Tiger Woods has taken a 10 shot lead into the final round of the Dunlop Phoenix Tournament in Japan after shooting a 3rd round 65. So the question begs: assuming Tiger holds onto his big lead tomorrow, can we say he's back? It HAS been a while since he's lead by such a convincing margin, which would lend credence to that case, but on the other hand, the event is in Japan with a weaker field than a typical PGA Tour event, although there are some PGA Tour players playing (Allenby, Choi, Hamilton, Cink, to name a few). He's also leading the field in driving distance, GIR, is 7th in putting, and 6th in driving accuracy. So, can we say Tiger may be back to a form of his old self, or is merely a product of playing in a weak field?
Actually manco, the Dunlop Phoenix is an official Japan Golf Tour event...not silly season. And I think a 10 shot lead with a round to go bears notice no matter what kind of event it is.
Ten times is probably a gross exageration but I agree that there is probably an appearance fee involved. So what?
All of the top name players who travel to the other tours accept fees. Obviously, the tournament organizers feel that having an Ernie Els or Tiger Woods in their field enhances their event. It's not against PGA Tour rules; it helps the tournament gain attendence, sponsors, and attention; and it gives fans in those countries a chance to see their favorite players up close. Sounds like a good deal all around to me.
Like the rest of the posts have said, who is really playing in that event? I saw the leaderboard this morning and ???? except for Tiger. As for him beinmg back? I doubt it. He still needs help to play with the "Big Boys"
It's certainly a step in the right direction, but given the field & location (he seems to always tear it up in Asia) to say winning this means he's "back" is a bit strong.
The sad thing is that he wouldnt be there unless this tournament paid him probably 10 times what the 1st place prize is.
Sad for who? Tiger's obviously happy about it or he wouldn't play. The other competitors aren't unhappy, or they wouldn't play. The fans are happy because they get to see Tiger and others play great golf. What's to be sad about?
Its sad because Tiger Woods is all about the money as all sports are now. First Place prize at this event is 385,000.00 He is going to win that plus collect a 2-3 million dollar appearance fee. I am sure the other pros are thrilled.
I bet they are, because every time Tiger increases his fee it also increases the fee they are potentially going to get for playing. Players like Ernie and Retief, etc. play far more overseas events than Tiger and collect appearances fees for every one of them. So why is it such a big deal that Tiger goes overseas and gets 2-3 million a pop 2 times a year? You want guys to play more overseas events but lower their appearance fees or not accept them at all? Not gonna happen..
Sports are entertainment, and so long as we the fans continue to pay to watch that entertainment, sports will always be about the money. It's not like they just became that way last year or something. Tournament directors realize that they are going to bring extra fans, add sponsors, and pick up more corporate hospitality folks by getting the marquee players to show up. So in the end it works out financially for the tournament as well as for the player.
Oh, and noback, Stewart Cink, KJ Choi, Robert Allenby, Todd Hamilton, Thomas Bjorn, Toru Taniguchi, Craig Perry, Shingo Katayama, Aaron Baddely, Alex Cejka, and Toshi Izawa are all playing in the event. While it's not exactly a PGA Championship field, it isn't like he's playing against Nationwide Tour guys.
Card, don't confuse them with the facts! There is a certain percentage of people who would find a reason to criticize TW if he discovered the cure for cancer. I've not been able to figure out their rational and have quit trying.
November 20th, 2004, 03:13 AM
And I think a 10 shot lead with a round to go bears notice no matter what kind of event it is.
Linear Mode
Similar Threads
