As an avid fan of Tiger Woods, I spent Sunday evening glued to the TV, fully expecting Woods to overcome the weather and a five shot deficit to continue his unbeaten run of seven tournaments. The fact that I and millions of other golfaholics were surprised that he didn’t succeed illustrates the strength of the spell Woods has cast over modern professional golf. Even so, he still managed to get within two shots of winner Geoff Ogilvy, despite missing four holeable putts during Monday’s remaining seven holes, while Ogilvy enjoyed the sort of luck most winners need and which he fully deserved, by holing an overhit chip for par on the thirteenth, which would have run at least fifteen feet past if the hole hadn’t got in the way.
At least this result put an end to the ridiculous speculation as to whether Woods could finish the entire season undefeated. Less ridiculous to contemplate is the possibility that this could be the year that Woods secures the “Grand Slam” by winning The Masters, the U.S. Open, The Open Championship and the U.S.P.G.A. Championship. After all, he has in the past won all four within a twelve month period, if not in a calendar year. In fact, he is far more likely to win Majors than regular tour events, because of his ability to cope with courses which have been set up to test mental strength, as well as physical strength and ability.
However, Wood’s performance (or failure) should not overshadow Ogilvy’s achievement in leading from start to finish, nor the fine effort of Graeme Storm, who found himself playing in the last group on the final day and did himself proud, finishing in joint 6th place and securing valuable Ryder Cup and world ranking points, not to mention a handy cheque.
Wood’s attempt at securing golf’s Grand Slam begins early next month when Augusta hosts The Masters. |
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