Is Tiger Woods Too Good? | Steven Keys' Blog

Is Tiger Woods too good a golfer?

Not if you're a corporate sponsor. To them he's a gold mine with no sign of playing out.

And not if you're the sports fan who enjoys only athletic dominance. You could call it hero worship. To these fans Tiger's supremacy is remarkable, creating vivid memories to be passed on to their grandchildren. Here's how they might sound in the future:

Grandpapa: Clyburn, did I ever tell you that your Grandmama and I were there the day Tiger won his fourteenth Woods Open? They used to call it the Masters.

Clyburn: No, Grandpapa.

Grandpapa: Yes, it's true. Your Grandmama and I were so happy we wept. And if you turn out like we hope, Clyburn, we'll give you our Limited Edition Tiger Woods 200PGA Victories Commemorative coin set. They're stunning.

Clyburn: Oh please, Grandpapa!

Grandpapa: And did you know that you're named after The Machine?

Clyburn: Oh no, Grandpapa, truly?

Grandpapa: Yes. Your middle name, Woodsie, that was my idea.

Clyburn: Grandpapa?

Grandpapa: Yes, Clyburn. Sit up straight.

Clyburn: Do you think I could also have that autographed picture of Tiger shaking hands with President Palin and Vice President Barkley?

Grandpapa: Don't push it, Clyzie. That's Grandmama's favorite.

Kidding aside, there's not much to criticize about Tiger Woods. He seems a class-act. Last year when that golf magazine ran a racist cover about him, he played it corporate cool (maybe too cool). I suppose the publisher's stupidity spoke for itself.

But from this fan's perspective the lack of competition makes for dull viewing, although you'd not know it from listening to sportscasters. They can't gush enough over the guy.

Dynasties are fun to reminisce about years later: Lombardi's Packers; Jordon's Bulls. In the present, however, they can be a snoozer. That's why team owners work for parity.

Even when Russell was often besting Wilt, the Yanks over the Bums, Magic and Bird, the battles were intense. Where are the battles today? Snead and Nicklaus had rivalries.

It's not Tiger Woods fault. He's doing what his father trained him to do. In their wildest dreams they couldn't have imagined such domination. Woods himself must want some serious rivalries to develop. All we can do is hope and just let nature take it's course.

Steven Keys