Greetings Golfers,

Yesterday I watched some of the PGA Tournament at Firestone on tv. I only planned on watching a few minutes. But, I watched almost the whole thing – because watching Tiger Woods is fascinating.

I’ve never been a big Woods fan. He’s just never seemed very likable. I wasn’t one of the haters – I just wasn’t a fan. Maybe because rooting for Woods seemed like rooting for the Yankees – I can’t do it. I’ve always rooted for the underdog (it’s in my bones as a life-long MN sports fan).

But, Tiger Woods makes a golf tournament interesting. He’s trying to make a comeback, and was paired yesterday with Martin Kaymer. Kaymer will probably be Player of the Year, and his US Open victory was one of total domination. So on the first hole, Kaymer beats it around but makes a long putt to save par. Woods hits it perfectly and looks like he’ll make birdie. Woods three putts and walks off with bogie. So on the next hole, Woods snap hooks his drive into the next fairway. I thought he was done right there … looked like he was going to break his driver as he was walking to his ball. But, in typical Tiger fashion, he made birdie. Unbelievable.

The whole round was like that. Somehow Woods shot 2 under. Kaymer also played bad, but he shot 7 over. So what is it about Woods? He’s determined … but so is Kaymer. He’s talented … but so is Kaymer. Woods is different – he plays every shot like it’s the most important shot of his life. Who can do that? Woods seems to will the ball into the hole. Remember when he made that putt to tie Rocco for the US Open? Or when he chipped in on 16 at the Masters? I could go on and on. Who is this guy?

That’s why I watched the whole round.

Cheers,

Tom Abts
GM and Head Golf Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com