Golf with Shanks - Latest Comments on Ernie Els gets his first comeback test from Tiger Woods

Shanks [Member] in response to: Ernie Els gets his first comeback test from Tiger Woods

Shanks [Member] — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 20:41:43 +0000

Since you feel that way, George, now is a great time to make a wager on Els. The odds won't be any better than they are now.

george simpson [Visitor] in response to: Ernie Els gets his first comeback test from Tiger Woods

george simpson [Visitor] — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 21:35:41 +0000

Hi Ernie I am totally convinced the Masters is yours this year and will be there to follow you.Kind regards,George.

Oliver Sudden [Visitor] in response to: Ernie Els gets his first comeback test from Tiger Woods

Oliver Sudden [Visitor] — Sun, 11 Feb 2007 04:42:02 +0000

There have only been two golfers in my lifetime that could really play when the chips were down consistantly. Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. In the recent Buick when Tiger was about to hit his second on 17 and the tournament outcome was still in doubt I told my wife "He'll hit it stiff" and of course he did. Time after time he makes the big shot at exactly the right time. For this reason Tiger will be number 1 for a long time. As far as Els or anyone else talking about their plans to overtake Tiger I would suggest they start winning some ( major ) golf tournaments.

Alex [Visitor] in response to: Ernie Els gets his first comeback test from Tiger Woods

Alex [Visitor] — Sat, 10 Feb 2007 17:50:13 +0000

2under,

The reason that it will be virtually impossible for any PGA pro to overtake Woods as Number One in the foreseeable future is that Woods is by far the most consistent player on the tour.

I have been a spectator at tournaments where Woods has been competing six times. Of those six, he has only won one. But he finished top five in three others, top ten in one, and 16th in the other. That is consistency which no other player has demonstrated over such an extended period.

As previously stated, it took arguably the greatest single season in the history of golf for Vijay to barely overtake Tiger.

Unless one of Woods' closer pursuers has a similar miraculous run, coupled with an uncharacteristic slump by Tiger, there is simply no way that anyone can surpass Woods in the rankings. The methods used to formulate the rankings mathematically won't allow it.

Possibly, one of the newer bright lights, such as Adam Scott, might get super hot and make a run at Woods for the top spot. In my opinion, Ernie, Phil, and Jim Furyk are getting a little old to challenge, and Vijay, despite his great physical condition is already too old to do it again.

Shanks [Member] in response to: Ernie Els gets his first comeback test from Tiger Woods

Shanks [Member] — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 20:03:17 +0000

Like I've said, I don't think Els will pull it off either. So we agree there. But unlike you, I won't say he has no chance. First of all, it is no unprecedented for Woods to 'slump' for whatever the reason. He has twice gone winless for 10 majors in a row. And during those times he has not always been the World's No. 1. Secondly, I believe Els has more talent than any of the other superstars. Should he be as re-dedicated as he says he is, he may well take his game to new heights. Many scenarios can unfold and are too numerous to mention. I just hope that it comes to fruition so we can see what results.

Alex [Visitor] in response to: Ernie Els gets his first comeback test from Tiger Woods

Alex [Visitor] — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 18:05:22 +0000

Tiger Woods is to golf what Secretariat, Buckpasser, and Seattle Slew were to thoroughbred racing.

Like those three superb horse, Woods is a great frontrunner, having the class to hold his pursuers safe.

He also is a great "closer", having the ability to put pressure on those ahead of him, and to quite often catch those rivals.

And finally, he is the consummate grinder, he never "bags it", accounting for his numerous top ten finishes when going into Sunday he wasn't anywhere on the leaderboard.

It is for those reasons, among others, that I am certain that even a guy like Ernie will never supplant him as Number One. Woods would need to go into an unprecedented slump, while one of his pursuers, possibly Ernie, would need to go on an unprecedented tear, winning three or four majors and a half dozen other events in those two years you mentioned.

It's commendable to have high aspiration, but it just won't happen.

Shanks [Member] in response to: Ernie Els gets his first comeback test from Tiger Woods

Shanks [Member] — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 15:24:37 +0000

Right, you are, Alex. Nothing is 100%. Well, except for death, I suppose. But Tiger winning while in the final group on Sunday is the next best bet. So far.

Alex [Visitor] in response to: Ernie Els gets his first comeback test from Tiger Woods

Alex [Visitor] — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 03:06:25 +0000

Shanks'

That tournament was the Dunlop Phoenix in Japan. Woods had the lead going into the final day and a substantial lead with six to play. but lost out eventually to Padraig.

It doesn't happen very often, but even the best lose an event to a super closing round. It happened to Tiger last November.