ABC execs must be reaching for the Pepto-Bismol after seeing Tiger Woods stink up up the course at Turnberry Scotland at the British Open and miss the cut for only the second time in a major. Any event minus the game’s best player is no-see TV. Unless 59-year-old Tom Watson (a co-leader after two rounds) stays in contention, the U.S. audience for Sunday will be small, especially given the early morning start time in the States.
Woods shot a 4-over 74 and lamented that he “kept making mistake after mistake.” Woods had made the cut in 43 consecutive tournaments. He has struggled in the three majors so far this year, despite the folks on ESPN’s “PTI” always taking him against the field (which seems bizarre given how unpredictable golf is; I’ll always take the field). His last shot at a major this season will be at the PGA in August.
on Jul 17th, 2009 at 8:29 PM
They should just cancel the tournament.
on Jul 17th, 2009 at 8:32 PM
I know it’s hard to compare sports, but the sports record I am most impressed with in all of sports is Tiger Woods’ consecutive-cuts-made record: 142. When you look at the next two longest streaks – Byron Nelson (113) and Jack Nicklaus (105), it gives perspective of just how far ahead of the pack he is on that record: A full 25% higher than second.
He also had the longest active streak of cuts made until today. I may be wrong, but I believe the longest active streak now is like single digits or close to it!
on Jul 17th, 2009 at 10:25 PM
It means I can sleep in tomorrow and Sunday because without Tiger I won’t be watching until late Sunday to see if there is a tight finish.
on Jul 17th, 2009 at 11:01 PM
“Any event minus the game’s best player is no-see TV.”
Then you are not a fan of golf. Period.
on Jul 17th, 2009 at 11:15 PM
“Then you are not a fan of golf. Period.”
Correct, but also stating what happens to golf ratings when Tiger is not involved; they tank. The only hope this year is if Watson stays in contention, then you have the “old guy comeback” angle.
on Jul 18th, 2009 at 12:22 AM
Sorry, didn’t see that you wrote this. Cyd is the one who goes on and on about how much he loves golf but I don’t remember you saying the same thing.
In general, this just goes to show how retarded you have to be to take Tiger over the field, which most national sportswriters do as a matter of course. Sign me up for the other side of that bet every time.
Tiger might have to do yet another major swing rehaul this winter to jibe with his new knee. His action through the ball is bordering on uncontrolled; it’s almost as if he goes 100% on every shot just because he can. Sometimes he has the ability to make things happen through sheer force of will on familiar courses in benign conditions, but shooting low in a windy, cold Open Championship is another matter altogether.
on Jul 18th, 2009 at 2:44 AM
I would never take one player over the field given even odds. It’s fun to debate, I guess. But one player vs. the field? Crazy. Now, give me Tiger vs. any other player, and I’d take Tiger almost every time.
on Jul 18th, 2009 at 8:47 AM
there was golf before Tiger Woods (I know – there really was!) and there will be golf after Tiger Woods. I watch it regardless of whether Sergio is winning or Briney Baird.
on Jul 18th, 2009 at 10:55 AM
I don’t generally watch the other tournaments but I’ll tune in for the weekend rounds of a Major especially if there is a tight finish. There are alot of exciting finishes you’d have missed if you only tune in for Tiger. And it would be thrilling to watch Tom Watson coming up to 18 tomorrow with a chance to win it.
on Jul 19th, 2009 at 12:12 PM
Well the unthinkable is happening…Watson comes to 18 with a one stroke lead!