Tiger Who?

The Target World Challenge is happening at the Sherwood Country Club this weekend. I had it on while I was doing some work and then it hit me…why are the sports journalists asking these guys the same odd question?

Let’s back up a bit…there are some very excellent golfers in this event. Jim Furyk, Zach Johnson, and of course, the ubiquitous Tiger Woods are among those playing. Tiger Woods is obviously the single most important golfer that has ever played the game. His arrival all those years ago shook up the sport and removed the “old white guy” image the game had for so long. He showed us all that golfers are real athletes that are truly dedicated to their craft. Now a more diverse sport welcoming all to its courses, the game is arguably a better one because of him.

Alright, with that said, there are a multitude of other players on the course and in these tournaments. Most of these guys have spent their lives perfecting their game. They devote hours at the driving range and with instructors trying to shave off a stroke or improving their putting ability. When they reach the point that they are at a major PGA Tour event, it is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. These are some really great players, guys that most golfers only wish they could emulate.

So when a guy on the tour is having a great round and has spent his life devoted to his sport, what is it that journalists ask him?

“What is it like to play next to Tiger Woods?”

Sure, it must be awesome to be on the course with a living legend. Heck, I bet it is intimidating, inspiring, and even frustrating to some. But honestly, here’s a guy who is sometimes older than Tiger that has worked just as hard in most cases and you are asking him what it is like to be on the course with another golfer? I can see asking a retired legend what is was like to play with Jack Nicklaus or something to that effect. Why is the entire sport focused on this one guy – even when talking to other participants? Yes, he is remarkable and changed the sport forever. I just think that we need to respect what he has done but honor those that made it to the big events too.

Yeah – I know - it is an odd observation. I just thought these guys could answer questions about other things in their lives. Maybe “How did you prepare?” or “Do you think you can catch up tomorrow?” or anything about themselves. I feel bad for them that they are mostly asked about what it is like to play with Tiger. I mean, they have their own individual talents so why not focus on them? Spread it around -it won’t hurt. We will all still get our fix of Tiger Woods as it doesn’t look like he is slowing down any time soon.