Will Tiger Woods maintain his #1 standing in the world in 2010, or will Phil Mickelson overtake Tiger next year?Many sports writers have commented that Phil is becoming more motivated to become the world's Number One golfer at this time, while they feel Tiger is placing more emphasis on his "outside" interests!
Tiger, the world's first sports "billionnaire", has received more and more requests for appearances recently, taking him away from his long, daily practice sessions! He has tried to get more into a 24 hour day than ever before, and it is showing (believe it or not) in his game.
His driving off the tee is nowhere near as consistent as in previous years, when he was winning almost every time he teed it up in a tournament. One week, he will win, or come close, and the next week he won't finish in the top ten!
Tiger's putting also has been inconsistent in 2009, often his excuse for not winning.
Phil Mickelson, on the other hand, has found a new putting stroke in the last month which, if carried over to 2010, could be the difference in how the two finish at the end of 2010!
I know that many golfers will disagree with my assessment, because they have jumped on the Tiger bandwagon, and think Tiger is not human! But look at Phil's newfound motivation to become Number One, and Tiger's increased distractions, and that may make the difference in 2010.
There is no doubt that every athlete and person for that matter eventually loses some motivation. Especially after achieving greatness and incredible wealth. Staying on top is nearly impossible, many examples in every sport. However Tiger, after major knee surgery and a broken leg, comes back with average tournaments entered and with 6 PGA and 3 other wins. Come On! Tied for his 5th best PGA win total in his career. Slowing down he was still the lowest scoring Pro on tour and led in many other categories. He has never been the best putter, but this has been his best putting year that I can remember. And he only gets better and more consistent, I have to totally disagree with your opinion, my money is on Tiger. Phil will falter in 2010!
ReplyDeleteTiger will win his average 6 to 7 events and a major or two and people will say that he is losing a step. Phil once again will win 2 to 3 events and he will be ready again to catch Tiger. Never going to happen, barring another injury!
Peter, Is Phil motivated, yes. But so is Tiger. I'm surprised at you. You are not looking at this logicly. Look at 2009! Whose record is better? Did Tiger stuble a little, yes! But I would take Tiger's record over Phil's every time. Tiger won more, finished in top 10's more. In fact the facts are so clear. Tige 6 winns vs 3, 14 top 10 vs 7, 16 top 25 (all tournaments he made cut 16/17) vs 7 top 25 for 16 tournamenets (16/18). Scoring avg 68.84 vs 70.83 and Tiger playes very few "easy" tournaments. I'm a Phil fan, but th#'s speak for themselves. Golf is cyclical. It is nice to see Phil challange Tiger. Maybe that will get his juices flowwing. The question is can Phil keep it up? Again, Out of 17 tournaments, Tiger missed 1 cut, The British Open. Of the 16 tournaments where he made the cut, and Phil missed 2 cuts, playing on the weekend 16 times, It is striking. Tiger 14/16 Top 10, Phil 7/16. Tiger 16/16 Top 25, Phil 7/16. 6 wins vs 3. Tiger had an outstanding Ryder Cup. And how many Major's was he in the hunt? Tiger everyday!
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