It took Tiger only 11 years to reach 14 majors. Nicholas needed 24 years to reach 4 more....18. No one else comes close.
Love or hate him, he is a once in a lifetime talent. I have been happy to watch it in real time. Today’s Pro golfers are better, purses are larger and the golf industry is immensely wealthier and more popular....because of Tiger.....not even in dispute.
I don’t condone, nor agree with his personal life choices, but you can’t question his rare, awesome talent. He made golf a must see event if he were competing.
Steroids?....who knows... maybe.... later in his career, but that doesn’t negate his early and seemingly effortless masterly of the game. Just go to YouTube to see for yourself. Steroids do not make you a magician around a golf course. Putting and short game has nothing to do with strength. That is where majors are won.
Those at the pinnacle of their chosen field....actors, musicians, politicians, business leaders and athletes, tend to get absorbed in their press clippings and the accolades heaped upon them by those around then. The immense wealth also factors into the equation.
This certainly doesn’t excuse their excessive life’s choices, but it is not cause to discount their talents and achievements. ...think Michael Jackson as a similar example. Some handle fame and success better than others.... most have demons and skeletons...like all of us.
Love or hate him, Tiger is an extraordinary golf talent. Let’s not intermingle talent with personal dislike.
Tiger was on the HGH /PEDs by 2005 probably sooner. The media did not start whispering about it until the 2007 US Open when he looked like he could start at outside linebacker for the Raiders.
Good post.
It is easier to shun his life choices and really admire his athletic abilities because his life choices were not about harming other people. His wife and kids got hurt, but that wasn’t quite the same level of sin as Michael Jackson literally destroying and raping children. It is more uncomfortable enjoying MJ’s music knowing what he was. (And I still do.)