ESPN.com featured a special interview with a sports analyst asking if Tiger is the most dominating athlete ever. Personally, I love the fact that golf, a sport often left out of 'the scene,' is getting all this publicity, but my skepticism lies in the fact that it may be a bit too hasty of a comment. The two analysts made some good points about Tiger, such as discussing his drought a few years ago and how people questioned whether he would ever be able to play as he did in 2000 when he won three majors and rewrote the records for each. Well, the answer is obvious--he's won 8 of his last 9 and he's putting as if the ball is a magnet to the hole.
The truth is, I love Tiger Woods. As a young aspiring athlete, I can't think of another sports icon today who is as inspirational as this guy is, especially with all of my favorite baseball players getting caught for steroid use (regardless of if they were aware of it or not). Whether it comes to his fitness regimen which has revolutionized the game or his dedication to his own community center for children off the course, or simply the fierceness that he brings to the course every time he steps on the tee box--Woods emanates fear in his competitors and hopeful curiosity in his fans. I've been lucky enough to watch Woods on two separate occasions. Both were Thursdays, and he didn't end up playing up to his standards the days I was there or winning either tournament. However, I saw enough to know: this guy is intimidating.
Although each time I watched him I was blown away by Tiger's attitude and abilities to conquer the golf course, one of these instances ranges far beyond a memorable moment and instead belongs in my personal hall of fame. As my friend and I walked down the 9th hole at Tiger's Target World Challenge two years ago, elated that we weren't in school, we caught up with Tiger and watched him play. Although it wasn't his best day (he only had 3 birdies), we watched him pummel drives, shape gorgeous fades and draws, and slam 4 footers into 'their home.' However, while I was lucky enough to see some truly remarkable shots, the highlight of my day, and possibly teenage life, came in the span of maybe ten seconds or so when I was on one side of the rope waiting for my friend to come out of the restroom. T.W. himself walked right by me. When I think back to it, it reminds me of one of those slow motion scenes in the Matrix when Keanu Reeves and Lawrence Fishburn are defying the laws of physics and gravity all at once. I caught the eye of the Tiger. In pure disbelief, I nodded, not knowing what else to do. Then...he nodded back. It was as if every moment in my short, puny little life had led up to this moment. His tight fitting shirt outlined his muscles. The Nike symbol featured from head to toe made him more than a walking advertisement, but a walking, breathing, shot-making God. 'Focused' doesn't begin to explain his demeanor. 'Competitive' doesn't begin to explain his state of mind. Maybe something a little simpler might do the trick--HUNGRY. This man was hungry for a win. Hungry to show people what he could do. And hungry to spoil the hopes of his competitors.
I am no position to say whether Tiger Woods is the most dominating athlete ever. I have only been around a little while. I know very little of legends like Muhammad Ali or Michael Jordan. But what I do know is this: 10 seconds is all it took this man to instill in me two things. First, that I wanted to compete at the highest level of golf as he did. And second, as hard as I worked, and as far as I got--a Tiger would be waiting.
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Riveting story. Funny, I think I heard Tiger talking to Kelly Tilghman the other day on the Golf Channel about a strange incident that changed his life at the 9th hole of the Target World Challenge a couple of years ago. Apparently, as he was striding up the fairway, eyes downcast in his usual Zen focused way, he suddenly felt compelled to look up, and when he did, he saw this tall, good looking kid staring at him from the other side of the ropes. It was the intense scrutiny emanating from this young man that he felt. The kid nodded at him, and Tiger told Kelly, "I had no choice but to nod back. It was like a reflex. And then I knew...I had to re-dedicate myself to the game...to life. If this kid was ditching school to watch me, and studying me that hard...well, it is my duty -- my honor -- to devote every iota of my essence to the pursuit of excellence. And by the way, Kelly -- don't sweat that on-air slip of the tongue a few weeks back. We all make mistakes." Anyway, now you see the result. Thank God he saw you there. It just shows, we all matter. ;-)
I was thinking of the Tige today as I drove the 405. He is so much like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant...a tremendous finisher. As great as Tiger may be as a complete golfer, it is putting that may be the most impressive part of his game. He is automatic inside 5 feet; expectant inside 12 feet; ridiculous beyond that. He puts people away. He dunks in their face. He finishes. We have all been there: closing in on a great score but missing the putt; not Tiger. He makes the putt so often it is absolutely amazing. Johnny Miller said it the other day:"With all of the spike marks and bumps on a putting green, he still seems to make everything." That, to me, is his greatest feat and it has to be because of his amazing skill and ability to "see" the putt. He is the ultimate finisher.
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