Tiger Fails to Show Up

Tiger Woods had not lost at Torrey Pines in 7 years. All that changed this afternoon when he finished with 9 5's on his score card, something all golfers should agree is a bad sign. After the poor performance Tiger was asked all the usual questions, "can you diagnose this afternoon?" And Tiger gave all the same evasive answers, "Well, I started out great, but went down hill from there..."

That's not a diagnosis. That's a surface deflection to keep us focused on his game and away from his private mental life. I think that Tiger takes himself too seriously right now, I'd like to see him study someone like Watson, who in general seems to enjoy himself more on the course, and not ironically is looking to pull away with the victory.

Aside from his being too hard on himself, I think Tiger doesn't find the time to practice like he used to. He just doesn't seem to have the game he once did. It sounds over simple, but hey, back when he had ridiculous stats and was making almost every putt from within ten feet he used to get the big W's come Sunday rather than dropping five shots to finish barely under par in a tournament that the winner will easily be around 15 shots below par. What is going on with Tiger Woods? If I had to speculate I'd say a combination of over expectations that don't get met along with an in general more distracted less detail oriented preparation style and Tiger Woods is no longer the man he once was.

This new Tiger is depressing me, I want the old one back. Tiger of course played it off like he is feeling pretty optimistic. Saying, rather snarkily given the interviewer's question about his schedule specifics for when he returns to the States after his trip to Dubai this week, "I will be playing in the future." He smiled and then walked off. All I can say is, we know you'll be playing, but will you be playing like the Tiger of past of the current Tiger who seems to blow up under pressure?