Running PGA TOUR 2011 Thread

[golfnut8924]

The season kicks off a week from today and today is Tiger's birthday so I thought it would be a good time to get this one going.

In terms of Jack's record, I think this could be a do-or-die year for Tiger. He turned 35 today and he can't afford to have too many winless major seasons at this stage if he's going to knock the record down. Clock is ticking.

I think the popular bet for a first-time major winner this year is Westwood or Dustin Johnson. Will be interesting to see how Westwood responds to his #1 ranking.

Lefty turned 40 last year and is battling health issues. He is also the defending champ at Augusta. How much does he have left in the tank?

Ty Tryon earned some status on the Nationwide this year via Q-School (and made the cut at the US Open last year) after years of mini tour obscurity. Would be a hell of a story if he were to work his way back to the PGA.

Some good fresh faces coming up to the PGA this year full-time (some for the first time and some getting back again) --- Jamie Lovemark, Tommy Gainey, Chris Kirk, Colt Knost to name a few.

There's only so much to talk about until things actually get underway but I thought I'd toss some nuggets out there to get the ball rolling.

 

[TigerVols]

Given two choices, which is more likely:

No. 1: Tiger never wins another major

No. 2: Tiger tops Nicklaus' record.


(I go with No. 1)

 

[golfnut8924]

Given two choices, which is more likely:

No. 1: Tiger never wins another major

No. 2: Tiger tops Nicklaus' record.


(I go with No. 1)

My prediction is neither of those. I think he will win again but I don't think he will win 5 more (or even 4 more to tie the mark).

But if I had to pick only one then yes I would agree with you. I think it's more likely that he doesn't win again than it is that he wins another 5.

 

[Moderator1]

A kid I know slightly made the final stage of Q-School and it just dawned on me I have no idea how he did.

 

[golfnut8924]

A kid I know slightly made the final stage of Q-School and it just dawned on me I have no idea how he did.

http://www.pgatour.com/qschool/leaderboard/

That has all the final tallies. Final positioning determines various status on PGA and Nationwide.

 

[TwoGloves]

Given two choices, which is more likely:

No. 1: Tiger never wins another major

No. 2: Tiger tops Nicklaus' record.


(I go with No. 1)

No. 2. One thing I've learned it to never underestimate that guy. I know he's never had a year like he did in 2010 but how many times have people said he was slipping only to come back stronger than ever?

 

[Gues#t]

Nicklaus won the Masters and and the PGA at the age of 35 and four majors thereafter. If Tiger wins two majors this year, that will be a helluva comeback.

I still can't believe how ignorant--he's just not that stupid, or stupid at all for that matter--I say, I can't believe how ignorant Tiger was about handling his extra-curricular affairs. Everybody around him must have been frightened of him. Greek tragedy on a small, sordid scale; ego run amuck.

 

[trifectarich]

Is it just me or does it seem like the offseason lasted about 10 minutes?

 

[hondo]

The only health issues Phil is facing is being able to drive past a Five Guys or not.

 

[cjericho]

Nicklaus won the Masters and and the PGA at the age of 35 and four majors thereafter. If Tiger wins two majors this year, that will be a helluva comeback.

I still can't believe how ignorant--he's just not that stupid, or stupid at all for that matter--I say, I can't believe how ignorant Tiger was about handling his extra-curricular affairs. Everybody around him must have been frightened of him. Greek tragedy on a small, sordid scale; ego run amuck.

and Tiger is in far better physical shape than Nicklaus ever was. not sure if it's stupidity as much as arrogance. i remember this board the night of the accident. some were saying no big deal, only a few minor sponsors will drop him. i'm actually more surprised that his wife went through with the divorce. i would bet many more wives of athletes put up with cheating.

 

[User 11148]

In one of the worst ball-striking years of his career, Tiger strongly contended at Augusta and was a player in the U.S. Open as well. If his putting comes back around, I see him easily catching Nicklaus' record. If it doesn't, I could still see him doing it, but it will be a close shave.

 

[ChrisRcc]

I could definitely see Tiger picking up a major or two if his putting picks up. Wouldn't be surprised if his putting is still problematic, however.

 

[golfnut8924]

Throughout Tiger's dominant career, he has averaged about one major win per year (14 majors in roughly 14 seasons; missed a couple majors with surgery). So now at age 35, he would need to continue this dominant pace of one per year to eclipse Jack's record by age 40. After age 40, history is not on his side. Only a very small handful of majors have been won by a 40-something. Watson won his last major at 33, Palmer won his last at 34. Jack only won 4 majors after the age of 36, and one of those was the miracle Masters win at age 46. That much said, Tiger is a fitness freak so his "golf clock" may tick a little longer than others. But it is certainly ticking.

Several reasons why his dominant pace might slip a little though...

1.) He's in great shape, but let's face it -- that knee is not getting any healthier. He will likely need more minor procedures on it in the coming years as well.

2.) He doesn't practice as much as he used to. This is something he has admitted several times because he says his kids are his number one priority and that he no longer practices as much anymore as he did prior to having kids. With his home life being a wreck, he will have to go to greater lengths to see his kids, meaning possibly even less practice time.

3.) He has a new coach, and thus, new swing changes. His past coaching and/or swing changes have been followed by a dry spell (and that also being said, those dry spells were often followed by hot streaks after the adjustments settled in). But given how wild he was in 2010, he has some work to do.

4.) Pro golf is probably deeper now than it has ever been in his career. Top to bottom, the fields are stronger than they were 10 years ago so Tiger has more competition.

5.) Augusta isn't the same for him. After he won 3 out of 6 Masters from '97 to '02, it was anybody's guess as to how many jackets he might get. But he's won just 1 out of 8 ever since.

So if he were to break the record before hitting that unfavorable age of 40, he would have to continue the same dominant pace that he has been on his entire career. And, as laid out above, I think there's plenty of reason to believe he will slip from that pace a bit. Afterall, if he doesn't win at Augusta this year, it will be THREE full years since his last major win (2008 US) and will be just 2 for his last 15.

Many people predict he will have a monster season this year because he "has a chip on his shoulder," "the weight of his guilt is off his chest," "his distractions are behind him," etc. But remember, many people were saying the exact same thing last year and he ended up with his worst season as a pro.

I think he will win majors again because he's just too damned talented and puts himself in contention too often (despite a terrible 2010, he still made noise in 2 majors). I just don't see him notching 5 more. But ........ who knows? If anyone can pull off a big charge on the downhill side of their career, it's him. I don't think he'll get the record but I won't die of shock if he does.

 

[Evil ... Thy name is Orville Redenbacher!!]

Throughout Tiger's dominant career, he has averaged about one major win per year (14 majors in roughly 14 seasons; missed a couple majors with surgery). So now at age 35, he would need to continue this dominant pace of one per year to eclipse Jack's record by age 40. After age 40, history is not on his side. Only a very small handful of majors have been won by a 40-something. Watson won his last major at 33, Palmer won his last at 34. Jack only won 4 majors after the age of 36, and one of those was the miracle Masters win at age 46. That much said, Tiger is a fitness freak so his "golf clock" may tick a little longer than others. But it is certainly ticking.

Several reasons why his dominant pace might slip a little though...

1.) He's in great shape, but let's face it -- that knee is not getting any healthier. He will likely need more minor procedures on it in the coming years as well.

2.) He doesn't practice as much as he used to. This is something he has admitted several times because he says his kids are his number one priority and that he no longer practices as much anymore as he did prior to having kids. With his home life being a wreck, he will have to go to greater lengths to see his kids, meaning possibly even less practice time.

3.) He has a new coach, and thus, new swing changes. His past coaching and/or swing changes have been followed by a dry spell (and that also being said, those dry spells were often followed by hot streaks after the adjustments settled in). But given how wild he was in 2010, he has some work to do.

4.) Pro golf is probably deeper now than it has ever been in his career. Top to bottom, the fields are stronger than they were 10 years ago so Tiger has more competition.

5.) Augusta isn't the same for him. After he won 3 out of 6 Masters from '97 to '02, it was anybody's guess as to how many jackets he might get. But he's won just 1 out of 8 ever since.

So if he were to break the record before hitting that unfavorable age of 40, he would have to continue the same dominant pace that he has been on his entire career. And, as laid out above, I think there's plenty of reason to believe he will slip from that pace a bit. Afterall, if he doesn't win at Augusta this year, it will be THREE full years since his last major win (2008 US).

Many people predict he will have a monster season this year because he "has a chip on his shoulder," "the weight of his guilt is off his chest," "his distractions are behind him," etc. But remember, many people were saying the exact same thing last year and he ended up with his worst season as a pro.

I think he will win majors again because he's just too damned talented and puts himself in contention too often (despite a terrible 2010, he still made noise in 2 majors). I just don't see him notching 5 more. But ........ who knows? If anyone can pull off a big charge on the downhill side of their career, it's him. I don't think he'll get the record but I won't die of shock if he does.

Tiger's knee injury and other physicla ailments may also work against him in terms of the clock.
Johnny Miller has stated more than once he thinks the lingering injuries and training could actually shorten Tiger's window.

 

[golfnut8924]

Golf Channel will be doing a 10-part series about Mark Burk, a pro golfer who is homeless and trying to make a comeback. First episode is Jan. 11. Show is called "Pipe Dream."

http://www.thegolfchannel.com/tour-insider/golf-channel-chronicles-downtrodden-pro-mark-burk-series-40673/

http://markburk.com/

He is mired in legal battles with ex-girlfriend and supermodel Beverly Johnson. She claims domestic violence. He claims slander. Might be an interesting show. I'm curious to see how he is portrayed.

 

[Deeper_Background]

Hello friends. Jim Nantz will narrate your Tiger Woods video game
Augusta National Golf Club and EA Sports announced a deal today to feature the famed golf course in the video game, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12: The Masters. But buried in the fine print of the announcement was a nugget for sports TV watchers. Jim Nantz, CBS' longtime "Voice of the Masters," and golf analyst David Feherty, will narrate the game which goes on sale March 29. http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2011/01/hello-friends-jim-nantz-will-narrate-your-bid-for-a-masters-green-jacket/1

 

[golfnut8924]

Hello friends. Jim Nantz will narrate your Tiger Woods video game
Augusta National Golf Club and EA Sports announced a deal today to feature the famed golf course in the video game, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12: The Masters. But buried in the fine print of the announcement was a nugget for sports TV watchers. Jim Nantz, CBS' longtime "Voice of the Masters," and golf analyst David Feherty, will narrate the game which goes on sale March 29. http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2011/01/hello-friends-jim-nantz-will-narrate-your-bid-for-a-masters-green-jacket/1

This is badass. It's about time they got Augusta into the game. Wasn't sure if that would ever happen. Can't wait to see it.

 

[Crash]

I'd be absolutely shocked if Tiger doesn't break Jack's record. I don't think he's going to shatter it, but he's going to pass him.

If Kenny Perry can go to the 72nd hole with the lead at Augusta at age 48, Tiger can do it several more times. As someone else said, his game looked lost last year, and he still almost won two majors.

 

[playthrough]

Hello friends. Jim Nantz will narrate your Tiger Woods video game
Augusta National Golf Club and EA Sports announced a deal today to feature the famed golf course in the video game, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12: The Masters. But buried in the fine print of the announcement was a nugget for sports TV watchers. Jim Nantz, CBS' longtime "Voice of the Masters," and golf analyst David Feherty, will narrate the game which goes on sale March 29. http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2011/01/hello-friends-jim-nantz-will-narrate-your-bid-for-a-masters-green-jacket/1

This is badass. It's about time they got Augusta into the game. Wasn't sure if that would ever happen. Can't wait to see it.

I don't think I had ever wished for an XBox until today. Wow.

Kinda hard to believe that Augusta National officials would let the EA Sports folks trample around the course for 10 days to map out the place, but they are also pretty sneaky smart. They know this game will be enormous.

 

[Mark2010]

Is it just me or does it seem like the offseason lasted about 10 minutes?

Yep, the season is far too long and it's really hard to work up a lot of enthusiasm with four feet of snow on the ground outside my front door.