Tiger and Ryder Cup

[elrey23]

Don't want him on the team, don't need him on the team. He's never appeared to like playing in the Ryder Cup and his record shows it.

[tremendous_slouch]

No player would EVER refuse an invitation as a captain's pick. If a player were considered a possible pick and knew he didn't want to play, he would most certainly inform the captain ahead of time that he would reject the pick and wouldn't be picked in the first place.

If Tiger wants to play, he'll be picked. If he doesn't want to play, he'll inform Pavin of this and Pavin won't pick him.

Having said that, if Tiger doesn't make the top 10 AND Pavin doesn't pick him, AND the US wins, Pavin will be considered a genius. If Tiger doesn't make the top 10 and Pavin picks him and the US loses, everyone will question Pavin's choice.

I don't envy Pavin if Tiger doesn't make the top 10 (or 8, whatever the case may be).

[jkim021587]

i was just curious, for these match play events ( ryder cup, presidents cup ), players bring their wives with them right? is this mandatory? and if elin doesnt want to come with tiger, what happens? and players like anthony kim that arent married yet, they bring their girlfriends instead or wat?

[ghodges]

[quote name='jkim021587' date='23 May 2010 - 01:50 PM' timestamp='1274637042' post='2461931']
i was just curious, for these match play events ( ryder cup, presidents cup ), players bring their wives with them right? is this mandatory? and if elin doesnt want to come with tiger, what happens? and players like anthony kim that arent married yet, they bring their girlfriends instead or wat?
[/quote]

Players bring who they want...nothing is mandatory. And yes, AK took his girlfriend to the last Ryder Cup.

BTW, if Tiger is remotely on form it is pure insanity to not want him on the team.

[doof_dizzler]

[quote name='jaskanski' date='22 May 2010 - 03:00 AM' timestamp='1274518806' post='2459555']
[quote name='MBA-J' date='22 May 2010 - 05:23 AM' timestamp='1274505835' post='2459452']
To the original question, "who really cares if he is on the team or not?" Answers: Tim Finchem, Ty Votaw, Dick Ebersol. In the BUSINESS of the Ryder Cup, these are the only stakeholders that really matter.
[/quote]


See - that's the problem. The Ryder Cup has lost much of it's original concept and has become money event. It's architect, Sam Ryder, had originally intended the match to be be played for honour and the love of the game - not for money. Tom Watson nailed it in 1993 when as captain of the US team said that the match was played not for money, but for pride. He added that he believed that this was the true spirit not only of golf, but sport in general. He was spot on.
For better or worse, this event has become a jewel in the crown of the golf media circus - it generates a huge amount of money. It gets rather spoilt when players demand money just to be there too and in the light of recent events, gets spoilt even further when the media make waves to get a certain golfer in the frame to generate more interest and more money. Get over it - the Ryder Cup is better than that and it doesn't deserve to play second fiddle to any one player. One man does not make one team and one man certainly doesn't make an event.
If Tiger makes the team, great. But don't let the potential money making aspect of his appearance be the deciding factor as to why he should be there.
The Ryder Cup will do fine whoever plays in it, just as long as they remember [b][i]why[/i][/b] they are playing in it. It doesn't need Tiger to make it any better. Besides, his Ryder Cup record ain't all that either.
[/quote]


That pretty much says it all about why Tom Watson is so beloved by real golf fans. When it comes to understanding what matters, Watson has it figured out, and I have serious doubts about whether Woods does now or ever will. Tiger's still a fairly young man, for all I know, he might get his life straightened out and turn into a gentleman in a couple years time.

If he wants to play in the Ryder Cup this fall, he'll be on the team.

[avrag]

If he does not qualify on points, we will hear about an injury which keeps him from playing.
Can I place a bet on that with some British bookmaker?

[tmorales]

IMHO there is a big important point, at these events there are dionners and the players wives play an important role on the social part of the week. How comfvortble will Mrs. Woods will feel? or Tiger will be going alone and skip the social part?

 

The social events are part of their dutties as "embassadors" of the game and that would be stressfull for anybody on his position. They can mke a reality show on the spot, "PGA Wives" it would be a huge boost of TV Rating.

[Señor Rafa]

IMHO there is a big important point, at these events there are dionners and the players wives play an important role on the social part of the week. How comfvortble will Mrs. Woods will feel? or Tiger will be going alone and skip the social part?

 

The social events are part of their dutties as "embassadors" of the game and that would be stressfull for anybody on his position. They can mke a reality show on the spot, "PGA Wives" it would be a huge boost of TV Rating.

 

 

That said, I think jakanski nailed it. It should be an honour to play in the Ryder Cup... to ask for major wages is pretty disrespectful. The Ryder Cup is a traditional event, bit like The Ashes... the players who make the team should be so proud and happy at the fact they get to play in a very special competition, not to go and ask for some money for playing in it, it's not that kind of event.

[MBA-J]

IMHO there is a big important point, at these events there are dionners and the players wives play an important role on the social part of the week. How comfvortble will Mrs. Woods will feel? or Tiger will be going alone and skip the social part?

 

The social events are part of their dutties as "embassadors" of the game and that would be stressfull for anybody on his position. They can mke a reality show on the spot, "PGA Wives" it would be a huge boost of TV Rating.

 

 

That said, I think jakanski nailed it. It should be an honour to play in the Ryder Cup... to ask for major wages is pretty disrespectful. The Ryder Cup is a traditional event, bit like The Ashes... the players who make the team should be so proud and happy at the fact they get to play in a very special competition, not to go and ask for some money for playing in it, it's not that kind of event.

 

 

I totally disagree. It's not the Olympics...it's a highly profitable exhibition that makes a ton of money for the networks, PGA of America, and the R&A. Why shouldn't the players be entitled to receive payment, especially because they are the sole reason why anyone is watching? These aren't amateurs, they're professional golfers that are INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS. They play golf for MONEY; they don't play for the love, honor BS.

[Titleist1455]

Tiger will play the remaining 3 majors and in the PGA he will begin grabbing/strecthing his neck every so often. Then, Monday after the PGA, he will have some kind of surgery or doctor's diagnosis and he will announce that he will not be able to play the Ryder Cup.

MARK IT DOWN.

I really do like Tiger and love to watch him play, but I can guarantee you that something along these lines will happen and he WILL NOT play the Ryder Cup.

[tmorales]

IMHO there is a big important point, at these events there are dionners and the players wives play an important role on the social part of the week. How comfvortble will Mrs. Woods will feel? or Tiger will be going alone and skip the social part?

 

The social events are part of their dutties as "embassadors" of the game and that would be stressfull for anybody on his position. They can mke a reality show on the spot, "PGA Wives" it would be a huge boost of TV Rating.

 

 

That said, I think jakanski nailed it. It should be an honour to play in the Ryder Cup... to ask for major wages is pretty disrespectful. The Ryder Cup is a traditional event, bit like The Ashes... the players who make the team should be so proud and happy at the fact they get to play in a very special competition, not to go and ask for some money for playing in it, it's not that kind of event.

 

 

I totally disagree. It's not the Olympics...it's a highly profitable exhibition that makes a ton of money for the networks, PGA of America, and the R&A. Why shouldn't the players be entitled to receive payment, especially because they are the sole reason why anyone is watching? These aren't amateurs, they're professional golfers that are INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS. They play golf for MONEY; they don't play for the love, honor BS.

 

 

I agree with your point but the thruth is that in the Oympics NBA players get paid by USA Basketball and so mega stars like Michael Phelps among others. At the Rydercup every player on the winning team get a check but is for a charity of their choice. And if I remind it right that thanks to the hard but accurate critics of Mr. David Duval and others.

 

 

 

 

[Langlands]

Why would you want him on your team? His record away from home is appalling - in the Ryder Cup that is..

[bucky316]

Pavin would certainly offer an invitation to Tiger....

...however the big question is would Tiger accept it?

1) Tiger has never been about team (or family)...it's all about Tiger!

2) the crowd across the pond will relentlessly hound Tiger...I don't think Mr "thin skin" wants any part of that... plus the whole circus environment would hurt the performance of the rest of the American team especially the rookies

[bermuda]

[quote name='elrey23' date='23 May 2010 - 12:29 PM' timestamp='1274632181' post='2461803']
Don't want him on the team, don't need him on the team. He's never appeared to like playing in the Ryder Cup and his record shows it.
[/quote]

+1

[duckhook]

Of course I pick him - even if he's playing bad.

But Tiger might not want to be picked. With his life a mess, his game mediocre, and his not great Ryder Cup history, Tiger may ask not to be picked.

[rich13]

I totally disagree. It's not the Olympics...it's a highly profitable exhibition that makes a ton of money for the networks, PGA of America, and the R&A. Why shouldn't the players be entitled to receive payment, especially because they are the sole reason why anyone is watching? These aren't amateurs, they're professional golfers that are INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS. They play golf for MONEY; they don't play for the love, honor BS.

 

 

It's the European Tour that's responsible for the Ryder Cup, not the R & A.......as far as playing for the love, honour, etc, Ryder Cup players from both sides regularly say how nerve-racking and downright scary it is on the first tee, and that they've never experienced such pressure before..... I think that confirms what an honour it is to them.

I certainly wouldn't like to be anywhere near the competitors toilets on the first morning........."You don't want to go in there Rory, I'd give it 10 minutes if I were you...."

[KWP]

[quote name='MBA-J' date='22 May 2010 - 01:23 AM' timestamp='1274505835' post='2459452']
[quote name='SpinMill75' date='21 May 2010 - 07:25 PM' timestamp='1274484332' post='2458778']
[quote name='dlygrisse' date='21 May 2010 - 05:25 AM' timestamp='1274444738' post='2457474']
If I was Pavin I wouldn't want Tiger on my team right now. His head is not in the game, he is not focused, and quite frankly Tiger has never really been that good of a Ryder Cup player. Tiger seems to mentally shut down after the PGA championship, the Ryder Cup has never seemed to be something he is passionate about.

If I was Pavin I would interview Tiger, if he didnt seem really excited about being on the team I would go with someone else. Of course this whole process is several months away, when August rolls around Tiger may have won twice and secured his position on the team, or he may be totally absent from the game on not even be considered.

Tiger would be a distraction to the team anyway, he would be constantly heckeld and interviewed, he has no game right now, we won two years ago without him, lost the previous 3 out of 4 with him, who really cares if he is on the team or not?

Tiger in Ryder Cup=overrated
[/quote]

I totally agree. I wouldn't want Tiger on the team. He would be too much of a side show from the event and distract all the guys who are playing.
[/quote]

With all due respect, I disagree wholeheartedly. This is professional sports, not high school football where one player finds out his best friend got his girlfriend, the head cheerleader, pregnant. These are multi-millionaires playing an exhibition match. If they can't "focus" for a few days MONTHS after the original incidents, then they don't need to be on the team, either.

I guarantee the PGA of America would FORCE Pavin to pick Tiger. As the RC is in GB&I this year, North American viewing audiences will have to watch at British Open-esque start times. No Tiger? ZERO ratings for NBC. It's just the way it is.

To the original question, "who really cares if he is on the team or not?" Answers: Tim Finchem, Ty Votaw, Dick Ebersol. In the BUSINESS of the Ryder Cup, these are the only stakeholders that really matter.
[/quote]

I agree with the direction of this post. If Pavin were to be so audacious as to not pick Tiger Pavin would find himself bound, hooded, and whisked away to the basement of PGA headquarters in Palm Beach Gardens for some enhanced interrogation methods by the people who really run golf.

The days of the Ryder Cup being anything more than an overblown commercial cash cow are LONG over. It is over hyperbolized and they need Tiger so they can get ratings and his being in it ensures that the Asian market will pay more for the rights and the ad revenue goes up from the lager share. So the only person who really has a choice is Tiger-Pavin has no real choice.

[bobmarley]

Oh no, it's the end of the world if Tiger (insert word here i.e. in this case if he plays in the Ryder Cup). Jeez, he is going through some tough times (of his own making) and deserves it but seriously.....sometimes your conspiracy theories are laughable at best.

Tiger will be in the Ryder cup if he plays better, if not then Pavin will not pick him. Simple.

[dan360]

Tiger has issues right now. Physical, mental, and game oriented.

His Ryder Cup track record is pathetic. 7-11-2. Really? C'mon son...

If he is not in the top 10 by points, there stands a good chance he will be passed over as a captain's pick, purely on his ability currently to "game on" and his dismal record in the Cup in general.

The fanboys, analysts, etc would probably scoff at such an idea, but if Ryder Cup team selection was today, and I was captain, I would have to go with someone else at this point.

[socalkid86]

[quote name='stevehj' date='23 May 2010 - 10:40 AM' timestamp='1274625648' post='2461650']
Tiger might be the best player, but he has a losing Ryder cup record. If he doesn't make the team, why would it be so compelling to pick him? Isn't the objective to win the event, not simply put on a show?
[/quote]

i agree. a loser is a loser and if he can't put up during the Ryder cup, what's the point? Having him there isn't going to boost morale...

if anything, putting someone young like Rickie Fowler on the team could be a killer deal like someone mentioned. Anthony Kim, even when his usual tour play wasn't that great, was hot during Ryder Cup was he not? Young guys love patriotism and all that. I can see Fowler having some serious firepower against an older squad.

don't you think someone like Rory McIlroy would be killer for the European team?! let's fight fire with fire. Get Fowler on the squad.

I don't think JB Holmes is a bad pick either. Sure his results lately don't put him on for Sundays but the first day of tournament play he usually does well. In Match play format he could be killer.

Is it bad that Solheim Cup gets me more excited?! it could be Paula or Natalie's doing tho...

[dlygrisse]

[quote name='dan360' date='26 May 2010 - 04:59 AM' timestamp='1274867970' post='2467974']
Tiger has issues right now. Physical, mental, and game oriented.

His Ryder Cup track record is pathetic. 7-11-2. Really? C'mon son...

If he is not in the top 10 by points, there stands a good chance he will be passed over as a captain's pick, purely on his ability currently to "game on" and his dismal record in the Cup in general.

The fanboys, analysts, etc would probably scoff at such an idea, but if Ryder Cup team selection was today, and I was captain, I would have to go with someone else at this point.
[/quote]
FYI his record is 10-13-2, I dont think you have his 2006 stats in there, but I agree he just doesnt seem that into the Ryder Cup experience. Tiger is about Tiger, not the team effort.

[MBA-J]

Show me a good team player in the Ryder Cup, and I'll show you someone who doesn't have the internal motivation to be a repeat major championship winner.

Tiger asked the appropriate question to a reporter that ridiculed his Ryder Cup record. The reporter asked Tiger about his abysmal record. Tiger quipped back, asking "What was Jack's Ryder Cup record?" The reporter had no idea, thus proving Tiger's point.

Guys and gals, this is Tiger Woods. Personal issues aside, this is a golf machine that has dominated professional golf for the past decade, including 2009. If Pavin "cuts" Tiger, he'd be a fool. The only professional golfers that worry about their Ryder Cup records are the ones that aren't perennial major championship winners or contenders. Case in point, Colin Montgomerie. Monty is usually regarded as one of the best Ryder Cup players ever, but if he had multiple major championships, he'd be regarded as one of the best PLAYERS ever.

USA Basketball would not cut LeBron or Kobe if they were struggling with their jump shot while going through a divorce. Team USA wouldn't cut Landon Donovan because the team as a whole doesn't have much World Cup success. Nevertheless, the guy who made everybody on the Tour a rich man struggles for a period, and those who were so quick to hang onto the coattails are the same ones slinging mud pies, spray painting scarlet letters on his Nike caps, and what have you.

However, I'm going to chalk up this entire discussion to a mob mentality. There is no way that unbiased golf fans would be so quick to dismiss one of the two best golfers EVER. I thought the members of this site were smarter than that.


Meanwhile, I'm hoping and praying that Tiger goes and joins the ANZ Sunshine Tour, can't qualify for the Ryder Cup, and only come back to the states for majors. Then I guess some of you guys can sleep better at night knowing that the sins of lust, adultery, and covetousness have been stricken away from the PGA Tour forever and ever. At least then, the USA can rest its Ryder Cup fortunes on Jason Bohn and Jeff Overton, which is nice.

[dan360]

[quote name='dlygrisse' date='27 May 2010 - 09:00 PM' timestamp='1275019211' post='2472241']
[quote name='dan360' date='26 May 2010 - 04:59 AM' timestamp='1274867970' post='2467974']
Tiger has issues right now. Physical, mental, and game oriented.

His Ryder Cup track record is pathetic. 7-11-2. Really? C'mon son...

If he is not in the top 10 by points, there stands a good chance he will be passed over as a captain's pick, purely on his ability currently to "game on" and his dismal record in the Cup in general.

The fanboys, analysts, etc would probably scoff at such an idea, but if Ryder Cup team selection was today, and I was captain, I would have to go with someone else at this point.
[/quote]
FYI his record is 10-13-2, I dont think you have his 2006 stats in there, but I agree he just doesnt seem that into the Ryder Cup experience. Tiger is about Tiger, not the team effort.
[/quote]

I stand corrected, but still wouldn't pick him. I agree with you on the team effort part--when he teamed with Mickelson it was apparent he wasn't into it.

They say there is no I in TEAM, but there is an M and an E...lol

[dan360]

[quote name='MBA-J' date='27 May 2010 - 10:33 PM' timestamp='1275024831' post='2472366']
Show me a good team player in the Ryder Cup, and I'll show you someone who doesn't have the internal motivation to be a repeat major championship winner.

Tiger asked the appropriate question to a reporter that ridiculed his Ryder Cup record. The reporter asked Tiger about his abysmal record. Tiger quipped back, asking "What was Jack's Ryder Cup record?" The reporter had no idea, thus proving Tiger's point.

Guys and gals, this is Tiger Woods. Personal issues aside, this is a golf machine that has dominated professional golf for the past decade, including 2009. If Pavin "cuts" Tiger, he'd be a fool. The only professional golfers that worry about their Ryder Cup records are the ones that aren't perennial major championship winners or contenders. Case in point, Colin Montgomerie. Monty is usually regarded as one of the best Ryder Cup players ever, but if he had multiple major championships, he'd be regarded as one of the best PLAYERS ever.

USA Basketball would not cut LeBron or Kobe if they were struggling with their jump shot while going through a divorce. Team USA wouldn't cut Landon Donovan because the team as a whole doesn't have much World Cup success. Nevertheless, the guy who made everybody on the Tour a rich man struggles for a period, and those who were so quick to hang onto the coattails are the same ones slinging mud pies, spray painting scarlet letters on his Nike caps, and what have you.

However, I'm going to chalk up this entire discussion to a mob mentality. There is no way that unbiased golf fans would be so quick to dismiss one of the two best golfers EVER. I thought the members of this site were smarter than that.


Meanwhile, I'm hoping and praying that Tiger goes and joins the ANZ Sunshine Tour, can't qualify for the Ryder Cup, and only come back to the states for majors. Then I guess some of you guys can sleep better at night knowing that the sins of lust, adultery, and covetousness have been stricken away from the PGA Tour forever and ever. At least then, the USA can rest its Ryder Cup fortunes on Jason Bohn and Jeff Overton, which is nice.
[/quote]

A good argument, but still the facts are:

1. The Ryder Cup is a team effort.
2. Tiger Woods sucks in the Ryder Cup.
3. Tiger Woods is not much of a team player.

If he's in the top 10 for points, he's in. No big deal. If he's not, it's up to the captain, and statisically speaking, as a captain of a team event, Tiger Woods is not a sound choice.

He has all the talent in the world, but has never been shown to play well in that event. If he gets in on merit (top 10 in points) then fine, he's in. If he doesn't get in on merit, you can't justify picking him for that event "just because" he's the #1 player in the world. In the Ryder Cup, and in match play events in general, he's mediocre at best.

[ghodges]

[quote name='MBA-J' date='28 May 2010 - 01:33 AM' timestamp='1275024831' post='2472366']
Meanwhile, I'm hoping and praying that Tiger goes and joins the ANZ Sunshine Tour, can't qualify for the Ryder Cup, and only come back to the states for majors. Then I guess some of you guys can sleep better at night knowing that the sins of lust, adultery, and covetousness have been stricken away from the PGA Tour forever and ever. At least then, the USA can rest its Ryder Cup fortunes on Jason Bohn and Jeff Overton, which is nice.
[/quote]

C'mon. You know Tiger is the only professional golfer to commit adultery. He is the only professional golfer and human being to lie to cover up his mistakes. We know none of the greats of the game had "women" issues. Err...ummm...strike that. Their indiscretions don't really count since there was no TMZ to make them front and center.

Heck, I like most of folks here are beyond reproach and have never committed a sin in my life. No one deserves the opportunity to make mistakes. I have never given in to any temptation or worldly indulgence. I would have never made any mistakes if I had been in similar position. If Tiger Woods would just go away every day would be sunny, world hunger would no longer exist and we would all be scratch golfers.

[bobmarley]

^Excellent post.

[MBA-J]

[quote name='dan360' date='28 May 2010 - 01:39 AM' timestamp='1275025152' post='2472371']


A good argument, but still the facts are:

1. The Ryder Cup is a team effort.
2. Tiger Woods sucks in the Ryder Cup.
3. Tiger Woods is not much of a team player.

If he's in the top 10 for points, he's in. No big deal. If he's not, it's up to the captain, and statisically speaking, as a captain of a team event, Tiger Woods is not a sound choice.

He has all the talent in the world, but has never been shown to play well in that event. If he gets in on merit (top 10 in points) then fine, he's in. If he doesn't get in on merit, you can't justify picking him for that event "just because" he's the #1 player in the world. In the Ryder Cup, and in match play events in general, he's mediocre at best.
[/quote]

Tiger has won the Accenture Match Play twice, won 6 consecutive USGA match play events, and went 5-0 in the Presidents Cup last year. If he's mediocre, I'd love to see a great one. Hell, I'd love to see an average one.


In contrast, Phil Mickelson's game was in complete disarray last season and at the beginning of this season due to his wife and mother's battles with cancer, coupled with his own battles with a wrist injury. Phil missed cuts, had terrible two-way misses, and couldn't make short putts just like Tiger does now. However, one win at Augusta changed the trajectory of his season and the implications of his position as the second-best player in the world. Not long ago, Phil wasn't even considered to be in Tiger's county, talent and accomplishments-wise.

So why are Tiger's current struggles presented as being permanent, career ending distractions that disqualify him from even being considered as a Captain's selection on a US All-Star team?

[Shambles]

I doubt Pavin will be able to refuse to invite Tiger whether Tiger makes the top 8 or not. Likewise I doubt Tiger will be able to refuse to play whether he wants to or not. If memory serves me right, Tiger and a few other players once asked for money for participating, citing the fact that everybody was making money on the Cup except the players. I believe their sponsors forced them to play for the sport of it. Such will also be the case here.

Tiger is just too much of a draw and for the sake of the audience share Pavin will be forced to invite and Tiger will be forced to accept. The only thing that will let Tiger miss the Cup will be a lack of interest on the part of the audience and I don't see that happening anytime soon.


Shambles

[HeadonaStick]

[quote name='MBA-J' date='28 May 2010 - 01:33 AM' timestamp='1275024831' post='2472366']
Show me a good team player in the Ryder Cup, and I'll show you someone who doesn't have the internal motivation to be a repeat major championship winner.

Tiger asked the appropriate question to a reporter that ridiculed his Ryder Cup record. The reporter asked Tiger about his abysmal record. Tiger quipped back, asking "What was Jack's Ryder Cup record?" The reporter had no idea, thus proving Tiger's point.

Guys and gals, this is Tiger Woods. Personal issues aside, this is a golf machine that has dominated professional golf for the past decade, including 2009. If Pavin "cuts" Tiger, he'd be a fool. The only professional golfers that worry about their Ryder Cup records are the ones that aren't perennial major championship winners or contenders. Case in point, Colin Montgomerie. Monty is usually regarded as one of the best Ryder Cup players ever, but if he had multiple major championships, he'd be regarded as one of the best PLAYERS ever.[/quote]

All very good reasons NOT to select Tiger.

[quote]USA Basketball would not cut LeBron or Kobe if they were struggling with their jump shot while going through a divorce. Team USA wouldn't cut Landon Donovan because the team as a whole doesn't have much World Cup success. Nevertheless, the guy who made everybody on the Tour a rich man struggles for a period, and those who were so quick to hang onto the coattails are the same ones slinging mud pies, spray painting scarlet letters on his Nike caps, and what have you.[/quote]

All irrelevant. It isn't about punishing Tiger, it is about putting together the team with the best chance of success. By your own admission, Tiger just isn't that interested.

[quote]However, I'm going to chalk up this entire discussion to a mob mentality. There is no way that unbiased golf fans would be so quick to dismiss one of the two best golfers EVER. I thought the members of this site were smarter than that. [/quote]

He is never one of the two best golfers when you are discussing team events. Ever. He is also not one of the two best players ever, right now.


[quote]Meanwhile, I'm hoping and praying that Tiger goes and joins the ANZ Sunshine Tour, can't qualify for the Ryder Cup, and only come back to the states for majors. Then I guess some of you guys can sleep better at night knowing that the sins of lust, adultery, and covetousness have been stricken away from the PGA Tour forever and ever. At least then, the USA can rest its Ryder Cup fortunes on Jason Bohn and Jeff Overton, which is nice.
[/quote]
Wow, I wasn't aware those were even issues here. They may be issues for Tiger to deal with, but they have no bearing on this discussion as far as I can tell.

Tiger just isn't Tiger right now. The reason is irrelevant.

[HeadonaStick]

[quote name='MBA-J' date='28 May 2010 - 03:39 AM' timestamp='1275032340' post='2472430']
[quote name='dan360' date='28 May 2010 - 01:39 AM' timestamp='1275025152' post='2472371']


A good argument, but still the facts are:

1. The Ryder Cup is a team effort.
2. Tiger Woods sucks in the Ryder Cup.
3. Tiger Woods is not much of a team player.

If he's in the top 10 for points, he's in. No big deal. If he's not, it's up to the captain, and statisically speaking, as a captain of a team event, Tiger Woods is not a sound choice.

He has all the talent in the world, but has never been shown to play well in that event. If he gets in on merit (top 10 in points) then fine, he's in. If he doesn't get in on merit, you can't justify picking him for that event "just because" he's the #1 player in the world. In the Ryder Cup, and in match play events in general, he's mediocre at best.
[/quote]

Tiger has won the Accenture Match Play twice, won 6 consecutive USGA match play events, and went 5-0 in the Presidents Cup last year. If he's mediocre, I'd love to see a great one. Hell, I'd love to see an average one.


In contrast, Phil Mickelson's game was in complete disarray last season and at the beginning of this season due to his wife and mother's battles with cancer, coupled with his own battles with a wrist injury. Phil missed cuts, had terrible two-way misses, and couldn't make short putts just like Tiger does now. However, one win at Augusta changed the trajectory of his season and the implications of his position as the second-best player in the world. Not long ago, Phil wasn't even considered to be in Tiger's county, talent and accomplishments-wise.

So why are Tiger's current struggles presented as being permanent, career ending distractions that disqualify him from even being considered as a Captain's selection on a US All-Star team?
[/quote]
They aren't being presented as permanent. They are presented as a current issue that anyone selecting players [i]right now[/i] must consider.