No Tiger In This Jungle?

The Chevron World Challenge is a charitable event hosted by Tiger Woods but the phenom golfer is on the cusp of not qualifying for his own event. The tournament is being held at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, California and consists of an 18 player field. The players consist of the four major champions, 11 players from the World Golf Rankings (stipulation requires that all 11 players must be ranked no higher that 50^th in the world), the returning champion, and two exempted players chosen by The Tiger Woods Foundation.

As of September 16^th, 2011, Tiger was ranked 46^th and runs the risk of falling past 50^th in the world but it all depends on the performance from players participating in the BMW Championship. Tiger did not register to participate in the BMW Championship so his fate is out of his hands but as fate has it only three players, Jeff Ogilvy, Sergio Garcia, an Bill Haas managed to improve their ranking after the results of the championship. Tiger is now ranked 49^th and is safe to participate in his own event.

As I watched the event unfold, I wondered to myself “Could the host of an event not play in his own tournament?” Many of my friends have debated over the question and I believe that the rules should be upheld as golf is an etiquette game with rules that are self governing. Although, Tiger's reign has been nonexistent lately his name still draws attention and ratings. As a man that draws that notoriety, he should still be at the tournament engaging with fans and possibly commentating. Another alternative is to allow Tiger to play but by doing so the tournament relinquishes the rights to award Word Ranking points. I would then assume that most of the other golfers participating would not bother to play since the points are crucial in their chase for the FedEx cup.

As it turns out Tiger is safe and will be actively participating against the field in the 2011 Chevron World Challenge. If 2011 is anything like 2010, we are in for a tough battling tournament. Returning champion Graeme McDowell hopes to defend his title against a star studded field like Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke, and Charl Schwartzel. Highlights of the 2010 Chevron World Challenge can be found in the link below.

Official World Golf Rating

2011 Chevron World Challenge

2010 Chevron World Challenge Results

Woods eligible for Chevron World Challenge

Sherwood Country Club

Word Wars: The Return of The Tiger

I am an avid golfer, I live...breath...and sleep golf. The saying "My body is here but my mind is on golf" applies whenever I'm not on the course or watching it on television. It's funny because growing up I never thought I'd be the guy who'd be interested in the sport but all that changed in the summer of 2000. My friend introduced me to the sport and after watching a few tournaments on television one professional player stood out, Tiger Woods. He was young, athletic, and made the sport cool, he's been my favorite professional since. Although after the scandal in the fall of 2008, I was disappointed to hear about his adultery but as a player I still admired his drive and determination. The guy has 71 career wins and 14 of them major tournaments, his accomplishments can't be ignored. His career started taking a dive after his divorce, multiple knee surgeries in 2009 and 2010, and personnel changes in his camp. He parted ways with his swing coach, Hank Haney, and long time caddy, Steve Williams. Steve Williams moved on and became the caddy for Adam Scott . Scott and Williams participated in the Bridgestone Invitational (the first tournament after the Woods/Williams split) and won. The post interview by Steve Williams was shocking, first because this is the first time I've ever seen a caddy being interviewed and secondly he claimed that this win was “The best win in my life.” His words not only shocked me but also shocked Nick Faldo, I watched this event live and remember Faldo stating, “Wow...wow.” In those two words, I understood everything Faldo was thinking. Stevie Williams, are you that spiteful? I understand that he was making a statement that Woods shouldn't have fired him and that he's one of the best caddies out there but to compare this win over the epic U.S. Open against Rocco Mediate in 2008? Also, you don't even mention Adam Scott who actually executed the shots? Woods have been taking criticism from analysts and players concerning his career and performance. Many have started to write him off, stating that his mental game has broken down. I believe that a wounded animal is most dangerous, given his mental determination and track record I believe it's just a matter of time until he returns to reign over the golfing world.

Tiger Woods Bio

Tiger Career Stats up to 2008

Steve William post interview

Bridgestone Invitational results

2008 U.S. Open Torrey Pines