No Bark, No Bite

Giants fall the hardest; and this past weekend a massive golf figure took a painful plunge to reach the lowest point of his career. The 2010 Bridgestone Invitational may have been seen by some as season rallying point for Tiger Woods. After all he had record seven wins at Firestone C.C. and had never shot higher than 72. Maybe this was the tune-up that Tiger needed for the last major of the year. Those thoughts were quickly banished from the minds of golf fans after the 1st round of play on Thursday. By Sunday, many may have wondered if we will ever see the greatest golfer of all time win another tournament in his career.

The world #1's play was downright painful to watch. Woods at times looked like a weekend hacker playing on a golf course he had no business being on. But besides the collage of horrible shots and his highest 4 round score in his PGA tour career; Tiger reached a new low this weekend - he gave up on his game. In my years watching this incredible talent, I have always marveled at the determination and sheer grit that this guy displays on the links. He is never out of a tournament in his mind and always battles to the end. At times during this tournament, we saw Woods often shank a bad shot and nonchalantly stroll to the next and swing without batting an eyelid. While it was disappointing and tough to see, it's hard to blame the guy. His life is in shambles and he just can't compartmentalize his emotions and problems off the golf course. He is facing a massive divorce, finds it difficult to see his kids and the whole world has criticized his every move for eight months. What Tiger has gone through since last November is more than most people would experience in the majority of their lives.

Rather than taking this entry to try and fix Tiger's problems. Let me simply state the obvious - This season on the course is over, period. That's even hard for me to accept as a fan, but I think it's important to do so. Let's stop saying that Tiger is close and predicting him to win tournaments. Yes, I'm talking to you golf writers of the world. Woods should play out the PGA next week and hang it up for the year.

At the rate events are unfolding, I don't think the guy can endure much more embarrassment, especially on his hallowed ground, the golf course. Not to mention that Whistling Straits next week is no place "to find your game". I am actually cringing at the potential outcome for Tiger next week. Trust me this course is BRUTAL. I would much rather see the remainder of the season sans Woods, than see his career end abruptly now. The long term effects on the game without him would be catastrophic. Go look up the TV ratings of tournament without Woods in the field - the numbers are staggering. Good night and Good luck Mr. Woods, we'll see you next year. The golf world will be better for it.