I’ve always thought Tiger Woods, despite the fact that he was the best thing to happen to golf in the last 20 years, was arrogant.
That attitude was displayed front and center earlier this week during a press conference at the Quicken Loans National event in Virginia. Woods is the host of the Quicken Loans National, which benefits his foundation.
Woods has struggled mightily this year, and he needed a win this week to play in next week’s WGC event at Firestone, a venue where he has won multiple times.
Without a win, Tiger either takes the week off or he could have played in next week’s Barracuda Championship. Twice Woods was asked if he planned on playing at Reno, and he finally said he wouldn’t come to Reno, instead opting to go home and get ready for the PGA.
In short, Woods thinks he’s too good to play in an opposite event which the Barracuda is.
In past years, Woods never had to worry about that decision, because he was either injured and didn’t play or he was at Firestone.
Tiger needs to look in the mirror. His game has gone AWOL. He thinks he isn’t that far off, andthere isn’t a lot separating golfers from making or missing the cut. Maybe not, but he needs to play more not less.
Let’s take a look at some of his stats. He’s in the fairway 53.3 percent of the time, is 61.3 greens in regulation, is averaging 73.015, is 35.1 percent in sand saves and from 50 to 125 yards out is leaving shots an average of 20 feet away. None of those are good numbers.
True, he has had some injuries, and true he’s going through yet another swing change. His game lacks consistency as evidenced by this weekend’s showing. He shot two nice under-par rounds on Thursday and Friday, and followed that up with a 74.
The bottom line is Tiger can no longer plan his seasons around winning majors. He used to just retool things, and now he’s in the overhaul stage. He has too much work to do on his game for that. He needs to get out there and grind every week. Maybe I’m wrong, but there’s a big difference between practicing and playing competitive rounds. I think you learn more about your game playing for real than hitting a million practice balls.
Can you imagine what Tiger’s appearance would have meant to the Barracuda event? I think the attendance would have quadrupled with him in the field, maybe even more than that.
Does Tiger really think that playing in Reno would hamper him for the PGA?
Come on Tiger, get a clue. Come back to reality.
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If you plan on attending the Barracuda Championship this next week, there’s plenty to do and see.
Among the events:
Today is Women’s Day, and Lisa Vlooswyk, a golf legend, is on hand. Tickets include goodie bags with a variety of items, including tickets to Montreux’s Concert on the Green and tournament tickets. From 9 to 10 a.m. there will be golf clinics put on by area pros followed by a marketplace from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. featuring cocktails and shopping. Tickets are $200 each or $1600 for a table of eight.
The popular Patriots’ Luncheon is Tuesday. Tables for eight can be purchased for $1,000 with a ninth seat occupied by a local military man or woman. Individual tickets are available for $125.
The KidZone is open Thursday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There’s a bounce house and face painting.
Also going on Thursday through Sunday is the Mirassou Wine Walk with four tasting stations. It runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A new event, Mixology at Montreux takes place Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. at the Coors Light 19th Hole. Guests can enjoy live entertainment as well as play their favorite lawn games.
Five local bartenders will compete to create the best cocktail. For $50, attendees will get a shuttle ride from downtown Reno to Montreux, a complimentray cocktail on the shuttle, two drink tickets, one meal ticket valid at any of the course eateries and exclusive drink tastings from the five finalists and entry to the tournament.
