a bad back is in constant pain. You don't see it out of him very often. But to give him the benefit of the doubt, I think it has more to do with the fact that Tiger hides all of his emotions poorly -- he's the most fined golfer in the PGA for cursing, he celebrates more than any golfer, etc.
We're talking about golf, right? Golf?? GOLF!?! (I suddenly feel like AI).

I get his knee gets torqued driving the ball, and he's walking the course, but we're talking about golf.
I'm guessing you have never played golf or have never played golf without a cart. Maybe you have played golf but you play your local flat muni.

I'm not saying golf is the most physical of sports but it does require a great deal of energy and strength to walk 7,000 yards (that's four miles just walking from tee to green, and you'll walk severa more milesl between holes and whatnot). I know somebody will pull out John Daly but I'll say this -- given John Daly's talent, he should be a great golfer. But because of his condition he's an average golfer. His lack of fitness definitely affects his golf game, just as Tiger's fitness enchances his golf game.

[Schmidty]

I was just thinking; Golf is arguably more popular than ever. Would that be the case is Tiger wasn't as amazingly epic as he is, or is golf just an institution that would succeed either way?

[SirFozzie]

Tiger only one back, with a driveable par 4 next

[Dr. Sak]

LETS GO ROCCO!!

[Schmidty]

I have to admit a certain level of feeling the same way. I don't think it's orchestrated, but I think Tiger has always overreacted to injuries and pain, whether it's tweaking his knees or hitting a stinger. I don't doubt he's in pain, but look at a guy like Fred Couples who has a bad back is in constant pain. You don't see it out of him very often. But to give him the benefit of the doubt, I think it has more to do with the fact that Tiger hides all of his emotions poorly -- he's the most fined golfer in the PGA for cursing, he celebrates more than any golfer, etc.

I'm guessing you have never played golf or have never played golf without a cart. Maybe you have played golf but you play your local flat muni.

I'm not saying golf is the most physical of sports but it does require a great deal of energy and strength to walk 7,000 yards (that's four miles just walking from tee to green, and you'll walk severa more milesl between holes and whatnot). I know somebody will pull out John Daly but I'll say this -- given John Daly's talent, he should be a great golfer. But because of his condition he's an average golfer. His lack of fitness definitely affects his golf game, just as Tiger's fitness enchances his golf game.

I'm a hardcore, admittedly quite good basketball player, and I still say that after walking 18 holes I'm more tired after that than I am after a couple hours of 3 0n 3, or full court b-ball games. And I only play golf 1-2 times a week.

[Young Drachma]

I was just thinking; Golf is arguably more popular than ever. Would that be the case is Tiger wasn't as amazingly epic as he is, or is golf just an institution that would succeed either way?

Golf was successful before him and it will be after him.

It's just he's such a personality and a dominant talent that he transcends the game, despite his singular focus on golf and his Jordan-esque approach to the game. I think a lot of that just owes to how golf is. Essentially to say "I'm not trying to have you like me. I don't really care what you think of me. I'm here to do a job and I'll do it..."

He's made the sport more lucrative for those who play it week to week and obviously he's raised the sport's profile. But I think that just the sheer nature of who he is and his interesting story makes him even more fascinating and the sort of transcendent figure that he is.

I think were he not this multiracial kid from California who was doing what he was doing, while it'd be a treat for golf fans, I doubt he'd have fueled so much casual interest in the sport that he has.

[Dr. Sak]

I was just thinking; Golf is arguably more popular than ever. Would that be the case is Tiger wasn't as amazingly epic as he is, or is golf just an institution that would succeed either way?

I think about 3 or 4 years ago golf hit its peak in popularity. Now it has swung down a bit. I can tell mainly based on the fact that i can now go play at 9am instead of 6am and get my 18 holes done in under 4 hrs.

[Logan]

I was just thinking; Golf is arguably more popular than ever. Would that be the case is Tiger wasn't as amazingly epic as he is, or is golf just an institution that would succeed either way?

Golf would still have an audience, but nowhere near what it has with Tiger. All you have to do is look at the ratings on Sundays where he's winning/in the hunt and when he's not.

[Schmidty]

I think about 3 or 4 years ago golf hit its peak in popularity. Now it has swung down a bit. I can tell mainly based on the fact that i can now go play at 9am instead of 6am and get my 18 holes done in under 4 hrs.

Damn, I need to move near you. Even at my favorite 9 course course, it takes me like 2 1/2 hours or so to finish.

[SirFozzie]

He's tied, can you imagine if he has to come back tommorrow and do another 18?

[RendeR]

I don't care if tiger wins or loses, I simply want The Privacy.

http://www.powerandmotoryacht.com/megayachts/tiger-woods-yacht-christensen-155/

[Jas_lov]

Tiger bogeys 15 and Rocco has sole possession of the lead!

[Logan]

Tiger is the only front-runner I've ever rooted for, but I'd have no issue with Rocco winning this. He really looks like he's having fun and he definitely deserves it so far.

[larrymcg421]

Huge putt by Tiger to stay one back.

[Jas_lov]

This has playoff written all over it. Tiger just needs to birdie 18 and if Westwood pars here he could make the playoff too with a birdie.

[Young Drachma]

Rocco sure didn't put it out of reach...but Tiger needs a birdie to tie.

[Dr. Sak]

A par for Tiger and Rocco wins.

[johnnyshaka]

Can you imagine a makeable eagle putt on 18?? WOW!!!

[Jas_lov]

LOL! They both hit it into the bunker. There will be no eagle to win.

[Young Drachma]

First time for everything, I guess.

[Dr. Sak]

Tiger in the rough...a birdie from there would be a mere miracle.

[Young Drachma]

Rocco seems like a cool, humble dude. Always down for D-2 players making good.

[Eaglesfan27]

Wow. He gave himself a chance.

[Dr. Sak]

What a shot by Tiger

[Young Drachma]

At least he's got a shot to do it. I mean, you can't ask for anything else. Gotta believe he's gonna make it.

[SirFozzie]

I give it a one in four chance, that's gotta be 25 feet or so.

[Jas_lov]

Tiger gets on the green and will have a shot at the birdie. Westwood too. Rocco yapping it up in the clubhouse.

[larrymcg421]

Rocco's gotta sweat out two long putts here.

[Radii]

damn, what a final hole, this is awesome.

[Jas_lov]

WESTWOOD MISSES! IT'S ALL UP TO TIGER! ONE LAST BULLET!

[Young Drachma]

Yeah, Westwood tried. But it didn't work out for him. Nice effort though, kept himself in it the whole time.

[Jas_lov]

TIGER MAKES IT! 18 HOLE PLAYOFF!

[Young Drachma]

Thank you. Good night.

[SirFozzie]

I use this phrase a lot lately.


ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?

[larrymcg421]

Unfuckingbelievable.

[Eaglesfan27]

Wow! Now, I need to figure out a way to watch the playoffs tomorrow at work.

[miami_fan]

UN-FUCKIN-BELIEVABLE!!!!!

[Dr. Sak]

FUCK

[Axxon]

I'm not even a golf fan and that was exciting.

[Buccaneer]

Wow. I still don't like Tiger's temper tantrums but like someone said, he's one to wear his emotions on his sleeve.

[Jas_lov]

So what are the chances that Rocco wins tomorrow?

[Schmidty]

He is.....I can't fathom it.

[Axxon]

I wanted to add that the only reason I watch golf is to see Tiger play. I don't necessarily care if he wins but watching him play is obviously seeing someone do something special and that is exciting.

[Young Drachma]

"playing Plinko" Wow..he watched the Price Is Right as a kid.

[Young Drachma]

So what are the chances that Rocco wins tomorrow?

25%

In the end, Tiger has done this too many times not to finish the deal.

[sterlingice]

"playing Plinko" Wow..he watched the Price Is Right as a kid.

But, really, who didn't ;)

SI

[Axxon]

But, really, who didn't ;)

SI

Bill Cullen.

[larrymcg421]

Now I have to try and make it through work tomorrow without hearing the result.

Nobody tell me about Orlando Rojas!

[miami_fan]

I am not a golf guy and really only watch when Tiger is playing and it is close on the final day. That was fun.

On a side note, wasn't this supposed to be the perfect set up for Phil Mickleson's ascension to finally being Tiger's main rival?

[Dr. Sak]

I'm taking a half day tomorrow to watch the playoff.

[sterlingice]

Nobody tell me about Orlando Rojas!

I hear that 11 years ago, he pitched a perfect game.

SI

[Suburban Rhythm]

If Tiger has a car waiting to pick him up in the fire lane outside the clubhouse, he's not a tough as some of you guys are making him out to be for walking the course on a bad knee.
:p

[Jas_lov]

I really wish they'd start at the same time they did today so people with jobs could catch most of the playoff. Anyone know why they have to start around noon ET instead of putting it in primetime? They'd get better ratings, especially with Tiger in it.

[larrymcg421]

I hear that 11 years ago, he pitched a perfect game.

SI

And a perfect game is good?

[Young Drachma]

I really wish they'd start at the same time they did today so people with jobs could catch most of the playoff. Anyone know why they have to start around noon ET instead of putting it in primetime? They'd get better ratings, especially with Tiger in it.

Yeah, but the networks are loathe to cover it and figure that the odds of Tiger being in a playoff aren't always high, so if it's someone other than him, you're stuck with that matchup later in the day when folks are home and ready to watch more interesting programming for them.

Primetime TV is too lucrative and since ESPN gets the first half and NBC gets the second half, no way NBC wants golf to preempt some show.

As a more practical matter, players have to get going and so, they'd rather play earlier and get going, because while Tiger doesn't do it, depending on who the loser of a playoff is, they will go somewhere the following week and play.

But I think mostly it's a coverage issue and the fact that if Tiger isn't playing, golf doesn't have the pull in prime time. Especially on network TV. ESPN, sure.

[sterlingice]

And a perfect game is good?

"Listen, I know there's a lot of jargon, but some of these are pretty self-explanatory"

SI

[kcchief19]

But I think mostly it's a coverage issue and the fact that if Tiger isn't playing, golf doesn't have the pull in prime time. Especially on network TV. ESPN, sure.
Yeah, ratings would be low if it were Rocco vs. Westwood. The only reasonable alternative would be to have a "Tiger Schedule" were if Tiger's in the playoff you tee off at 2 pm Pacific time vs. 10 am if he's not. I think Tiger would bring in a better audience that American Gladiators and Nashville Star. But I know the USGA doesn't want to treat Tiger differently than anyone else.

Plus, you tee off later it complicates other logistics -- everybody involved in the tournament has got to be somewhere Tuesday, and they want to get the tournament over.

But a Tiger playoff in prime time would be great for golf.

[kcchief19]

I think this is going to be very interesting to see. You have two complete opposites paired together tomorrow. Rocco is relaxed, outgoing and talkative. Tiger is withdrawn and all business. I have never seen another player disturb Tiger's mood but you see Tiger disrupt other player's all the time.

I wouldn't mind seeing Rocco win and if he were playing anyone else, I'd be in his corner big time. But there is something cool about seeing the world's greatest golfer do his thing, and I want to see Tiger break every record he can.

[Axxon]

Yeah, ratings would be low if it were Rocco vs. Westwood. The only reasonable alternative would be to have a "Tiger Schedule" were if Tiger's in the playoff you tee off at 2 pm Pacific time vs. 10 am if he's not. I think Tiger would bring in a better audience that American Gladiators and Nashville Star. But I know the USGA doesn't want to treat Tiger differently than anyone else.

Plus, you tee off later it complicates other logistics -- everybody involved in the tournament has got to be somewhere Tuesday, and they want to get the tournament over.

But a Tiger playoff in prime time would be great for golf.

I agree it would be great for golf if it were in prime time but I agree that they shouldn't have a special Tiger rule either. One man is never more important than the sport...

except for Jonathan E!!!!!!!! :)

[SirFozzie]

I agree it would be great for golf if it were in prime time but I agree that they shouldn't have a special Tiger rule either. One man is never more important than the sport...

except for Jonathan E!!!!!!!! :)

Love the Rollerball reference :)

[kcchief19]

Nobody tell me about Orlando Rojas!
If only I had your phone number and could call you tomorrow after and tell you Tiger slipped on a tangerine peel and twisted his ankle pretty good.

[Axxon]

Love the Rollerball reference :)

I was such a Jonathan E mark it's insane. :)

[edit]

Had to add this trailer. :)

hxxp://blogs.tvland.com/movie_database/?genre=scifi&id=1256

[sterlingice]

If only I had your phone number and could call you tomorrow after and tell you Tiger slipped on a tangerine peel and twisted his ankle pretty good.

Are you serious?

SI

[Mike1409]

Zelig I get what you are saying to an extent. But I think a lot of it has to do with the announcers pointing out over and over again how much pain Tiger is in and critiquing the way he walks and his grimaces.

I don't want Tiger to win, I'll be honest. I never root for the guy and would rather have any other golf win but him. I am a huge Jack Nicklaus fan and I don't want Tiger beating his Major record. He probably will by the time he's done, but just because he is great, doesn't mean that I have to root for him.

I also don't like how every bad shot he hits he has to put on an act of how disgusted he is. If he isn't throwing his club, he's screaming god dammit, or pouting. So say it is because he is intense and hates to lose. But I bet there were 150 other golfers out there that hate to lose too.

And don't even get me started on his caddie, that guy is a grade A jackoff.


+1

[SirFozzie]

-2

As in Lolwut?

[Pumpy Tudors]

GO ROCCO

GO GREENSBURG

[Zelig]

Go Louden, beat Shute!

[BrianD]

I still have very mixed emotions with Tiger. I love watching him golf when he is golfing well and I enjoy seeing all of his amazing shots. I really dislike his overblown reaction shots and all of the media fawning.

I do wish I could watch the playoff today. After seeing Rocco yesterday and listen to his interviews, he is a very likable guy. I would not mind it at all if Rocco won. I also wouldn't mind if Tiger won. Either way, it should be a good day of golf.

[miami_fan]

Do they change the course again for the playoff or will the layout be the same as yesterday?

[Dr. Sak]

I think we'll see new tee and pin placements.

[Young Drachma]

Do they change the course again for the playoff or will the layout be the same as yesterday?

Yeah, they change them. They already have a 5th set prepared in case of a playoff, as it turns out.

As a side note, the playoff will be simulcast on nbcsports.com today.

[Fidatelo]

I'm not much of a golf person, but I like Tiger. His pouty-face is kind of annoying, but he has brought a fire and passion to golf that makes it more interesting for someone like me. I can totally see how he might be annoying for actual fans of golf, however.

[Logan]

There's plenty of athletes that I think oversell their emotion when it comes to their game, but I really don't think Tiger is one of them. It might seem like an overreaction to us, when he throws a club on a shot that isn't great, but isn't exactly in the drink...but I get the feeling he's genuinely disgusted with himself for that brief moment.

[BrianD]

He probably is, but it still seems like poor form whether it is on the PGA tour, or on a Saturday morning friendly outing. I don't like to see golfers throwing their clubs after a bad short just like I don't like to see basketball players kicking a ball after a missed free-throw. The whole viewing public knows they screwed up and we know they know they screwed up. Theatrics aren't necessary.

[kcchief19]

Yeah, they change them. They already have a 5th set prepared in case of a playoff, as it turns out.
The setup will be interesting. Saturday's setup was nearly perfect for Tiger, since they had it playing almost to the max with tight pin placements that favored distance and accuracy. Yesterday's setup was bizarre for Sunday at The Open -- as evidenced by the low numbers that the portion of the field out of the running put up. I heard someone report Torrey Pines was playing at 7,200 yesterday and most of the pin placements were pretty simple -- 18 alone played 50 yards shorter than Saturday with an easy pin placement.

If Torrey Pines is set up to play 7,600 today, that has to favor Tiger. If it's a shorter setup like Sunday, I like Rocco's chances.

[Dr. Sak]

Mediate bogies the first...Tiger pars.

[Dr. Sak]

ROCCO WAS MERE inches from a hole in one on 3. Tiger buried in the bunker.

[Eaglesfan27]

Is the nbcsports' internet coverage very choppy for anyone else?

[BrianD]

Is the nbcsports' internet coverage very choppy for anyone else?

I am finding it very choppy which is screwing with the audio sync.

[oliegirl]

ROCCO WAS MERE inches from a hole in one on 3. Tiger buried in the bunker.

That shot was amazing! I am pulling for Tiger, but really wanted that shot to go in...

[Calis]

Is the nbcsports' internet coverage very choppy for anyone else?

Unwatchable for me. I'm just listening to it now.

[kcchief19]

Yeah, there are two of us in our office with it on right now. My co-worker's connection is working great. My video is about 3 minutes behind the audio. Ugh.

[spleen1015]

Which site are you guys on? I am using the feed from usopen.com and it is working fine.

[Young Drachma]

I'm using the US Open feed from ESPN and it works great.

[Dr. Sak]

Tiger back to throwing clubs and swearing.

[spleen1015]

The feed I was using has turned to shit. No picture, no audio. I have reloaded twice with no luck.

You bastards get back to work!

[Dr. Sak]

Do you guys want updates? I took a half day to watch.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Do you guys want updates? I took a half day to watch.
Yes, please.

[Dr. Sak]

Tiger putts for eagle on 13...leaves it about 3 feet short. Rocco has a 5 footer for birdie.

[Dr. Sak]

Rocco birdies 13...Tiger also does. Tiger still up 1 after 13.

[Dr. Sak]

Rocco about 15 yards short of the 14th green...as is Tiger. Tiger is in the rough, Rocco is in the fairway.

[Dr. Sak]

Tiger left himself a 10-12 footer for par.

Rocco puts it a foot away.

[Dr. Sak]

Even after 14!!

[Dr. Sak]

After 2 shots...Rocco on the green...Tiger is inside him. Tiger hit an amazing out of the sand.

[oliegirl]

After 2 shots...Rocco on the green...Tiger is inside him. Tiger hit an amazing out of the sand.

That was beyond amazing...that is why I love watching him play golf.

[spleen1015]

Tiger really wants to be at the beach today. Sheesh.

[Dr. Sak]

WHAT A BIRDIE!! ROCCO!!

[kcchief19]

The USOpen.com feed is good although our office bandwidth sucks right now. The NBCSports.com feed I was using earlier was the single biggest steaming pile of crap I have ever used online. When the video worked it was still several minutes out of sync.

At USOpen.com the video is in synch but it keeps cutting out. It's also a good 10 seconds behind TV. We have it on in our lobby and I heard a roar when Rocco just made his putt but it took a while before it showed on my PC.

[Dr. Sak]

Tiger missed...Rocco up 1!!

[oliegirl]

So what happens if this round ends in a tie? Do they play another full round?

[Dr. Sak]

Sudden death.

[Dr. Sak]

Rocco is just short in the fairway on 16. Tiger is just on the front of the green with a back pin placement.

[oliegirl]

Cool, thanks guys :)

[Dr. Sak]

Rocco up first. He is putting from the fairway. He just missed a birdie!! He pars

[Dr. Sak]

Tiger is up from about 40 ft...and leaves it 1 inch short.

[oliegirl]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! That putt should have been in!!!!!!!!

That was painful to watch :(

[Dr. Sak]

Rocco in the first cut on 17. Tiger is in the fairway.

[Dr. Sak]

Tiger on...a good distance for birdie. Same with Rocco.

[Dr. Sak]

Rocco left himself about a 4 footer for par.

[Dr. Sak]

There is a thunderstorm moving in...if I lose power I am going to flip!

[Dr. Sak]

Tigers birdie putt is short. 2 feet.

[Dr. Sak]

Rocco pars...up 1 with 1 to play.

[Dr. Sak]

Rocco is in the bunker with his drive on 18. He'll lay up.

[Dr. Sak]

Tiger hits a huge drive in the fairway.

[Dr. Sak]

Rocco lays up in the fairway.

[Dr. Sak]

Tiger is hitting a 4 iron from 214 yards.

[Dr. Sak]

He's got about 50 - 60 feet for eagle.

[Dr. Sak]

Rocco has about 20 feet for birdie.

[Dr. Sak]

This is the most exciting tournament since Phil won his first Masters back in 2004.

[Dr. Sak]

Tiger misses the Eagle...has about 6 ft for birdie.

[Dr. Sak]

Rocco misses...has 4ft

[Dr. Sak]

Tiger makes...rocco has to make for sudden death.

[Dr. Sak]

SUDDEN DEATH!!

[BrianD]

Two very clutch pressure-filled putts and they made it look easy.

[Dr. Sak]

Do you guys want me to keep going?

[Ryan W.]

YES!!!

BTW, appreciate the updates.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Do you guys want me to keep going?
Yes, please. This is the best way for me to keep up.

[gstelmack]

What, you're going to cut it off just as sudden death starts? You are a cruel, cruel man.

[Dr. Sak]

Starting on hole 7 a par 4.

[Dr. Sak]

Tiger right up against the first cut but in the fairway.

[Dr. Sak]

Rocco puts it in the fairway bunker...close to the lip.

[larrymcg421]

Rocco in serious trouble here.

[Pumpy Tudors]

welp if rocco loses, i'm getting out of greensburg

aight peace

[Dr. Sak]

Rocco's shot out of the bunker...he pulls it close to the grandstand.

[Pumpy Tudors]

greensburg is so fucking done

[Dr. Sak]

Tiger has about 15 -20 feet for birdie.

[Dr. Sak]

greensburg is so fucking done

If he wins lets riot and loot downtown.

[Pumpy Tudors]

If he wins lets riot and loot downtown.
Swing by East Liberty and pick me up at 5:15, kthx.

[larrymcg421]

Unless Rocco hits an incredible shot here, Tiger should be able to two putt for the victory.

[Dr. Sak]

Rocco gets a free drop. and put it 20 feet past.

[Pumpy Tudors]

load up the u-haul, i'm going back to new orleans

[Dr. Sak]

Tiger putting for birdie and the open championship...

[Dr. Sak]

how many are refreshing :)

[Lorena]

thanks for the updates bsak

[Dr. Sak]

tiger ends up 6 inches short.

[Lorena]

how many are refreshing :)
me

[Dr. Sak]

Rocco needs about a 20 footer to extend the match....

[Pumpy Tudors]

if rocco wins, i'm going to light greensburg on fire with my dong

[Dr. Sak]

Just missed to the right...Tiger wins.

[Lorena]

27 people in this thread on a workday, nice :D

[Pumpy Tudors]

fuck you greensburg

[Karlifornia]

Tiger wins.

[I. J. Reilly]

if rocco wins, i'm going to light greensburg on fire with my dong

Damn, I was looking forward to the news coverage of this.

[Dr. Sak]

Ugh so close for Rocco.

[kcchief19]

Rocco's greatest day in the spotlight for sure. A U.S. Open for the ages. I don't think having your name linked as being the guy who chased down Tiger on Sunday to force a playoff and stared down the world's greatest golfer to 19 holes is such a bad way to have your career remembered. Kudos to Rocco on a great moment.

He's also guaranteed himself a sponsor invite to every Champions Tour event he wants to play starting in five years.

[Eaglesfan27]

Rocco's greatest day in the spotlight for sure. A U.S. Open for the ages. I don't think having your name linked as being the guy who chased down Tiger on Sunday to force a playoff and stared down the world's greatest golfer to 19 holes is such a bad way to have your career remembered. Kudos to Rocco on a great moment.

He's also guaranteed himself a sponsor invite to every Champions Tour event he wants to play starting in five years.

Agreed, not to mention the payday today which is significant for him. I wish I could have watched this. Appreciate the updates in this thread.

[Ksyrup]

This is as far as I can go in a golf-related thread - congrats to fellow alum Rocco Mediate for a good showing. I think Lee Janzen is the only FSC alum to win a major, but I'm not sure (since I don't follow golf at all, but I know those two).

[sooner333]

Pretty amazing tournament. I'm glad I watched most of Saturday, starting at the leaders teeing off Sunday and all of today. It was just something that was amazingly close the whole time and took twists and turns you just had to see to believe. I paused the DVR today to go run and get lunch right after the tenth hole, on the drive I kind of shook my head and said that maybe it was just too good to be true and it would end without any fireworks...by the time I catch up with the broadcast, we're all square!

[oliegirl]

This is as far as I can go in a golf-related thread - congrats to fellow alum Rocco Mediate for a good showing. I think Lee Janzen is the only FSC alum to win a major, but I'm not sure (since I don't follow golf at all, but I know those two).

Yes, you are right...they actually talked about that yesterday.

[Ksyrup]

FSC...known for Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, golf, and baseball. And that's about it.

[KWhit]

Wasn't able to watch this today, but yesterday was just incredible. Tiger is by far my favorite athlete and I am constantly amazed by his consistency. Golf isn't a sport like tennis where the best is that far ahead of everyone else and wins week after week after week like Tiger does.

It's unbelievable that the question these days is who do you think will win, Tiger, or the rest of the field? That is ridiculous.

And I love the emotion he shows. When he slammed his hat across the green after making the putt to win at Bay Hill earlier in the year, I laughed so hard I about busted my gut. And his reaction when he made the putt to tie yesterday was great too. He plays and reacts like an athlete - not like a typical golfer, which is part of his appeal.

[Dr. Sak]

For those who want to watch it, they are replayin it on ESPNClassic right now. They are on hole 7 right now.

[Eaglesfan27]

For those who want to watch it, they are replayin it on ESPNClassic right now. They are on hole 7 right now.

Thanks for the info.

[Zelig]

:popcorn:

[sterlingice]

I do like that we got to work in a lot of Sports Night into this thread to the three people who got it ;)

SI

[Thomkal]

Man I was so pulling for Rocco there. Coming back from three down, not falling completely apart like most any other player would do against Tiger in that situation.

I really think they should just name Tiger the champion of every tournament from now on after winning a US Open on a bad not fully recovered knee that had almost no playing time on it before the Open.

[BrianD]

According to Tiger, the knee didn't hurt until after impact with the ball. And after he took some unnamed medication, he didn't feel it at all. Is the knee still a factor if it doesn't inhibit the swing and doesn't cause pain?

[Fidatelo]

The unnamed medication thing is weird. Why not name it? Makes me think he rubbed "the cream" or "the clear" on there or something.

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm thinking he didn't want to name it because he took a Lortab or some other legal opiate.

[Fidatelo]

I've never heard of a Lortab, but if it is legal then why not name it?

[Eaglesfan27]

They have a bit of a stigma attached to them. Opiates are what Favre and other athletes have been addicted to.

[Radii]

They mentioned during the ESPN broadcast portion of the playoff that Tiger had taken something over the counter for pain. My first thought seeing the secrecy behind what he took was some sort of sponsorship discussion.

Hm, Tiger is sponsored by Gillete, which is owned by Proctor and Gamble. Do they produce one of the OTC painkillers? Maybe he didn't take theirs :)

Or, if you go to Aleve's website(http://www.aleve.com/index.cfm) it says that Aleve is the "Official Pain Reliever of the PGA Tour." Maybe he took Tylenol instead and couldn't say. :D

[CU Tiger]

While Tiger is AMAZING....he had arthroscopic surgery forr a torn meniscus.

6 weeks is more than enough time to heal. In HIGH SCHOOL I had the same surgery on a Monday and played in a football game that Friday night. Granted the bosy heals quciker when you are younger but he isnt 45 either...


I think we have milked it a bit much.

[Young Drachma]

While Tiger is AMAZING....he had arthroscopic surgery forr a torn meniscus.

6 weeks is more than enough time to heal. In HIGH SCHOOL I had the same surgery on a Monday and played in a football game that Friday night. Granted the bosy heals quciker when you are younger but he isnt 45 either...


I think we have milked it a bit much.

Did you run for 200 yards? Throw 7 TDs? Sack the QB 10 times?

I think the issue isn't so much the playing through pain thing. I think the issue is playing at your absolute best, without practicing for more than 9 holes before a major championship and still managing to win without having your best and producing amazing stuff throughout.

Not even so much that he won, as much as how he did it and with ultimately no practice.

I think it's about the degree of difficulty here. Golf might be a proverbial 'wal in the park' in terms of its physical requirements, but it gives its players very little margin for error on the course. It's hard as hell to win a US Open especially. I think that's what all of the hoopla is about.

[sterlingice]

Hm, Tiger is sponsored by Gillete, which is owned by Proctor and Gamble. Do they produce one of the OTC painkillers? Maybe he didn't take theirs :)

Or, if you go to Aleve's website(http://www.aleve.com/index.cfm) it says that Aleve is the "Official Pain Reliever of the PGA Tour." Maybe he took Tylenol instead and couldn't say. :D

Honestly, I think it's something like that. Tiger's pretty in tune to that sort of marketing.

SI

[spleen1015]

While Tiger is AMAZING....he had arthroscopic surgery forr a torn meniscus.

6 weeks is more than enough time to heal. In HIGH SCHOOL I had the same surgery on a Monday and played in a football game that Friday night. Granted the bosy heals quciker when you are younger but he isnt 45 either...


I think we have milked it a bit much.

No, no! I think you milked it a bit....

I BOWLED 6 games, averaging 210, the day after I had the same surgery!

[Dr. Sak]

I scored 4 touchdowns for Polk High 45 minutes after having my knee replaced.

[spleen1015]

I scored 4 touchdowns for Polk High 45 minutes after having my knee replaced.

Yeah, see. Tiger Woods don't know who he messin' wit!

[EagleFan]

I scored 4 touchdowns for Polk High 45 minutes after having my knee replaced.

Pussy!! I climbed Mount Everest while having both knees replaced. ;)

[EagleFan]

dola: My first reaction was to doubt him. I really hate overblown hype for someone who hasn't even gone pro yet so that tainted my view of him. By now I am just in awe of his talent and am a fan.

[miami_fan]

The backlash against Tiger is amazing.

[cmp]

Tiger's out for the season now.

http://sports.espn.go.com/golf/news/story?id=3450453

[Dr. Sak]

A report on the Golf Channel, citing unnamed sources, said Woods would have surgery on his ACL. It also said he suffered a small stress fracture in his left leg about two weeks before the U.S. Open.

[miami_fan]

Damn, he is going all out to prove that he was really hurt!:rolleyes:

[Eaglesfan27]

With those types of injuries, I'd be surprised if he only took an OTC pain reliever.

[Dr. Sak]

I bet he got a shot in the knee before Monday's round.

[Butter]

And the rest of the PGA Tour doth rejoice!

[CU Tiger]

Damn if he did that with a stress fracture and a ripped ACL, now I AM impressed.

To my original post, I did not mean to go Al Bundy with the reference to HS football, only a personal comparison. My point was I guess more that I doubt he honestly didnt practice for 6 weeks.

Plus I cant help but wonder with a wife and baby now if this isnt a convenient injury to spend some dad time....

[Dr. Sak]

To my original post, I did not mean to go Al Bundy with the reference to HS football, only a personal comparison. My point was I guess more that I doubt he honestly didnt practice for 6 weeks.


I didn't take it that way. The first thing I could think of was Al Bundy and Polk High and I took it from there. I wasn't taking a shot at you and apologize if you took it that way.

[spleen1015]

Damn, he is going all out to prove that he was really hurt!:rolleyes:

I'm sure the first on his mind is making sure everyone gives a shit about him and keeps talking about him.

[kcchief19]

Just ... wow. I'm almost in disbelief that he would win last fall and this year with a ruptured ACL. That just sounds ... impossible.

But if won the U.S. Open with a ruptured ACL and a stress fracture in his tibia, the guy is even more impressive than I have ever given him credit for. I honestly felt he was overreacting.

EF27, is it really possible for someone with a ruptured ACL to do the things he was doing? I ruptured my patella tendon, which I know is worse than an ACL, but there was no way I could walk with it much less play golf.

[spleen1015]

I ruptured my ACL in February of 1997. The doctor said I just sprained my knee. I would be fine in 2 weeks. After about 4 days, I felt no pain, I felt pretty much normal. After 2weeks, I played a full game of basketball without issue. The next game, I landed on someone's foot and felt it all over again. So, went back to the doctor and found out that I tore my ACL. I don't know if it happened the first time or the second.

I had my ACL reconstructed on 4/17. A week before, I played 11 games in a softball tournament without any issues.

5 years later, I had my knee scoped and found out that I tore my ACL during rehab the first time. So, I had been running around for 5 years without an ACL, playing basketball, flag football, softball, bowling, etc.

Yes, there is pain initially, but after a few days/weeks, it goes away and you feel normal. The only problem is, without an ACL your knee is very unstable and you risk much worse damage to your knee.

I think this explains why all of his pain was after the swing, when he was turning on the knee. That's how you tear the ACL, by twisting the wrong way.

[kcchief19]

Huh. I've always seen guys blow out their ACLs writhing on the ground in pain and figured an ACL rupture was debilitating. I guess my patella rupture gives me a distorted perception of an ACL rupture.

But considering how much twisting your knee does during a golf swing -- and especially Tiger's swing -- it's simply amazing.

How bad must everyone else feel that Tiger can still beat them with a blown out ACL and two stress fractures in his tibia? And more to the point, how badly will he kick everyone's ass when he is back to full strength in six months? He may win Augusta and the U.S. Open by 15 strokes again.

[Ksyrup]

So this Goosen dude must feel like an incredible ass right about now, huh?


Goosen says Tiger was faking injury (http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/view/54450)

Posted: Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:00PM ET

Some of Europe's top players have backed Tiger Woods after Retief Goosen questioned the severity of the injury he played with in winning the US Open. The South African suggested Woods, who had a third operation on his left knee in April, could have been faking. But Paul Casey has claimed that Robert Karlsson's caddie heard noises coming from Woods's leg.

[Young Drachma]

How bad must everyone else feel that Tiger can still beat them with a blown out ACL and two stress fractures in his tibia? And more to the point, how badly will he kick everyone's ass when he is back to full strength in six months? He may win Augusta and the U.S. Open by 15 strokes again.

You win the thread.

[Zelig]

Go back in this thread, and see where I said this smacked of "Paul Pierce". I will say that based on the diagnosis, I will say that my smallness was on full display, as this was one of the most incredible things ever. To play at that level, with the injury he had, just boggles my mind. Injuries dimish you, and to come out with a major after 5 rounds and 1 hole, well, he has gone into my personal hall of fame.

[Chief Rum]

Heard a story on the radio today that is straight out of what you expect from Tiger.

According to his swing coach, after Tiger had the arthro surgery, his doctor said he would need to take care of the ACL and the stress fracture and stay off of his feet, with no activity, for weeks. Tiger calmly put on his shoes, looked the doctor in the eye and told him, "I am playing in the US Open, and I am going to win it."

That's just awesome. Stupidly pigheaded. But completely and totally awesome.

[Young Drachma]

Heard a story on the radio today that is straight out of what you expect from Tiger.

According to his swing coach, after Tiger had the arthro surgery, his doctor said he would need to take care of the ACL and the stress fracture and stay off of his feet, with no activity, for weeks. Tiger calmly put on his shoes, looked the doctor in the eye and told him, "I am playing in the US Open, and I am going to win it."

That's just awesome. Stupidly pigheaded. But completely and totally awesome.

To me, it sounds like after hour revisionism. Adding to the legend like Babe Ruth calling his shot type stuff. Tiger would never acknowledge that he said it, so people around him can say stuff like that, add to the length and Tiger goes to the yacht and never answers to it since people forget.

Either way, gotta love it.

[Zelig]

Kids yet born will one day ask us what it was like to watch him.

[Wolfpack]

Given all the injuries, I'm pretty sure he knew going in that this was going to be it for the year. Had there been no US Open this week, he probably would have declared himself done after getting those stress fractures. I'm guessing he asked his doctors whether he could possibly make anything much worse by playing the US Open and then knocking off and they probably recommended he shouldn't, but couldn't guarantee that it would be worse for playing.

Besides, as someone says, now he can be the stay-at-home dad for a while, which isn't a bad gig. :D And, while the other golfers are probably rejoicing, their wins, particularly in the majors, are all going to be carrying nice fat asterisks next to them. The tour sponsors are also crying in their beers tonight, as well.

[KWhit]

Heard a story on the radio today that is straight out of what you expect from Tiger.

According to his swing coach, after Tiger had the arthro surgery, his doctor said he would need to take care of the ACL and the stress fracture and stay off of his feet, with no activity, for weeks. Tiger calmly put on his shoes, looked the doctor in the eye and told him, "I am playing in the US Open, and I am going to win it."

That's just awesome. Stupidly pigheaded. But completely and totally awesome.

Love it. Tiger is the shit.

And Goosen is an idiot.

[KWhit]

To me, it sounds like after hour revisionism. Adding to the legend like Babe Ruth calling his shot type stuff. Tiger would never acknowledge that he said it, so people around him can say stuff like that, add to the length and Tiger goes to the yacht and never answers to it since people forget.


I don't think so. I watched a very interesting press conference after one of his rounds (either Staurday or Sunday) and they asked him about his knee and about the pain.

The question was something like, "Have the doctors told you what you can expect from your knee in the future? Is it going to heal 100% or are you going to have to put up with some pain for a while?"

Tiger just smiled and said, "We talked about it. I know what to expect." with a really strange smile on his face, and then silence. The reporters were all obviously waiting for him to share more, but he just looked at them with that weird smile.

I think that fits fairly well with the reports coming out now that he knew he'd have to have another surgery.

[Honolulu_Blue]

And the rest of the PGA Tour doth fade into bolivian...

Fixed.

[KWhit]

I'm just going to keep posting dolas - hope nobody minds.

Also, even though I was totally pulling for Tiger, I have become a big fan of Rocco Mediate. I heard a great interview on the local talk radio station with him.

You guys should really listen to this:

http://media.790thezone.com/podcasts/rocco.MP3