According to the old saying, a lot of people get their fifteen minutes of fame. Some only get fifteen seconds, and then we never hear about them again.
And of course, there are the all-timers, whose accomplishments were so exceptional that they will be forever remembered as great men indeed, be it over years, decades, or even centuries. Names likes Alexander the Great, Caesar, Babe Ruth, Jack Daniels, and Larry, Moe, and Curly come to mind. You know, the true immortals.
Though it's a lot better than 15 seconds or minutes, Eldrick Tont (Tiger) Woods has enjoyed 15 years of fame, mostly for playing golf. Ahem. But there's a catch....
For roughly his first 10 years as a pro golfer, he lit up the sport like no other had ever done before, or perhaps will ever do again. Tiger was racking up tournament wins at an incredible rate, including one major title after another.
Often overlooked is the fact he re-kindled interest in the game of golf itself. From little kids in poor neighborhoods taking up the sport, on up through weekend TV ratings in pro tournaments, the game got a much-needed boost in popularity across the board, seemingly because of Tiger's mere presence.
But for the last 5 years of the above-mentioned 15, Woods hasn't fared so well. Sure, he's changed caddies, equipment, women, his swing, and had various physical ailments. Yet the fact remains that Tiger hasn't won a major since 2008, six years ago. Actually, he hasn't really come close.
For that matter, in recent times, Woods doesn't even seem to be competitive anymore. Translation? He's stinking it up. Bad.
In six tournament outings this year, his best finish was a tie for 25th. He's missed the cut, withdrawn from a couple others, and has made a paltry $108,000. That's a fairly handsome sum if one is flipping burgers at a fast food joint or writing a dopey sports blog (present company excluded) for a living, but far beneath what had come to be expected of the mighty Tiger.
After suffering back spasms which caused him to withdraw again last week, Woods and his medical folks pronounced him fit to play in this year's PGA tournament.
[Idle thought: This event is being held at a place called Valhalla. In Norse mythology, Valhalla was the enormous palace of the head god Odin. Who knew it was in Kentucky all along? Go figure.]
But once again, Tiger wasn't very good in his opening round. He sprayed shots all over the place, from creeks, to woods, to the gallery. He would finish at 3 over par 74, some nine shots behind the leader. And he was up to his old antics when frustrated. Pounding clubs on the ground and even dropping an "f" bomb. The man's pushing 40, and is a seasoned vet on the tour -- but he still acts like a spoiled brat throwing a hissy fit when things don't go his way. One would think he would have matured by now, but some things just aren't destined to happen.
Nevertheless, the last 5 years of Tiger hype have been strictly on his former greatness. And it definitely continues. Watch the sports highlights on ESPN. You'll always see a clip dedicated to Eldick even if he's hopelessly out of contention at any particular tournament. Unless he miraculously turns his game around, chances are he's going to miss the cut at this PGA. Reports say after this tournament, Tiger will go on vacation for at least six weeks.
So that begs the question --- with all the other great young players in the game -- and a new one seems to pop up every week -- how much longer will Tigermania be mandated upon the viewing public?
How bad and for how long does this guy have to stink it up before the collective media loses its fascination with him, and moves on to more objective coverage with the multitude of superior talents currently playing the game?
Another year? 2? 5? Who knows? But somehow Tiger stills draws them like moths to a porch light.
Here's wishing him the best in the future, but this hype thing really needs to stop, because he doesn't deserve it anymore. Not even close.
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