McIlroy cruises to first major title

[CowboyDan]

He's got 2 wins on tour.
3 3rds.
11 Top 10s.
18 Top 25s.

For comparison's sake

Tiger at 22

7 Wins
3 2nds
5 3rds
27 top 10s
38 top 25s

Keep in mind, Rory is at the beginnning of the season. (35 events played in his career) The stats that I listed for Tiger are after his 3rd season was complete. (49 events played in his career)

 

[Doomsday101]

There's no question he has serious talent and is playing great golf right now.
But as I said before "Tiger changed the game....Rory's playing the game incredibly well lately, but he's not changing it. I also think Tiger has a killer instinct that very few golfers have ever had. Jack had it, not sure that anyone else has ever been on the level of those two."

Rory does not have to change the game he has to win majors. Being in great shape may have caused others to do so as well but in the end it is about winning. Rory has won the European amateur like Tiger won the US amateur. Both won major early in their careers how will Rory career play out who knows but he has the talent to play at that level. All I’m saying is for anyone to say Well Tiger can do it no one else can? Because that is what is sounds like and this game as seen many great ones over its long long history

 

[CowboyDan]

Rory does not have to change the game he has to win majors. Being in great shape may have caused others to do so as well but in the end it is about winning. Rory has won the European amateur like Tiger won the US amateur. Both won major early in their careers how will Rory career play out who knows but he has the talent to play at that level. All I’m saying is for anyone to say Well Tiger can do it no one else can? Because that is what is sounds like and this game as seen many great ones over its long long history

What I said was
"Agreed 100%. I don't think he's the next Tiger, but he definitely has the game, age, maturity and mental makeup to win a bunch of tourneys."

Tiger did more than just win tourneys. Not sure why I have to keep showing you what I've already posted, but whatever works for you.

 

[Doomsday101]

What I said was
"Agreed 100%. I don't think he's the next Tiger, but he definitely has the game, age, maturity and mental makeup to win a bunch of tourneys."

Tiger did more than just win tourneys. Not sure why I have to keep showing you what I've already posted, but whatever works for you.

Because being in great shape is not a big game changer and Tiger is not the longest hitter on the tour what makes Tiger special is the winning. hell John Daly can out drive Tiger but Daley will never be the great player tiger is.

So when you say he changed the game I disagree I think guys like Hogan and guys like Bobby Jones and Byron Nelson were the game changers their swings still live today

 

[CowboyDan]

Because being in great shape is not a big game changer and Tiger is not the longest hitter on the tour what makes Tiger special is the winning. hell John Daly can out drive Tiger but Daley will never be the great player tiger is.

So when you say he changed the game I disagree I think guys like Hogan and guys like Bobby Jones and Byron Nelson were the game changers their swings still live today

You really need to brush up on your Tiger history if you don't think Tiger changed the game, or that his distance and fitness are big reasons why. I don't know if Daly could out DRIVE Tiger......he very well may have been able to, but Tiger's length with all clubs, combined with his deadly accuracy and solid putting, and his 4 day stamina allowed him to change the game of golf. (not to mention the popularity he brought to the game, and the racial barriers he broke down) You are the only person I've ever heard disagree with this statement.

PS- interesting driving distance breakdown here in 2005........Tiger 2nd...Daly 5th (6 yards off).

http://www.pgatour.com/r/stats/2005/101.html

 

[DFWJC]

Hard not to like this kid.

 

[CowboyDan]

Hard not to like this kid.

He's got a great attitude for sure. My main problem with him is he's sloppy. I don't like his hair, I don't like how his shirts always falling out of his pants. I don't like how he wears surfer necklaces and kinda bumps along when he walks. I'm not a fan of golfers like that. (See John Daly)

I like golfers that look the part. He looks like a skater that found golf clubs in his grandpa's garage. He's got a great game though. Very solid.

 

[DFWJC]

He's got a great attitude for sure. My main problem with him is he's sloppy. I don't like his hair, I don't like how his shirts always falling out of his pants. I don't like how he wears surfer necklaces and kinda bumps along when he walks. I'm not a fan of golfers like that. (See John Daly)

I like golfers that look the part. He looks like a skater that found golf clubs in his grandpa's garage. He's got a great game though. Very solid.

wow....just....wow.

This is 2011. What are golfers supposed to look like in your view? Judge Smails from Caddy Shack?
This kid is the anti-John Daley. Total opposite.

To each his own I guess....so you really do have a right to your preferences on such superficial things....so that's cool.

We'll agree to disagree on this one.

BTW, on the other topic...I agree with you. I think it is FAR more likely that Rory will not win as many titles as Tiger or Jack than he will. Logic just says that is the case. it is possible, but unlikely.

 

[CowboyDan]

wow....just....wow.

This is 2011. This kid is the anti-John Daley. Total opposite.

To each his own I guess....so you really do have a right to your preferences on such superficial things....so that's cool.

We'll agree to disagaree on this one.

What do we disagree on? I think we both agree that I prefer a certain style in golfer. I didn't say I hate the kid. Quite the opposite, I've done nothing but congratulate him and compliment him on his game. I do not think he's the next Tiger Woods, but I don't hate the kid. Jeez.

Call me superficial, but I think there's a certain level of respect the game deserves.

 

[Doomsday101]

You really need to brush up on your Tiger history if you don't think Tiger changed the game, or that his distance and fitness are big reasons why. I don't know if Daly could out DRIVE Tiger......he very well may have been able to, but Tiger's length with all clubs, combined with his deadly accuracy and solid putting, and his 4 day stamina allowed him to change the game of golf. (not to mention the popularity he brought to the game, and the racial barriers he broke down) You are the only person I've ever heard disagree with this statement.

PS- interesting driving distance breakdown here in 2005........Tiger 2nd...Daly 5th (6 yards off).

http://www.pgatour.com/r/stats/2005/101.html

Maybe you need to brush up Tiger drive is not what separates him from the rest there are many big hitters on the tour. Tiger play around the green is what has made the difference. Sinking the 18 footer when everything is on the line. His ability to rescue himself from poor drives has been the difference; his chipping in critical moments has been the difference. There is nothing about Tiger that I need to brush up on.

 

[DFWJC]

What do we disagree on? I think we both agree that I prefer a certain style in golfer. I didn't say I hate the kid. Quite the opposite, I've done nothing but congratulate him and compliment him on his game. I do not think he's the next Tiger Woods, but I don't hate the kid. Jeez.

Call me superficial, but I think there's a certain level of respect the game deserves.

We do both agree that he is very good and we both agree that the odds are against him matching Jack's titles.

We disagree only on his appearance and attitude. I don't see him as remotely appearing physically or verbally as though he has anything but huge respect for the game.

 

[CowboyDan]

Maybe you need to brush up Tiger drive is not what separates him from the rest there are many big hitters on the tour. Tiger play around the green is what has made the difference. Sinking the 18 footer when everything is on the line. His ability to rescue himself from poor drives has been the difference; his chipping in critical moments has been the difference. There is nothing about Tiger that I need to brush up on.

You're confusing yourself. We were talking about Tiger when he burst onto the scene. (1997) His length....with all clubs....changed the game. It just did. That's what I've been saying. He's still very long with all clubs, but he's not the longest on tour off the tee today. He may never have been longest off the tee. (I need to brush up on that part of Tiger history ) But he's always been very long and accurate with all clubs. That's what changed the game.

 

[CowboyDan]

We do both agree that he is very good and we both agree that the odds are against him matching Jack's titles.

We disagree only on his appearance and attitude. I don't see him as remotely appearing physically or verbally as though he has anything but huge respect for the game.

Hold up....I didn't say anything about his attitude (other than it's great) or him being verbally disrespectful towards the game. (He's incredibly well spoken and respectful)

What I said was that I like golfers that have a certain style, and he doesn't have it. It's personal preference. I feel that sloppiness and surfer necklaces are disrespectful to the game. I don't like that look. I don't like flames on shirts or stripes on golf shoes either....call me crazy, but I think they should look like shoes. I don't even like when Tiger wears those mock turtle neck short sleeve shirts. Polos please! Wear what you want when you're out with your buddies, but if you're on the PGA Tour, you should carry yourself with a certain style and respect. Hell, I don't want to go to West Point and see some soldiers with their shirt tails hanging out our sneakers on. I think it looks good when you look like you care about your appearance. Just my opinion.

 

[Doomsday101]

You're confusing yourself. We were talking about Tiger when he burst onto the scene. (1997) His length....with all clubs....changed the game. It just did. That's what I've been saying. He's still very long with all clubs, but he's not the longest on tour off the tee today. He may never have been longest off the tee. (I need to brush up on that part of Tiger history ) But he's always been very long and accurate with all clubs. That's what changed the game.

1 year out of all the years he was 2nd in length? Come on length is not what separates Tiger from others his distance in on par with that of guys like Michelson but that is not what separates him. Pulling off the critical shot when he needed it the most is the difference. That tends to be the difference with all the greats of the game being able to pull off the needed shot or putt.

As they say you drive for show you putt from dough his work around the greens has been the differance maker

 

[CowboyDan]

1 year out of all the years he was 2nd in length? Come on length is not what separates Tiger from others his distance in on par with that of guys like Michelson but that is not what separates him. Pulling off the critical shot when he needed it the most is the difference. That tends to be the difference with all the greats of the game being able to pull off the needed shot or putt.

As they say you drive for show you putt from dough his work around the greens has been the differance maker

You keep focusing on DRIVER. You know there's 12 other clubs + a putter in the bag right? Tiger would hit wedge on his 2nd shots of par 5's where other golfers hit 7's. Tiger would hit 247 yard 3 woods out of the 2nd cut to within 5 feet of the pin.

Here, this article will help..... (there's tons more written over the years. Just Google "Tiger Proofing")

"When Tiger Woods burst onto the scene in 1996, he brought with him a completely new style of golf.

Woods brought a game of power and distance, the likes of which had never been seen on the tour before.

Due to Tiger’s distance game, the rest of the tour had to change the way they played.

Players had to take on rigorous training routines and hit drivers with oversize heads to enable them to hit the ball long enough to compete with Woods.

Woods achieved unprecedented success in his first few years on tour, largely due to the fact that he hit the ball a great deal further than everyone else.

For this reason, golf courses around the country began undertaking massive overhauls to lengthen the courses in order to ‘Tiger Proof’ them."

to read more.... http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...ng-of-golf-courses-has-done-just-the-opposite

 

[Doomsday101]

You keep focusing on DRIVER. You know there's 12 other clubs + a putter in the bag right? Tiger would hit wedge on his 2nd shots of par 5's where other golfers hit 7's. Tiger would hit 247 yard 3 woods out of the 2nd cut to within 5 feet of the pin.

Here, this article will help..... (there's tons more written over the years. Just Google "Tiger Proofing")

"When Tiger Woods burst onto the scene in 1996, he brought with him a completely new style of golf.

Woods brought a game of power and distance, the likes of which had never been seen on the tour before.

Due to Tiger’s distance game, the rest of the tour had to change the way they played.

Players had to take on rigorous training routines and hit drivers with oversize heads to enable them to hit the ball long enough to compete with Woods.

Woods achieved unprecedented success in his first few years on tour, largely due to the fact that he hit the ball a great deal further than everyone else.

For this reason, golf courses around the country began undertaking massive overhauls to lengthen the courses in order to ‘Tiger Proof’ them."

to read more.... http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...ng-of-golf-courses-has-done-just-the-opposite

It was not just Tigers distance it was the overall distance from many player on the tour as to why courses were lengthened these course were set up for an older technology when woods were still made of wood. So Tiger did not change how courses were built or lengthen technology did and Jack has said that many times

What Tiger was able to do that others have not been able to do it hit the critical shot at the biggest moments in a tournament. His length is not far and above others, hell Phil has been on the tour longer than Tiger and can hit shots of equal distance be it driver or irons and there are many others who do as well. Difference is pulling off the big shot when it is needed the most that has always been what separate Tiger in his prime to any others on the tour.

 

[casmith07]

Just to add an observation, Tiger's short game around the green with the wedge had always been unparalleled until other golfers realized they needed to tighten up their shot group.

 

[CowboyDan]

It was not just Tigers distance it was the overall distance from many player on the tour as to why courses were lengthened these course were set up for an older technology when woods were still made of wood. So Tiger did not change how courses were built or lengthen technology did and Jack has said that many times

What Tiger was able to do that others have not been able to do it hit the critical shot at the biggest moments in a tournament. His length is not far and above others, hell Phil has been on the tour longer than Tiger and can hit shots of equal distance be it driver or irons and there are many others who do as well. Difference is pulling off the big shot when it is needed the most that has always been what separate Tiger in his prime to any others on the tour.

Who am I to argue with Jack? Tiger is clutch, but there is no doubt that he hit all his clubs longer than most players on tour in the mid-90's using the same equipment. All you had to do was watch the tourneys back then. They routinely commented on what Tiger was hitting into greens as opposed to the competition. I'm not making that up. In fact, I would argue that Tiger actually spurred a quicker development in distance technology in order to help the competition keep up with him. Taylor Made couldn't have their guys being outdriven by Tiger all day could they?

Remember when Mickelson got in trouble for this quote:

"Saying he had made a mistake, Phil Mickelson said today that he regretted calling Tiger Woods's Nike golf equipment inferior...."He doesn't like that I can fly it past him now."....Much of the pre-tournament talk has focused on Mickelson, who said in an interview in Golf Magazine that Woods was the only player 'good enough to overcome the equipment he's stuck with."

What do you think he meant by that?

 

[CowboyDan]

Just to add an observation, Tiger's short game around the green with the wedge had always been unparalleled until other golfers realized they needed to tighten up their shot group.

Sorta. It's always been a combo with him. He's always had amazing distance combined with laser accuracy and great short game. Most players have one of these things, not all 3 like Tiger did.

 

[Doomsday101]

Who am I to argue with Jack? Tiger is clutch, but there is no doubt that he hit all his clubs longer than most players on tour in the mid-90's using the same equipment. All you had to do was watch the tourneys back then. They routinely commented on what Tiger was hitting into greens as opposed to the competition. I'm not making that up. In fact, I would argue that Tiger actually spurred a quicker development in distance technology in order to help the competition keep up with him. Taylor Made couldn't have their guys being outdriven by Tiger all day could they?

Remember when Mickelson got in trouble for this quote:

"Saying he had made a mistake, Phil Mickelson said today that he regretted calling Tiger Woods's Nike golf equipment inferior...."He doesn't like that I can fly it past him now."....Much of the pre-tournament talk has focused on Mickelson, who said in an interview in Golf Magazine that Woods was the only player 'good enough to overcome the equipment he's stuck with."

What do you think he meant by that?

That technology was still greater than what the courses were designed for. when many of these courses were built guys were playing with equipment that did not carry as they do today, they played balls that did not have the flight they have today. So please Tiger was not playing with woods and Tiger was not the only big hitter.

As for Phils comment he said that in 2004 and Tiger distance dropped in comparison to other big hitters