|
 |   |
|
EVENTS Fantasy Central Inside Game Multimedia Central Statitudes Your Turn Message Boards Email Newsletters Golf Guide Cities Work in Sports
CNNSI.com GROUP
COMMERCE |  |
A hero in my books Tiger Woods impresses both on and off the course
Posted: Tuesday February 15, 2000 11:29 AM
So the fuel in Tiger's tank could sustain another astonishing comeback, but not quite carry him to the victory line. Well, he's still a hero in my books. Phil Mickelson had opened up a seven-stroke lead at the Buick Invitational in California on Sunday, only for Tiger to pump the gas, turn on the boosters and roar to 15-under-par by the 13th hole of the final round to draw level with the lefty.
He did the same to Matt Gogel at Pebble Beach just days early, although that remarkable fight back reached a victory crescendo to make Woods just the third player in history to win six straight PGA Tour events. This time, Woods almost peaked too soon and as Mickelson gathered himself with back-to-back birdies, the Tiger's growl became a purr. A bogey, wayward drives and a few wry smiles later, Woods had to be content with a tie for second. Mickelson had won the tournament running away. The pursuit of Byron Nelson's record 11 wins in a row was over. But boy was it ever riveting stuff. Tiger has taken this game to a new level and is dragging all manner of fans along with him, not just your average golf addict. And he's doing it with some considerable style and class. Remember, he's still just 24 and yet he carries himself with the air of an affable veteran. I'd heard stories of Woods blowing by reporters and standing aloof at times in his early professional career. I expected some of that treatment when I first had to come face-to-face with him at last year's Masters. But what I discovered was a man of abundant charm and grace, who stopped for the press mob after every round [good or bad] and was most accommodating.
A couple of notable others hovering around the top of the world golf rankings at that time were far less so, I can assure you. Woods wasn't all-dominant then either. He was no automatic contender as he appears to be these days. He could've been forgiven for doing his mandatory press conferences and leave us to stew the rest of the time. I know I'd be tempted if things weren't running too smoothly and everyone wanted a piece of me. But Tiger's matured rapidly and developed a keen sense of duty, not just to the media masses but to autograph-hunting fans, sponsors, ethnic minorities and the great game of golf as a whole. The pressure from all of the above was intense as he went for six and then seven successive wins. At every public turn there were people clamoring to see him, touch him, talk to him, simply be near him. He strode through it all with dignity. Tiger has hooked many of us in with his play, but many more will follow because of his manner. I know many colleagues and friends who openly rooted against Woods not so long ago who are now serious fans of the golfing great. They didn't like his first-pumping, now they "really don't mind it." You'd think the more success he had, the more they'd turn against him -- not the other way around. But they realize we are fortunate enough to be witnessing the career of one of the all-time sports legends. Already he's won more money on the PGA Tour than any other. Already he's equaled Ben Hogan's 1948 run of six straight victories and had us believing bettering Byron was possible. Now to add more majors to the two he's already pocketed. Disliking brilliance is difficult, especially if it's packaged with a classy human side. Imagine really pulling against Michael Jordan, spitting venom at Wayne Gretzky, booing Rod Laver. Tiger's rising to their ranks -- and you can bet there'll be plenty more fuel in the tank to keep him there. Phil Jones is a co-host of "World Sport," the international sports show that airs live on CNN/Sports Illustrated and CNN International.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||
