Interesting! Although Tigers statement: "...it was important to me to disclose my condition publicly at an appropriate time" indicates that he is not hiding anything regarding his condition.
Most likely only Tiger and a select few knew that his last putt on Sunday - to enter the playoff - could be his last competitive golf stroke of the year.
He holed the sizey birdie putt. And went nuts celebrating.
And most likely Tiger knew that anything worse than birdie on the 18th hole of the playoff would mean that he'd putted his last putt in competition for the year.
He made the birdie.
And eventually won.
Loads of kudos to Rocco for putting up a good fight. And hats off to Tiger, being able to perform although injured and knowing that this would be the last game for an extended time.
Golf has given Tiger a lot, as Tiger has notched-up the golf industry by a great deal. Many players would have followed the doctors orders. But Tiger gave something back during the US Open. I think his effort will stand out in the history books.
There is always something special about this man. Winning the US Open means he passed Ben Hogan in number of tour wins. Now he'll have to go through a rehab period, albeit not by any means as severe as Hogans.
Imagine the media frenzy when Tiger returns to competition.
In the mean time: Will Azinger want him as Vice Captain for the US Ryder Cup team?
In the mean time: Will Azinger want him as Vice Captain for the US Ryder Cup team?
Azinger may do well to keep Tiger out os such a role. He is great at motivating himself, but it does not appear that he is so good at motivating those around him.
I watched first hand as he moped around the K Club and his partner Furyk gutted out the their fourball and foursome matches. This may sound like heresy to many, but perhaps Azinger will have an advantage some recent Ryder Cup captains have not had. Benching a slumping world #1 player in a fourball and foursome match.
The game is certainly more interesting when Tiger is playing. I am a big fan of his both his playing ability and what he has done to bring so many new people to the game. Tiger is just not a team player. Which is Ok. Golf is not a team sport.
As many do, I anxiously await Tiger's return to competition.
Although Tigers performance is made all the more remarkable by his physical condition, to say that he has been forthcoming about his injuries stretches credibility. He tore the ACL one year ago and the stress fracture was discovered 2 weeks ago yet not disclosed until it was clear that he could no longer play. Several physicians that I have as students have speculated that while under normal circumstances, he should be able to come back from this injury, there are no guarantees, especially since this knee has been operated on multiple times.
What if his decision to play, however spectacular, has jeopardized his career and his chance at Jack's record?
Hybrid Mode
