Tiger Woods has complete package
By Bob Verdi
Chicago Tribune
(KRT)
AUGUSTA, Ga. - You might have noticed that Jackson T. Stephens
was conspicuously absent Sunday evening when television switched
to Nick Faldo holding Tiger Woods' coat. Augusta National's chairman
turned his seat over to a subordinate.
This is not to suggest Stephens couldn't cope with a multiethnic
minority winning the Masters. Instead, one imagines calling an
emergency session to legislate against future 12-stroke victories.
How to "toughen up" Augusta National is a hot topic
now that Woods has violated the sanctity of this golf cathedral.
If memory serves, Wilt Chamberlain precipitated a similar brand
of panic, to such an extent that there was talk of raising the
basket.
The folly is that, even if the hoop were elevated to the ceiling,
Chamberlain still would be the closest man to the rim. In the
end, Chamberlain didn't score 100 points every night, nor did
he win every championship. And Sandy Koufax, who seemed unhittable,
lost a few games too.
If the golf gods attempt to increase the degree of difficulty
on this or any other stop on Woods' itinerary, there's a chance
they unwittingly will help the chances of this 21-year-old prodigy
further separating himself from the field.
Besides, Augusta National played as tough as a $2 steak on
Thursday and Woods still figured it out after shooting 40 for
nine holes. That's the other facet of his genius. He is not only
gifted, but so smart he institutes midcourse corrections.
"I played with him Friday, when he decided to leave the
rest of us in the dust," recalled Paul Azinger. "I thought
I could outconcentrate everybody, but after about 20 minutes,
I realized that's what he was doing to me. Talk about being in
a zone. On top of everything else he does, he thinks better than
anybody else out here."
Indeed, Woods is the complete package. His mechanics are so
flawless and swing so grooved that he can take a mighty cut at
the ball, and still it goes straight. Byron Nelson, winner of
11 straight tournaments in 1945, says he never has seen anything
like Tiger's hand speed at impact.
Gary Player, thrice a Masters champion, is among those who
cites technology as a reason for Woods' remarkable distance. If
I can reach the par 5s here at age 61, says Player, what does
that tell you? Jack Nicklaus, meanwhile, has campaigned long for
revisions in the ball. Take 10 percent off its giddyup or most
courses will be rendered obsolete.
However, neither of the aforementioned legends diminishes Woods'
talent. The kid is long, composed, creative and fearless, and
he makes more 15-footers than Michael Jordan. What would be nice
is to find him a rival, and pronto. Ernie Els has the game, but
does he have the killer instinct? Phil Mickelson has both, but
can he manage them as well as Woods?
Woods scores heavily on the intangibles too. He respects his
honorable sport. A lot of ballplayers don't know about Jackie
Robinson and don't want to know. Woods knows all about Charlie
Sifford and Lee Elder, and Woods is forever picking Arnold Palmer's
brain back home in Orlando.
Also, look at Woods' list of companions during Masters practice
rounds. Seve Ballesteros, Ben Crenshaw, Fred Couples, Greg Norman,
Ray Floyd, Nicklaus. Woods isn't seeking autographs. He's at work
on his filing system.
"Jealousy will always be there, but other golfers genuinely
like and respect him," said Azinger. "He has every reason
to be a jerk, a cocky kid, but he's just so normal. Outside the
ropes, anyway."
During last April's Masters, we wrote Woods would leave school
and turn pro by season's end. Denials and indignation ensued.
But is there any doubt now that Woods is where he belongs? Stanford's
loss is golf's tomorrow.
(Bob Verdi is a sports columnist for the Chicago Tribune. Write
to him at: Chicago Tribune, 435 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago,
Ill. 60611.)
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