I think this is something all American golf fans should read.
very few have been successful predicting the future, just like we were suppose to get slamed with hurricanes again this year down here. there will be an evening out process sometime in the future.
Tiger has taken 53 wins in the last ten years. Even and above normal human would only have 20 wins by then. That would leave 33 wins for younger guys. Yes some of it is Tiger his wins and his intimidation. Some may be money and desire. And one thing i hate is the crusty old vets on tour who can easily hang on to their cards when a new breed needs to be on tour. Theres probably 25 cards that could be used by younger American Players yet its very easy for some vets to stay on tour with experience and using money and one time exeptions and such. Im not worried about American golf one bit these guys will start breaking through soon.
The possibility exists that it will take two or three players who are right now still in high school to again tilt the balance in favor of the Americans. Maybe, in spite of all the scoffing, a certain 16-year-old girl from Hawaii … maybe some 12-year-old staying late after school to practice chipping at his local muni course. Maybe … maybe … maybe …
Rodney will love this
And one thing i hate is the crusty old vets on tour who can easily hang on to their cards when a new breed needs to be on tour. Theres probably 25 cards that could be used by younger American Players yet its very easy for some vets to stay on tour with experience and using money and one time exeptions and such.
If they are good enough they will get on and stay on...maybe one day turn into a crusty old vet if they are lucky...(and work on their short games!)
I just don't think some Americans get the idea that the European team is more talented than us. We've bean beaten in singles 7.5-4.5 in 2002, 7.5-4.5 in 2004, and 8.5-3.5 this time (lucky it wasn't 9-3). I think we have to get past the team concept and develp more talent or we will head the way of pro tennis.
The PGA tour may be the best, but most of the young stars are from Europe or Australia or S. Africa. Until we develop some talent, we simply will be the underdogs and will struggle to win until they have a sorry coach or take the event lightly.
After our big three, it drops off big-time for us. Cink is fourth and then Toms, Campbell, and DiMarco (who I believe is on the downside of his career). Verplank and Love are probably the next best Americans. Pretty sad right now, and Love and Verplank are past their prime and probably won't make the next team.
While I agree that the US does not have anyone in their 20's really looking good...golf is funny thing. At that level, there is a razor's edge between winning big money, and having to admit that it's gone and not coming back.
Likewise, someone who has not looked hot so far, might find his game and go on a ten year upswing. You just don't know.
What baffles me is, with the growth of the game since Tiger joined the tour...where's the beef?
Charles Howell3 has won over $12m in prize money, putting him in top 50 all time career earneings. He has won one tournament.
Brett Quigley has won over $7 mil in prize money. He has never won a tournament.
That is why American golfers are not hungry enough.
Mediocre European golfers like Owen,Davis,Rose,Pettersen and Chopra are earning a comfortable living in USA instead of fighting for a good living in Europe.
Charles Howell3 has won over $12m in prize money, putting him in top 50 all time career earneings. He has won one tournament.
Brett Quigley has won over $7 mil in prize money. He has never won a tournament.
That is why American golfers are not hungry enough.
Mediocre European golfers like Owen,Davis,Rose,Pettersen and Chopra are earning a comfortable living in USA instead of fighting for a good living in Europe.
good post...i posted on another thread not long ago that the huge $$ for being "ok" on tour decreases the drive to be great. That is an amazing stat on C.H. 3rd....one win, 12 million dollars....sheez.....That is why Curtis Strange, when commentating, calls it "funny money".....very accurate..
Here's an idea (and yes I am joking)...move the PGA to 1st week of October, that way Phil will still be able to break par in the RC....we might come close to getting the Cup back...
The problem with this is that we consider golf sport and entertainment and the players themselves consider golf a career. Not many, in any profession, strive to be the best in their field. Most reach a level where they are comfortable with the money and satisfied with their accomplishments and remain there. Professional golf is no different.
I agree that money is a factor in the development of young talent but the true measure of greatness is the drive to be the best you can be. I simply don't see that drive in the young players of today and that includes all nationalities.
I believe Leaguegolf has it exactly right. As a volunteer 'oldGuy' at my club, I listened to the opinions of the young workers in the cart shop, today...while checking batteries and airing tires on the EZ Go's. Perhaps my comment to them, that "You have to want it so bad, ya can't sleep!" will corroberate what LG said and the fact that I don't see that drive, that League said about ALL young players.
Charles Howell3 has won over $12m in prize money, putting him in top 50 all time career earneings. He has won one tournament.
Brett Quigley has won over $7 mil in prize money. He has never won a tournament.
That is why American golfers are not hungry enough.
Mediocre European golfers like Owen,Davis,Rose,Pettersen and Chopra are earning a comfortable living in USA instead of fighting for a good living in Europe.
Point well, taken I think in another thing the contribute to the hunger factor, most american golfers with few exceptions have never REALLY wanted for anything in their lives. Compare that to somebody like Vijay Singh who came from very humble beginnings and basically has scratched and clawed and work his way up to be a top flight player.
Charles Howell3 has won over $12m in prize money, putting him in top 50 all time career earneings. He has won one tournament.
Brett Quigley has won over $7 mil in prize money. He has never won a tournament.
That is why American golfers are not hungry enough.
Mediocre European golfers like Owen,Davis,Rose,Pettersen and Chopra are earning a comfortable living in USA instead of fighting for a good living in Europe.
That is why I suggested maybe cutting the purses back to what the European tour does, so that golfers will be more hungry to win.
The one good thing about golf back in the 1970's is that you had to win a lot to own a nice house or a plane. The 60th person on the money list then barely covered expenses. Now, you can finish 150th and easily cover expenses.
The Ryder Cup is the symptom of the problem, not the cause. USA has 5 in the top 20 ,which considering it has more golfers than the rest of the world put together, more golf courses in Florida than the whole of Europe and a college system that produces young golfers , is a poor return oninvestment. The lacklustre performance of golfers representing their country illistrated how USA golfers are a declining resource. That the best three in the world come from USA is confusing the issue.
The lacklustre performance of golfers representing their country illistrated how USA golfers are a declining resource. That the best three in the world come from USA is confusing the issue. Lefty
__________________
Not too long ago Singh, Els and Goosen were behind Tiger. Their demise has left three Americans in the top spots.
September 28th, 2006, 10:17 PM
Linear Mode
Similar Threads
