Tiger's a Ryder Cup dilemma for Pavin

I am going to go out on a limb and say Tiger should withdraw his name as a Captain's pick. He's playing horribly, he'd be a huge distraction and there is very little chance he can pull his game together in time to matter. My blog www.therantguy.com

QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 11:55 AM ET  08.08 by whocares2008a

I am going to go out on a limb and say Tiger should withdraw his name as a Captain's pick. He's playing horribly, he'd be a huge distraction and there is very little chance he can pull his game together in time to matter. My blog www.therantguy.com

Hey, Rant Guy, cram it.

This is a no-brainer. Tiger's a basket-case. No need to soil the team.

QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 11:55 AM ET  08.08 by whocares2008a

I am going to go out on a limb and say Tiger should withdraw his name as a Captain's pick. He's playing horribly, he'd be a huge distraction and there is very little chance he can pull his game together in time to matter. My blog www.therantguy.com

In time to matter?

Since when did the Cup matter?

Pavin wants to win, but Woods offers little more than a media sideshow. I wouldn't be a bit surprised to discover that Pavin is being pressured by either the media or Finchem to pick Woods just for the rating boost.

If Pavin were smart he'd pick Larry Nelson as a co-captain and then stay as far away from Woods as humanly possible.

Pavin would do better to pick Bubba Watson and the vet Zach Johnson.

For the love of Mike, don't pick Scott Verplank--the most overrated player God ever created.

Pavin should come out tomorrow and say that Woods is one his team. He'll have 8 who qualify, 3 who he picks and one all-time great that he is willing to stake his reputation on being ready to go October 1st. It's exactly the kind of thing a leader does.

QUOTE(#7):

Originally posted 04:30 PM ET  08.08 by CTBench

Pavin should come out tomorrow and say that Woods is one his team. He'll have 8 who qualify, 3 who he picks and one all-time great that he is willing to stake his reputation on being ready to go October 1st. It's exactly the kind of thing a leader does.

The thing that leaders do is decide for themselves based on ALL the information: past performance, sure. But also current status, mental health, team chemistry, etc. Even when Tiger was NOT in a funk, Ryder Cup has not always suited him well. Tiger stated that he planned on playing himself on to the squad. By his own unrealistic standards (given his mental state), he is unfit for the team.

I realize that the crucifix is out for Tiger with the haters but gotta tell you Phil ain't exactly impressing me much since the Masters....
He matched Tiger's final round 78 today at Firestone...god awful
Not exactly the stuff of an aspiring #1.....

BTW Jim Nantz is getting a little boring with the hymn chant too....

It might be a good idea for Tiger to withdraw his name from consideration, but I'm not sure it's in his nature to do so.

It seems unlikely that he'd help the team. He's so preoccupied with his divorce, both emotionally and in terms of its demands on his time, that his game will be a mess until the deal is settled. If he can't focus and he can't practice, he probably shouldn't be out there.

There's going to be a lot of pressure on Pavin, no matter which way he goes. Tough spot.

Is anyone still watching golf?

QUOTE(#3):

Originally posted 02:34 PM ET  08.08 by Helen from Keller

Hey, Rant Guy, cram it.

I agree...cram it. So Tiger stunk it up today and shot a 77. Lefty shot a 78 should he withdraw as well? Besides, who would take his place? Tiger has had some good days playing golf and finished in the top 10 at the Masters and the Open (British). It is just he is nowhere near his usual level. Tell me all you golf experts (duffers) who on the American side has had a great year?

I think the reality is that television is providing entertainment. Tiger will be in. He is entertainment. Whoever gets to pick the team was told by now to include Tiger. The promise of entertainment is what is enticing companies to advertise, and those commercial spots will give everyone involved, especially the networks, a nice paycheck. The advertising dollars keep golf on the air. As they said in The Right Stuff, "No bucks, no Buck Rogers". The saying goes for golf too. Until the other guys like Kim or Glover step up in terms of entertainment dollar value, I think its safe to say Tiger will have a spot on golf tournaments.

I'm a fan of Tiger but I have to admit that his level of play this season isn't worthy of a Ryder Cup slot. That said, it wouldn't surprise me if he wins the PGA out of nowhere. His talent is there. He knows he can hit the shots. His mind is what's holding him back. When that barrier is removed (which could happen at any moment) he will be back on top again. Until then, keep only the people who have shown they can perform this year on the squad.

I'm guessing Tiger doesn't even want to be on the team this year. Captain's pick? For him that would be very embarrassing. His play is not up to Ryder Cup standards despite the fact that he's the world's best. His mental slump is catastrophic at the moment. I suspect he'll find an injury to blame it on and sit this one out. Could be wrong, just sayin'

As movie-like and wonderful it might be for Woods to picked for the team
(my god! Tiger Woods being picked, not just running away with it), and
then for him to come through like the golfer he was (remember the victory
with the damaged knee?). But reality says that in his present mental
state he would be an awful embarrassment to everyone.

QUOTE(#11):

Originally posted 06:34 PM ET  08.08 by BrSee

Is anyone still watching golf?

Everyone but the Tiger sycophants are watching as much golf as they ever did.

I think Pavin picks him and Tiger declines.

QUOTE(#20):

Originally posted 09:52 PM ET  08.08 by TxHeat

I think Pavin picks him and Tiger declines.

Which would allow all involved to save face and give the US team the best possible chance to win.

QUOTE(#22):

Originally posted 09:58 PM ET  08.08 by Rex Racer

Which would allow all involved to save face and give the US team the best possible chance to win.

Hey Rex,

Manny delfreakincarmen is coming in.

And good evening to you.

I like that picture. "Hey everybody, let's Samba!"