Question:
I mean really. How can he be so popular? Granted, he is a good player, but must millions of people praise him like a golf god? And another things – how was he ranked #1 at the world golf tournament? It really should have been Duval or even O’ Meara. — RaptorHP – creator/owner of the Raptor Owners Group http://members.xoom.com/RaptorHP/raptor.html "Eagles may soar, but weasels don’t get sucked into jet engines." "Join the army, meet interesting people. Kill Them." "Consciousness: That annoying time between naps."
Response:
I mean really. How can he be so popular?
Tiger is popular because he can hit the ball a *long* way (it’s impressive – admit it), and because he’s very young, and photogenic, and well-spoken, and he dominated the 1997 Master’s, and he’s won a fair number of tournaments in his two+ years on the Tour, and he’s often in the Top 10. Also significant is his 1/4 black heritage, in an overwhelmingly white-dominated sport. Granted, he is a good player, but must millions of people praise him like a golf god?
It does get very annoying, especially the constant TV coverage regardless of his position in the tournament. And another things – how was he ranked #1 at the world golf tournament? It really should have been Duval or even O’ Meara.
Based on his past two years’ performance, his world ranking was (and still is) #1. That ranking was calculated before the Andersen event. Also, you missed a bunch of recent threads on the topic of Duval vs. Woods. Look them up in DejaNews for more info. Darryl
Response:
RaptorHP wrote I mean really. How can he be so popular? Granted, he is a good player, but must millions of people praise him like a golf god?
Not that I’m an expert on this (or anything else, for that matter) but I suspect, generally-speaking, popularity is based on things like personableness, attractiveness, engendering a sense of excitement in others, a display of emotions that other people can relate to, etc etc. Of course, it does no harm if you’re also exceptionally talented and have worked extremely hard all your life (from age 4, or whatever) to hone that talent and that talent happens to be in a popular sport that gets a lot of TV time. Hmmm! Multiple choice: Why’s Tiger popular? I know, I’ll choose – (e) – all of the above. It’s actually not very complicated. And another things – how was he ranked #1 at the world golf tournament? It really should have been Duval or even O’ Meara.
Clearly you haven’t been around long or have been away for awhile! I suggest you plug ‘world rankings’ into dejanews and sit yourself down with (preferably a few litres/gallons of your favorite beverage and enough food to stock a bomb shelter) for one hell of a long read! — Eddie Haynes-Smart (silent prayer: hope this doesn’t start *it* up again!) Cape Town, South Africa
Response:
I mean really. How can he be so popular? Tiger is popular because he can hit the ball a *long* way (it’s impressive – admit it), and because he’s very young, and photogenic, and well-spoken, and he dominated the 1997 Master’s, and he’s won a fair number of tournaments in his two+ years on the Tour, and he’s often in the Top 10. Also significant is his 1/4 black heritage, in an overwhelmingly white-dominated sport.
Tiger also appeals to both the golfer and the non-golfer. Golfers love his talent. Non-golfers think that being a minority in a white-dominated sport makes him the ultimate underdog, and everyone loves an underdog. You can’t deny that there are a lot of people who would enjoy watching Tiger fail, sad but true. Later, -Kevin
Response:
I’m really sick of this whole race thing. I’m sure that there are a lot of people that watch him because he’s not white. Let’s not forget some other reasons why we watch him. First of all, he’s probably the most physically fit person out on tour. At least when he first came out on tour. I’m sure there are other guys now working at that too. He raised the standards that people set. Why do you think that other players are playing so well? If you have ever listened to any interviews of other players, they’ll tell you that it’s true that he raised the standards. He’s got all the talent in the world. He’s very very long. He’s got an incredible short game. He’s got every shot in the bag. He can make the golf ball do things that no other player on tour can do. That’s why I’m fascinated with him. He’s a lot more, lot more, lot more, consistent then when he first came out on tour. Everyone seems to miss that because he won so many times when he came out on tour. His consistency in every tournament that he plays in, is what makes him #1 in the world rankings. Those are the reasons why I follow him. I’m sure that I’m not the only one that likes him for those reasons. So when anyone would like to state that people like Tiger because he’s not white, then you also better mention some other reasons that people like him.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I mean really. How can he be so popular? Tiger is popular because he can hit the ball a *long* way (it’s impressive – admit it), and because he’s very young, and photogenic, and well-spoken, and he dominated the 1997 Master’s, and he’s won a fair number of tournaments in his two+ years on the Tour, and he’s often in the Top 10. Also significant is his 1/4 black heritage, in an overwhelmingly white-dominated sport. Tiger also appeals to both the golfer and the non-golfer. Golfers love his talent. Non-golfers think that being a minority in a white-dominated sport makes him the ultimate underdog, and everyone loves an underdog. You can’t deny that there are a lot of people who would enjoy watching Tiger fail, sad but true. Later, -Kevin
Response:
Raptor, I like Tiger because he has displayed an incredible amount of natural talent at a young age. His Master’s win is an example of this talent. His youth and strive for perfection appeal to me as well and give me desire to improve my own game. I believe that his widespread fame comes from his broad cross over appeal to non golfers. Ask a non-golfer what golf pros they have heard of and invariably they will mention Tiger Woods. I’m not certain as to where this cross over appeal comes from but this does not matter because it is good for golf. Ok Raptor, several people have mentioned why they thing Tiger is popular. Now it is time for you to detail what exactly Tiger has taken from you to make you feel such adamant hostility towards him. – Kevin – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I mean really. How can he be so popular? Granted, he is a good player, but must millions of people praise him like a golf god? And another things – how was he ranked #1 at the world golf tournament? It really should have been Duval or even O’ Meara. — RaptorHP – creator/owner of the Raptor Owners Group http://members.xoom.com/RaptorHP/raptor.html "Eagles may soar, but weasels don’t get sucked into jet engines." "Join the army, meet interesting people. Kill Them." "Consciousness: That annoying time between naps."
Response:
Your reply irks me because you obviously did not read my post? If you’re going to be an ass please be it somewhere else. Or better yet, take the time to understand what I write before posting a flame. I said that golfers (read people who play golf regularly) like Tiger because of his talent. Non-golfers can not truly appreciate Tiger’s talent level but Tiger is well known outside of golf circles. Also, I didn’t say that people like Tiger because he’s not white I said that Tiger looks like an underdog because he’s one of the few minorities in a predominately white sport. Most people like to root for the underdog. Except for Tiger, Davis and Freddie I rooted for the underdog in every match last week. Later, -Kevin – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m really sick of this whole race thing. I’m sure that there are a lot of people that watch him because he’s not white. Let’s not forget some other reasons why we watch him. First of all, he’s probably the most physically fit person out on tour. At least when he first came out on tour. I’m sure there are other guys now working at that too. He raised the standards that people set. Why do you think that other players are playing so well? If you have ever listened to any interviews of other players, they’ll tell you that it’s true that he raised the standards. He’s got all the talent in the world. He’s very very long. He’s got an incredible short game. He’s got every shot in the bag. He can make the golf ball do things that no other player on tour can do. That’s why I’m fascinated with him. He’s a lot more, lot more, lot more, consistent then when he first came out on tour. Everyone seems to miss that because he won so many times when he came out on tour. His consistency in every tournament that he plays in, is what makes him #1 in the world rankings. Those are the reasons why I follow him. I’m sure that I’m not the only one that likes him for those reasons. So when anyone would like to state that people like Tiger because he’s not white, then you also better mention some other reasons that people like him. I mean really. How can he be so popular? Tiger is popular because he can hit the ball a *long* way (it’s impressive – admit it), and because he’s very young, and photogenic, and well-spoken, and he dominated the 1997 Master’s, and he’s won a fair number of tournaments in his two+ years on the Tour, and he’s often in the Top 10. Also significant is his 1/4 black heritage, in an overwhelmingly white-dominated sport. Tiger also appeals to both the golfer and the non-golfer. Golfers love his talent. Non-golfers think that being a minority in a white-dominated sport makes him the ultimate underdog, and everyone loves an underdog. You can’t deny that there are a lot of people who would enjoy watching Tiger fail, sad but true. Later, -Kevin
Response:
I’m really sick of this whole race thing. I’m sure that there are a lot of people that watch him because he’s not white.
I could care less about his skin color, but I’m absolutely certain it’s why many black spectators follow him. I went to the first round of the TOUR Championship in Atlanta last fall, and nearly *all* of the black spectators were following Tiger. Let’s not forget some other reasons why we watch him. First of all, he’s probably the most physically fit person out on tour. At least when he first came out on tour. I’m sure there are other guys now working at that too.
Many other golfers have been working out for years, long before Tiger came along. Gary Player credits his exercise and diet regimen for allowing him to continue playing quality golf at 62 years (he’s the oldest player to make the cut at the Master’s). From what I’ve read, Tommy Tolles has a pretty severe workout regimen, as do a bunch of other Tour players. I haven’t heard much about Tiger’s workout plan, except I seem to remember hearing that he does hundreds of ab crunches a day. He raised the standards that people set. Why do you think that other players are playing so well? If you have ever listened to any interviews of other players, they’ll tell you that it’s true that he raised the standards.
I’m not trying to disagree with every point you make, because I actually like Tiger, as a person and as a player. But it appears you’ve fallen victim to the hype. The other Tour players play the same game they did before Tiger came along. And what do you mean by "standards"? The scoring average is about the same as it’s been for a decade. Same with putting, sand saves, etc. Most statistical measures of the quality of golf played on the PGA Tour have not changed since Tiger’s arrival. It’s not like other players are standing over a putt, thinking, "OK, Tiger’s not here, the standards are lower, so it’s OK if I miss this putt." He’s got all the talent in the world. He’s very very long. He’s got an incredible short game. He’s got every shot in the bag. He can make the golf ball do things that no other player on tour can do. That’s why I’m fascinated with him.
I have to agree, he’s fascinating to watch….sometimes. Those titanic drives, 150 yard pitching wedge shots to 3 feet, etc. are amazing. His putting isn’t so hot, but it’s good enough (I’d take his putting average). But I think you also have to agree that it’s getting pretty tiring to see him get as much TV time as the Top 4 do on Sunday, when he’s eight strokes out of the lead with three holes to go. He’s a lot more, lot more, lot more, consistent then when he first came out on tour. Everyone seems to miss that because he won so many times when he came out on tour. His consistency in every tournament that he plays in, is what makes him #1 in the world rankings.
True. He’s gotten more consistent, and you can count on him usually being in the Top 20, if not the Top 10, and often the Top 5. Those are the reasons why I follow him. I’m sure that I’m not the only one that likes him for those reasons. So when anyone would like to state that people like Tiger because he’s not white, then you also better mention some other reasons that people like him.
I gave a bunch of other reasons, as did Kevin. Darryl
Response:
I love to watch Tiger play. I am a 40 year old man who took up the game about two years ago, and have immersed myself in the game and its history ever since. I love to watch David Duval, Freddie Couples, John Daly, Justin Leonard, Mark O’Meara, and countless other pros. But Tiger is different. I think he is popular for the same reason Arnie was popular – the attitude of his game. Tiger takes risks. Tiger does things physically that others can’t do or won’t try. I think sometimes we need to remember how young Tiger is, and think back to our own emotional volatility at that age when we want to comdemn him. Just an opinion…
Response:
Did I say I didn’t like him because he wasn’t white? Where did you get that from? What crack are you smoking? — RaptorHP – creator/owner of the Raptor Owners Group http://members.xoom.com/RaptorHP/raptor.html "Eagles may soar, but weasels don’t get sucked into jet engines." "Join the army, meet interesting people. Kill Them." "Consciousness: That annoying time between naps." – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m really sick of this whole race thing. I’m sure that there are a lot of people that watch him because he’s not white. Let’s not forget some other reasons why we watch him. First of all, he’s probably the most physically fit person out on tour. At least when he first came out on tour. I’m sure there are other guys now working at that too. He raised the standards that people set. Why do you think that other players are playing so well? If you have ever listened to any interviews of other players, they’ll tell you that it’s true that he raised the standards. He’s got all the talent in the world. He’s very very long. He’s got an incredible short game. He’s got every shot in the bag. He can make the golf ball do things that no other player on tour can do. That’s why I’m fascinated with him. He’s a lot more, lot more, lot more, consistent then when he first came out on tour. Everyone seems to miss that because he won so many times when he came out on tour. His consistency in every tournament that he plays in, is what makes him #1 in the world rankings. Those are the reasons why I follow him. I’m sure that I’m not the only one that likes him for those reasons. So when anyone would like to state that people like Tiger because he’s not white, then you also better mention some other reasons that people like him. I mean really. How can he be so popular? Tiger is popular because he can hit the ball a *long* way (it’s impressive – admit it), and because he’s very young, and photogenic, and well-spoken, and he dominated the 1997 Master’s, and he’s won a fair number of tournaments in his two+ years on the Tour, and he’s often in the Top 10. Also significant is his 1/4 black heritage, in an overwhelmingly white-dominated sport. Tiger also appeals to both the golfer and the non-golfer. Golfers love his talent. Non-golfers think that being a minority in a white-dominated sport makes him the ultimate underdog, and everyone loves an underdog. You can’t deny that there are a lot of people who would enjoy watching Tiger fail, sad but true. Later, -Kevin
Response:
He is popular because the American people are idiots.
Response:
SO?
He is popular because the American people are idiots.
Response:
I’m really sick of this whole race thing. I’m sure that there are a lot of people that watch him because he’s not white. I could care less about his skin color, but I’m absolutely certain it’s why many black spectators follow him. I went to the first round of the TOUR Championship in Atlanta last fall, and nearly *all* of the black spectators were following Tiger.
Just a guess, but I’ll bet nearly *all* of the white spectators were following him as well. Bob Dietrich
Response:
I hope you neo-nazi CCC/KKK types realize that this a forum for discussing golf-related subjects, and not for recruiting members to your horribly sick institutions. I for one, would appreciate it if you would post your real name, your real net email, and your real postal address. So that – I could subscribe you to the mailings and emailings of several institutions, including the Southern Poverty Law Center. Thanks, Rick – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – SO? He is popular because the American people are idiots.
Response:
He is popular because the American people are idiots. Someone who has chosen the name "big stunned prick" is calling us idiots!!!!
Response:
Am I the only one that remembers back to the early and mid ’90’s? When every time John Daly picked up a driver, moronic golf fans acted like the Beatles were coming on to Ed Sullivan. Its the same fans that have annointed Tiger the next Nicklaus. All this just as I had my first moment of respect for Woods for getting rid of Fluff. ( I HATE unprofessional behavior in a professional world) Barry
Response:
Don’t dwell on things you can’t control. Get over it and move on. I’m not tigerite, but he can play—well. So can many others and on any given day any of the pros can beat any or all of the others, i.e., Jeff Maggert!!! So, focus on your favorite golfer and how well he, or she for that matter, is doing. — Visit www.Realize.COM for Message Boards with Less Noise
Response:
Don’t dwell on things you can’t control
Despite the fact that, here on rsg, we are deeply suspicious of anonymous posters these are words of wisdom. For that is the foundation upon which my swing philosophy is based, ie, "See ball, hit ball." — Eddie Haynes-Smart Cape Town, South Africa