The AT&T National no longer seems like a big deal. Neither does Tiger Woods.
The PGA Tour is surviving his absence. Indeed, Woods’ nearly three years of injuries and personal problems have resulted in 11 different winners in the last 11 majors, including Rory McIlroy at the U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club on Sunday.
A new wave of young talent is emerging. While it was great watching the best golfer of his generation dominate for more than a decade, it’s also exciting to see new stars no longer overshadowed by Woods.
Not that Woods is gone forever. He’s only 35 years old. There’s still time for another green jacket or two, but breaking Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 major victories — he needs five more — now seems improbable. Woods won’t be untouchable like he was before.
Surely the PGA hopes Woods regains his consistent success and boosts TV ratings and live crowds in the process. The AT&T National’s return to Congressional next year will pale compared to the U.S. Open, but fans will follow Woods by the thousands.
Still, fans are already seeking the next Woods, which is silly given he’s a once-in-a generation phenom. Instead, the sport benefits from having multiple young stars. The international run of five straight major victories — the longest U.S. drought in 100 years — also increases the PGA’s worldwide appeal.
McIlroy already carries the burden of “the next Tiger Woods,” according to fellow golfers. Maybe they’re trying to shift pressure onto the 22-year-old, or maybe they’re merely trying to build another gate attraction. Fellow Irishman Padraig Harrington predicted McIlroy will break Nicklaus’ record, which prompted McIlroy to sigh, “Paddy, Paddy, Paddy.”
“Will he achieve what Tiger was doing around 2000? … Can he be that good?” 2010 U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell asked. “Yeah, potentially. He’s got that potential. … We’re ready for golf’s next superstar, and maybe Rory is it.”
McIlroy smartly refuses to be pulled into Tiger comparisons.
“When you win a major quite early in your career, everyone is going to draw comparisons. It’s natural,” he said. “…?He’s Tiger Woods. I’m just happy to be sitting here with the trophy that has his name on it.
“It’s nice that people say that he could be this or he could be that or he could win 20 major championships, but at the end of the day I’ve won one. I obviously want to add to that tally, but you can’t let what other people think of you influence what you have to do.”
Given Woods’ infidelity scandal, McIlroy’s young, clean-cut image is certainly welcomed. But McDowell said McIlroy’s demeanor on the course is equally important.
“For any kids sitting watching at home right now, he’s playing golf the way it should be played as far as his attitude and just the way he carries himself,” McDowell said. “He’s going to be a great ambassador for the sport.”
No one says that about Woods anymore.
Examiner columnist Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more on Twitter @Snide_Remarks or email [email protected].
