Eye of the Tiger

Who do you think will finish second at the PGA Championship?

In 2000, I just began a new job and remember the first time meeting my new Regional VP at a local sales meeting and talking golf. After the initial introduction, the above question was the first I asked him. Of course back then I was referring to fact that Tiger Woods was winning every major tournament in sight …and there was no reason to think anything would change, so the field was playing for second. Little did I realize that was the year the PGA Championship at Medina would come down to an epic battle between Tiger and Bob May.

Yesterday, I took my kids to see the NY Yankees baseball game, a 1:05 start in the Bronx. Planning ahead, I set the timer for 1:00 to tape (an old fashioned VCR) the WGC Bridgestone Championship. Rory Sabbatini held a one shot lead over Tiger going into the final round and was confident, trash talking at every opportunity. All Saturday night I saw replays of the press conference earlier this year at the Wachovia Championship, where Sabbatini also held a lead over Tiger going into the final round, saying how he thought Tiger had lost his edge and was beatable. NOT! Tiger won that event as Sabbatini faded. At Saturday’s press conference Tiger reminded everyone how he’s won as many tournaments this year alone as Sabbatini’s career grand total.

As I returned home from a fun afternoon around 7:00, I sat down with my dinner and turned on the replay, not having any idea what had happened. As I began watching, the TV crew explained how going head to head in the final group with Tiger was REALLY hazardous to the game of his competitor. Although their game plans are to play well, be patient and follow their plan, it usually takes only a few holes for them to hit a few bad shots or miss a few putts, then implode. Typically they shoot in the high 70’s or even 80 or above. At the same time, Tiger plays steady, makes pars plus adds a few birdies to take the lead, then pulls away from the field.

All I can say after watching the first few holes yesterday is WOW…WOW and more WOW! It was déjà vu all over again, an instant replay of the past. Like many before him, Sabbatini scrambled on the first hole for par, then started missing fairways. On this day at Firestone Country Club, where Woods has won many times before, the conditions were US Open-like. The rough was long, thick and wet, thanks to a steady rain all day. Sabbatini slopped it up with bogies and doubles on the front nine, while Tiger hit fairways and greens, making pars and birdies and pulling away. He lead by seven shots before the end of the front nine, but put an exclamation point by chipping in twice from off the green.

Tiger is one modern day athlete you don’t mess with, especially when it’s the final round and he’s in your rear view mirror.