[d4cohn]

And Wu shot a 71, currently 32nd. Making the cut would be a of immense proportions accomplishment for either. Alas, Tiger is doing much worse. It also must be frustrating to McNealy to continue to be just not quite over the hump on qualifying for many of the biggest tournaments.

That is frustrating, but Maverick has also been really close to picking up that 1st PGA Tour win, and with it, guaranteed status on Tour for two full years after the current season. All the way back at the season opener in Napa, Maverick had the lead very late in the final round, but Max Homa passed him during the final stretch (Bears beating the Trees :( , though Max seems like a really nice guy and talented player).

Maverick currently T6 at the alternate event to Open in Lake Tahoe (Stableford format tourney).

Fastest way to qualify for majors and secure longer term exemption on tour is to win (though some of the smaller PGA events won't give auto status into field, but on OGWR points, any win on PGA Tour is big toward qualifying.

[d4cohn]

And Wu shot a 71, currently 32nd. Making the cut would be a of immense proportions accomplishment for either. Alas, Tiger is doing much worse. It also must be frustrating to McNealy to continue to be just not quite over the hump on qualifying for many of the biggest tournaments.

That is frustrating, but Maverick has also been really close to picking up that 1st PGA Tour win, and with it, guaranteed status on Tour for two full years after the current season. All the way back at the season opener in Napa, Maverick had the lead very late in the final round, but Max Homa passed him during the final stretch (Bears beating the Trees :( , though Max seems like a really nice guy and talented player).

Maverick currently T6 at the alternate event to Open in Lake Tahoe (Stableford format tourney).

Fastest way to qualify for majors and secure longer term exemption on tour is to win (though some of the smaller PGA events won't give auto status into field, but on OGWR points, any win on PGA Tour is big toward qualifying.

[BigJohn043]

I don’t think it is inherently harder to be kind to others, and there are plenty of elite athletes who are kind, genuine people.

I think one can respect everything that Tiger has accomplished on the golf course, and still lament that he was a bit of a jerk.  I’m glad that age has mellowed him out.

BC

While I mostly agree with what you say here, I have one caveat that I think merits consideration. While life experiences and reflection may genuinely change a person's approach to his peers, my observation (of people I actually know well enough to evaluate with some confidence) is that often what actually changes is their political skills. The "inner jerk" is still very much there, but they have learned to hide it better in casual situations. When it comes to what they actually do, not how they appear, they haven't changed. Hard to know about Tiger unless you are in his circle, which I am certainly not :-).

I live in South Florida and have two kids the exact same age as Tiger's.  We used to live near him up in Jupiter but are now down in Boca.

He is widely considered an ass by parents.  Comes to his kid's soccer games and stands in the corner talking to no one.  Seems to lack the ability to be a real human being with normal people.

FWIW, Elin is considered to be very nice....

I understand why very famous people are “aloof” at things like their kids games. It’s the kids time not theirs.

FWIW, the Jupiter area is home to about half of the PGA tour.  Tons of famous golfers.  All of them I have met are pretty normal and would stand on the sideline and cheer on their kid like the other parents.....

[BigJohn043]

I don’t think it is inherently harder to be kind to others, and there are plenty of elite athletes who are kind, genuine people.

I think one can respect everything that Tiger has accomplished on the golf course, and still lament that he was a bit of a jerk.  I’m glad that age has mellowed him out.

BC

While I mostly agree with what you say here, I have one caveat that I think merits consideration. While life experiences and reflection may genuinely change a person's approach to his peers, my observation (of people I actually know well enough to evaluate with some confidence) is that often what actually changes is their political skills. The "inner jerk" is still very much there, but they have learned to hide it better in casual situations. When it comes to what they actually do, not how they appear, they haven't changed. Hard to know about Tiger unless you are in his circle, which I am certainly not :-).

I live in South Florida and have two kids the exact same age as Tiger's.  We used to live near him up in Jupiter but are now down in Boca.

He is widely considered an ass by parents.  Comes to his kid's soccer games and stands in the corner talking to no one.  Seems to lack the ability to be a real human being with normal people.

FWIW, Elin is considered to be very nice....

I understand why very famous people are “aloof” at things like their kids games. It’s the kids time not theirs.

FWIW, the Jupiter area is home to about half of the PGA tour.  Tons of famous golfers.  All of them I have met are pretty normal and would stand on the sideline and cheer on their kid like the other parents.....

[Phogge]

Tiger Woods, with Bobby Jones and Jack the Holy Trinity of golf.

Plenty of physical gifts and incredible resolve to recover and play.

From all accounts is only nice to people who can help him. Just like a certain ex-outfielder who used to roam centerfield.

So glad he missed the cut.

[Phogge]

Tiger Woods, with Bobby Jones and Jack the Holy Trinity of golf.

Plenty of physical gifts and incredible resolve to recover and play.

From all accounts is only nice to people who can help him. Just like a certain ex-outfielder who used to roam centerfield.

So glad he missed the cut.

[Spiny_Norman]

There is another Stanford golfer in the field - Sihwan Kim. He shot 76 in Round 1 and does not seem likely to make the cut.

Bucket Hat Barclay Brown held his own today. He birdied 3 of the last 4 holes to finish at -2 for the day, -6 for the championship heading into the weekend.

[Spiny_Norman]

There is another Stanford golfer in the field - Sihwan Kim. He shot 76 in Round 1 and does not seem likely to make the cut.

Bucket Hat Barclay Brown held his own today. He birdied 3 of the last 4 holes to finish at -2 for the day, -6 for the championship heading into the weekend.

[msqueri]

I don’t think it is inherently harder to be kind to others, and there are plenty of elite athletes who are kind, genuine people.

I think one can respect everything that Tiger has accomplished on the golf course, and still lament that he was a bit of a jerk.  I’m glad that age has mellowed him out.

BC

While I mostly agree with what you say here, I have one caveat that I think merits consideration. While life experiences and reflection may genuinely change a person's approach to his peers, my observation (of people I actually know well enough to evaluate with some confidence) is that often what actually changes is their political skills. The "inner jerk" is still very much there, but they have learned to hide it better in casual situations. When it comes to what they actually do, not how they appear, they haven't changed. Hard to know about Tiger unless you are in his circle, which I am certainly not :-).

I live in South Florida and have two kids the exact same age as Tiger's.  We used to live near him up in Jupiter but are now down in Boca.

He is widely considered an ass by parents.  Comes to his kid's soccer games and stands in the corner talking to no one.  Seems to lack the ability to be a real human being with normal people.

FWIW, Elin is considered to be very nice....

I understand why very famous people are “aloof” at things like their kids games. It’s the kids time not theirs.

FWIW, the Jupiter area is home to about half of the PGA tour.  Tons of famous golfers.  All of them I have met are pretty normal and would stand on the sideline and cheer on their kid like the other parents.....

Being a professional golfer is not the same as being Tiger Woods. I don't think I'll ever understand people expecting Tiger Woods, Barry Bonds, Steve Jobs, etc. to be normal people. Would it be nice? Sure, but to be that great is inherently to be abnormally driven, lonely, and just generally unusual. That's not to even mention that a jovial Tiger Woods at the kid sporting event takes attraction away from the kids much more than the other "famous" parents, becomes a magnet for the unhinged/violent/attention-seeking parents, and so forth.

---

And Wu shot a 71, currently 32nd. Making the cut would be a of immense proportions accomplishment for either. Alas, Tiger is doing much worse. It also must be frustrating to McNealy to continue to be just not quite over the hump on qualifying for many of the biggest tournaments.

That is frustrating, but Maverick has also been really close to picking up that 1st PGA Tour win, and with it, guaranteed status on Tour for two full years after the current season. All the way back at the season opener in Napa, Maverick had the lead very late in the final round, but Max Homa passed him during the final stretch (Bears beating the Trees :( , though Max seems like a really nice guy and talented player).

Maverick currently T6 at the alternate event to Open in Lake Tahoe (Stableford format tourney).

Fastest way to qualify for majors and secure longer term exemption on tour is to win (though some of the smaller PGA events won't give auto status into field, but on OGWR points, any win on PGA Tour is big toward qualifying.

For sure. His form was strong enough at the end of 2021 (four top 25 finishes in his last six tournaments of the year, including the 2nd place in Napa, that I thought he was a good breakthrough bet for 2022. No breakthrough yet, as his OWGR has never gotten in high in 2022 as it was after Napa. I hope he can have a great next three rounds and keep the momentum going the rest of the season. The Truckee tournament is, of course, an extremely weak field. He is the second highest ranked player in the field and one of only three top 100 players, so he should do well. By my back of the envelope math if he doesn't finish top five this weekend doesn't do anything for him or hurts him in the OWGR. The FedEx standings will be slightly more forgiving. Still, target is definitely a top four finish I would think.

[msqueri]

I don’t think it is inherently harder to be kind to others, and there are plenty of elite athletes who are kind, genuine people.

I think one can respect everything that Tiger has accomplished on the golf course, and still lament that he was a bit of a jerk.  I’m glad that age has mellowed him out.

BC

While I mostly agree with what you say here, I have one caveat that I think merits consideration. While life experiences and reflection may genuinely change a person's approach to his peers, my observation (of people I actually know well enough to evaluate with some confidence) is that often what actually changes is their political skills. The "inner jerk" is still very much there, but they have learned to hide it better in casual situations. When it comes to what they actually do, not how they appear, they haven't changed. Hard to know about Tiger unless you are in his circle, which I am certainly not :-).

I live in South Florida and have two kids the exact same age as Tiger's.  We used to live near him up in Jupiter but are now down in Boca.

He is widely considered an ass by parents.  Comes to his kid's soccer games and stands in the corner talking to no one.  Seems to lack the ability to be a real human being with normal people.

FWIW, Elin is considered to be very nice....

I understand why very famous people are “aloof” at things like their kids games. It’s the kids time not theirs.

FWIW, the Jupiter area is home to about half of the PGA tour.  Tons of famous golfers.  All of them I have met are pretty normal and would stand on the sideline and cheer on their kid like the other parents.....

Being a professional golfer is not the same as being Tiger Woods. I don't think I'll ever understand people expecting Tiger Woods, Barry Bonds, Steve Jobs, etc. to be normal people. Would it be nice? Sure, but to be that great is inherently to be abnormally driven, lonely, and just generally unusual. That's not to even mention that a jovial Tiger Woods at the kid sporting event takes attraction away from the kids much more than the other "famous" parents, becomes a magnet for the unhinged/violent/attention-seeking parents, and so forth.

---

And Wu shot a 71, currently 32nd. Making the cut would be a of immense proportions accomplishment for either. Alas, Tiger is doing much worse. It also must be frustrating to McNealy to continue to be just not quite over the hump on qualifying for many of the biggest tournaments.

That is frustrating, but Maverick has also been really close to picking up that 1st PGA Tour win, and with it, guaranteed status on Tour for two full years after the current season. All the way back at the season opener in Napa, Maverick had the lead very late in the final round, but Max Homa passed him during the final stretch (Bears beating the Trees :( , though Max seems like a really nice guy and talented player).

Maverick currently T6 at the alternate event to Open in Lake Tahoe (Stableford format tourney).

Fastest way to qualify for majors and secure longer term exemption on tour is to win (though some of the smaller PGA events won't give auto status into field, but on OGWR points, any win on PGA Tour is big toward qualifying.

For sure. His form was strong enough at the end of 2021 (four top 25 finishes in his last six tournaments of the year, including the 2nd place in Napa, that I thought he was a good breakthrough bet for 2022. No breakthrough yet, as his OWGR has never gotten in high in 2022 as it was after Napa. I hope he can have a great next three rounds and keep the momentum going the rest of the season. The Truckee tournament is, of course, an extremely weak field. He is the second highest ranked player in the field and one of only three top 100 players, so he should do well. By my back of the envelope math if he doesn't finish top five this weekend doesn't do anything for him or hurts him in the OWGR. The FedEx standings will be slightly more forgiving. Still, target is definitely a top four finish I would think.

[winflop]

Barclay Brown shoots -2 today and currently sits at -6 and in the top 20. He also has a 3-shot lead in the competition for the Silver Medal (low amateur).

Tiger missed the cut by a lot. Brandon Wu sadly shot +3 on the back nine today and will miss the cut by 1 or 2 shots. Kim is still on the course but sits 3 shots off the cutline with 5 to play. Not likely he will go -3 on the remaining holes which are the toughest part of the course.

[winflop]

Barclay Brown shoots -2 today and currently sits at -6 and in the top 20. He also has a 3-shot lead in the competition for the Silver Medal (low amateur).

Tiger missed the cut by a lot. Brandon Wu sadly shot +3 on the back nine today and will miss the cut by 1 or 2 shots. Kim is still on the course but sits 3 shots off the cutline with 5 to play. Not likely he will go -3 on the remaining holes which are the toughest part of the course.

[winflop]

It's "moving day" at the home of golf, and sadly Barclay Brown moved in the wrong direction. He bogeyed four of the last five holes, shot 77 (+5) and now sits three behind in the race for the Silver Medal (low amateur) at +1 overall.

[winflop]

It's "moving day" at the home of golf, and sadly Barclay Brown moved in the wrong direction. He bogeyed four of the last five holes, shot 77 (+5) and now sits three behind in the race for the Silver Medal (low amateur) at +1 overall.

[BigJohn043]

[quote="Goose" pid='357979' dateline='1657649399']
While I mostly agree with what you say here, I have one caveat that I think merits consideration. While life experiences and reflection may genuinely change a person's approach to his peers, my observation (of people I actually know well enough to evaluate with some confidence) is that often what actually changes is their political skills. The "inner jerk" is still very much there, but they have learned to hide it better in casual situations. When it comes to what they actually do, not how they appear, they haven't changed. Hard to know about Tiger unless you are in his circle, which I am certainly not :-).

I live in South Florida and have two kids the exact same age as Tiger's.  We used to live near him up in Jupiter but are now down in Boca.

He is widely considered an ass by parents.  Comes to his kid's soccer games and stands in the corner talking to no one.  Seems to lack the ability to be a real human being with normal people.

FWIW, Elin is considered to be very nice....

I understand why very famous people are “aloof” at things like their kids games. It’s the kids time not theirs.

FWIW, the Jupiter area is home to about half of the PGA tour.  Tons of famous golfers.  All of them I have met are pretty normal and would stand on the sideline and cheer on their kid like the other parents.....

Being a professional golfer is not the same as being Tiger Woods. I don't think I'll ever understand people expecting Tiger Woods, Barry Bonds, Steve Jobs, etc. to be normal people. Would it be nice? Sure, but to be that great is inherently to be abnormally driven, lonely, and just generally unusual. That's not to even mention that a jovial Tiger Woods at the kid sporting event takes attraction away from the kids much more than the other "famous" parents, becomes a magnet for the unhinged/violent/attention-seeking parents, and so forth.

---

I am sure I am not going to convince you but I have played at Jack's club about a dozen times and met him a couple of times.  Know a bunch of people that know him and they all say nice things.

I grew up in Palos Verdes with Pete Sampras.  Pete is a weird guy who combines being both highly introverted with a ton of self confidence / arrogance.  But Pete never came off to me as a bad guy.  He is just kind of socially awkward.

FWIW, Serena and Venus also live in the area and I have never heard a bad thing.

You can make a bunch of excuses for Tiger and clearly the way he was brought up and thrust into the spotlight has impacted him.  I think that in a lot of ways elite individual sports can be tricky.  But that doesn't change who he is....

[BigJohn043]

[quote="Goose" pid='357979' dateline='1657649399']
While I mostly agree with what you say here, I have one caveat that I think merits consideration. While life experiences and reflection may genuinely change a person's approach to his peers, my observation (of people I actually know well enough to evaluate with some confidence) is that often what actually changes is their political skills. The "inner jerk" is still very much there, but they have learned to hide it better in casual situations. When it comes to what they actually do, not how they appear, they haven't changed. Hard to know about Tiger unless you are in his circle, which I am certainly not :-).

I live in South Florida and have two kids the exact same age as Tiger's.  We used to live near him up in Jupiter but are now down in Boca.

He is widely considered an ass by parents.  Comes to his kid's soccer games and stands in the corner talking to no one.  Seems to lack the ability to be a real human being with normal people.

FWIW, Elin is considered to be very nice....

I understand why very famous people are “aloof” at things like their kids games. It’s the kids time not theirs.

FWIW, the Jupiter area is home to about half of the PGA tour.  Tons of famous golfers.  All of them I have met are pretty normal and would stand on the sideline and cheer on their kid like the other parents.....

Being a professional golfer is not the same as being Tiger Woods. I don't think I'll ever understand people expecting Tiger Woods, Barry Bonds, Steve Jobs, etc. to be normal people. Would it be nice? Sure, but to be that great is inherently to be abnormally driven, lonely, and just generally unusual. That's not to even mention that a jovial Tiger Woods at the kid sporting event takes attraction away from the kids much more than the other "famous" parents, becomes a magnet for the unhinged/violent/attention-seeking parents, and so forth.

---

I am sure I am not going to convince you but I have played at Jack's club about a dozen times and met him a couple of times.  Know a bunch of people that know him and they all say nice things.

I grew up in Palos Verdes with Pete Sampras.  Pete is a weird guy who combines being both highly introverted with a ton of self confidence / arrogance.  But Pete never came off to me as a bad guy.  He is just kind of socially awkward.

FWIW, Serena and Venus also live in the area and I have never heard a bad thing.

You can make a bunch of excuses for Tiger and clearly the way he was brought up and thrust into the spotlight has impacted him.  I think that in a lot of ways elite individual sports can be tricky.  But that doesn't change who he is....

[BostonCard]

Trying to think of some modern equivalents.

Steph Curry is widely considered a nice guy.  There is, perhaps, no dominant player in the NBA now akin to Tiger Woods in his prime, but Curry can be argued to be the best player of the last decade (yeah, there are others in contention).

In tennis, both Raphael Nadal and Roger Federer have reputations as being nice guys off the court.  Although they split up dominance of tennis, the two of them, plus Novak Djocovic (who is a bit polarizing, but is also considered a nice guy) have more or less monopolized mens tennis for the last two decades.

Lionel Messi was (along with Christian’s Ronaldo) the most dominant soccer player of his generation.  Also, a kind, humble, and decent person.

You probably do enrich for prickly personalities at the highest levels, because it is probably harder to confront a-holes if they are the best in the world at what they do.  But being an a-hole is neither necessary nor sufficient for success.

BC

[BostonCard]

Trying to think of some modern equivalents.

Steph Curry is widely considered a nice guy.  There is, perhaps, no dominant player in the NBA now akin to Tiger Woods in his prime, but Curry can be argued to be the best player of the last decade (yeah, there are others in contention).

In tennis, both Raphael Nadal and Roger Federer have reputations as being nice guys off the court.  Although they split up dominance of tennis, the two of them, plus Novak Djocovic (who is a bit polarizing, but is also considered a nice guy) have more or less monopolized mens tennis for the last two decades.

Lionel Messi was (along with Christian’s Ronaldo) the most dominant soccer player of his generation.  Also, a kind, humble, and decent person.

You probably do enrich for prickly personalities at the highest levels, because it is probably harder to confront a-holes if they are the best in the world at what they do.  But being an a-hole is neither necessary nor sufficient for success.

BC

[d4cohn]

Trying to think of some modern equivalents.

Steph Curry is widely considered a nice guy.  There is, perhaps, no dominant player in the NBA now akin to Tiger Woods in his prime, but Curry can be argued to be the best player of the last decade (yeah, there are others in contention).

In tennis, both Raphael Nadal and Roger Federer have reputations as being nice guys off the court.  Although they split up dominance of tennis, the two of them, plus Novak Djocovic (who is a bit polarizing, but is also considered a nice guy) have more or less monopolized mens tennis for the last two decades.

Lionel Messi was (along with Christian’s Ronaldo) the most dominant soccer player of his generation.  Also, a kind, humble, and decent person.

You probably do enrich for prickly personalities at the highest levels, because it is probably harder to confront a-holes if they are the best in the world at what they do.  But being an a-hole is neither necessary nor sufficient for success.

BC

I think Steph is great (and seems like a nice guy), but Lebron has unequivocally been the best player of the last decade (which includes all four of his rings covering his Miami, second Cleveland stint, and Lakers runs). Lebron, IMO, is the closest comparison in terms of individual performance along with impact on his sport (in terms of raising salaries, global prominence etc.) and sports culture to Tiger of the names you mentioned. Lebron has been charitable with his I Promise Schools, but he has been polarizing (with people liking and disliking him) similar to Tiger. Lebron, like Tiger, regardless of how you feel about him, is definitely talked about (and talking about him has essentially allowed people like Skip Bayless to achieve prominence of their own).

[d4cohn]

Trying to think of some modern equivalents.

Steph Curry is widely considered a nice guy.  There is, perhaps, no dominant player in the NBA now akin to Tiger Woods in his prime, but Curry can be argued to be the best player of the last decade (yeah, there are others in contention).

In tennis, both Raphael Nadal and Roger Federer have reputations as being nice guys off the court.  Although they split up dominance of tennis, the two of them, plus Novak Djocovic (who is a bit polarizing, but is also considered a nice guy) have more or less monopolized mens tennis for the last two decades.

Lionel Messi was (along with Christian’s Ronaldo) the most dominant soccer player of his generation.  Also, a kind, humble, and decent person.

You probably do enrich for prickly personalities at the highest levels, because it is probably harder to confront a-holes if they are the best in the world at what they do.  But being an a-hole is neither necessary nor sufficient for success.

BC

I think Steph is great (and seems like a nice guy), but Lebron has unequivocally been the best player of the last decade (which includes all four of his rings covering his Miami, second Cleveland stint, and Lakers runs). Lebron, IMO, is the closest comparison in terms of individual performance along with impact on his sport (in terms of raising salaries, global prominence etc.) and sports culture to Tiger of the names you mentioned. Lebron has been charitable with his I Promise Schools, but he has been polarizing (with people liking and disliking him) similar to Tiger. Lebron, like Tiger, regardless of how you feel about him, is definitely talked about (and talking about him has essentially allowed people like Skip Bayless to achieve prominence of their own).

[Phogge]

For 55 years I have spent about a third of my career around athletes. Most of whom treat people decently while I have been in their prescience.

The best: Gaylord Perry, Arnold Palmer, Robby Thompson, Muhammad Ali, Joe Staley, Marty McSorley.

The worst: Barry Bonds, Billy Martin, John Tudor, Roger Clemens.

[Phogge]

For 55 years I have spent about a third of my career around athletes. Most of whom treat people decently while I have been in their prescience.

The best: Gaylord Perry, Arnold Palmer, Robby Thompson, Muhammad Ali, Joe Staley, Marty McSorley.

The worst: Barry Bonds, Billy Martin, John Tudor, Roger Clemens.

[BostonCard]

I think Steph is great (and seems like a nice guy), but Lebron has unequivocally been the best player of the last decade (which includes all four of his rings covering his Miami, second Cleveland stint, and Lakers runs). Lebron, IMO, is the closest comparison in terms of individual performance along with impact on his sport (in terms of raising salaries, global prominence etc.) and sports culture to Tiger of the names you mentioned. Lebron has been charitable with his I Promise Schools, but he has been polarizing (with people liking and disliking him) similar to Tiger. Lebron, like Tiger, regardless of how you feel about him, is definitely talked about (and talking about him has essentially allowed people like Skip Bayless to achieve prominence of their own).

Fair, that’s why I said in contention.  I also restricted it to the last ten years, James’ peak of dominance was about 10 years ago (MVPs 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013), while Steph’s peak was more like 5 years ago (his MVPs were 2015, 2016).

Funny thing about Bayless.  Although Skip Bayless comes across as a total jerk on TV, it’s all an act, and he’s a kind person in real life.  My uncle plays golf with him; I think Bayless likes the fact that my uncle is not a sports fan.

BC

[BostonCard]

I think Steph is great (and seems like a nice guy), but Lebron has unequivocally been the best player of the last decade (which includes all four of his rings covering his Miami, second Cleveland stint, and Lakers runs). Lebron, IMO, is the closest comparison in terms of individual performance along with impact on his sport (in terms of raising salaries, global prominence etc.) and sports culture to Tiger of the names you mentioned. Lebron has been charitable with his I Promise Schools, but he has been polarizing (with people liking and disliking him) similar to Tiger. Lebron, like Tiger, regardless of how you feel about him, is definitely talked about (and talking about him has essentially allowed people like Skip Bayless to achieve prominence of their own).

Fair, that’s why I said in contention.  I also restricted it to the last ten years, James’ peak of dominance was about 10 years ago (MVPs 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013), while Steph’s peak was more like 5 years ago (his MVPs were 2015, 2016).

Funny thing about Bayless.  Although Skip Bayless comes across as a total jerk on TV, it’s all an act, and he’s a kind person in real life.  My uncle plays golf with him; I think Bayless likes the fact that my uncle is not a sports fan.

BC

[winflop]

Brown shoots +2 on his final round to finish third among the four amateurs who made the cut. A little disappointing play on the weekend, but hey the guy's a senior in college and made the cut at a major professional championship at the most famous golf course on the planet. Nothing to hang his head about.

I'm more optimistic about the coming year for men's golf. Thorbjornsen & Brown are playing fantastic this summer, and Karl Vilips and Alex Yang are also have some encouraging results.

[winflop]

Brown shoots +2 on his final round to finish third among the four amateurs who made the cut. A little disappointing play on the weekend, but hey the guy's a senior in college and made the cut at a major professional championship at the most famous golf course on the planet. Nothing to hang his head about.

I'm more optimistic about the coming year for men's golf. Thorbjornsen & Brown are playing fantastic this summer, and Karl Vilips and Alex Yang are also have some encouraging results.

[Phogge]

NBC vs CBS

Even though there are moments of saccharine I prefer Nantz over Hicks but like #2 lead Terry Gannon on NBC and Golf Channel. CBS #2, Catalon is subpar.

NBC uses Feherty on hole coverage. I thought he was superior walking with groups at CBS. Maltbie getting older but he’s better now than when he seemed a tad afraid of Johnny Miller. I did like Bones but he’s working for Justin Thomas. All in all I prefer Dottie Pepper at CBS. Pleasant and knowledgeable with a great sense of humor. Begay and Wood of NBC more than adequate.

Azinger OK and I will miss Faldo who is the best ever. I did not like Miller who is very cold in person.

Winflop, would love your take.

[Phogge]

NBC vs CBS

Even though there are moments of saccharine I prefer Nantz over Hicks but like #2 lead Terry Gannon on NBC and Golf Channel. CBS #2, Catalon is subpar.

NBC uses Feherty on hole coverage. I thought he was superior walking with groups at CBS. Maltbie getting older but he’s better now than when he seemed a tad afraid of Johnny Miller. I did like Bones but he’s working for Justin Thomas. All in all I prefer Dottie Pepper at CBS. Pleasant and knowledgeable with a great sense of humor. Begay and Wood of NBC more than adequate.

Azinger OK and I will miss Faldo who is the best ever. I did not like Miller who is very cold in person.

Winflop, would love your take.

[Mick]

I think Steph is great (and seems like a nice guy), but Lebron has unequivocally been the best player of the last decade (which includes all four of his rings covering his Miami, second Cleveland stint, and Lakers runs). Lebron, IMO, is the closest comparison in terms of individual performance along with impact on his sport (in terms of raising salaries, global prominence etc.) and sports culture to Tiger of the names you mentioned. Lebron has been charitable with his I Promise Schools, but he has been polarizing (with people liking and disliking him) similar to Tiger. Lebron, like Tiger, regardless of how you feel about him, is definitely talked about (and talking about him has essentially allowed people like Skip Bayless to achieve prominence of their own).

Fair, that’s why I said in contention.  I also restricted it to the last ten years, James’ peak of dominance was about 10 years ago (MVPs 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013), while Steph’s peak was more like 5 years ago (his MVPs were 2015, 2016).

Funny thing about Bayless.  Although Skip Bayless comes across as a total jerk on TV, it’s all an act, and he’s a kind person in real life.  My uncle plays golf with him; I think Bayless likes the fact that my uncle is not a sports fan.

BC

Wish I could remember where I read the article, but a few years back, a writer (without Bayless' cooperation) said that Skip had a lot of talent, but at a certain point Skip came to a crossroads where he could either be a great sportswriter or (paraphrased) a jerk for money, sort of in the Glenn Dickey/Lowell Cohn tradition, and he chose the latter.  Apparently his mentor (and I don't remember who it was) was somewhat disappointed. I knew both Mark Purdy and Bud Geracie a little bit, but I've never asked either about their thoughts on Bayless. My guess is that they'd probably prefer to keep them private.

Incidentally, I don't know many athletes or celebrities around sports, but my take on the few that I do is that they're terrific people (Roger Maltbie, Julie Inkster, Ron Rivera, Geracie and Purdy).

[Mick]

I think Steph is great (and seems like a nice guy), but Lebron has unequivocally been the best player of the last decade (which includes all four of his rings covering his Miami, second Cleveland stint, and Lakers runs). Lebron, IMO, is the closest comparison in terms of individual performance along with impact on his sport (in terms of raising salaries, global prominence etc.) and sports culture to Tiger of the names you mentioned. Lebron has been charitable with his I Promise Schools, but he has been polarizing (with people liking and disliking him) similar to Tiger. Lebron, like Tiger, regardless of how you feel about him, is definitely talked about (and talking about him has essentially allowed people like Skip Bayless to achieve prominence of their own).

Fair, that’s why I said in contention.  I also restricted it to the last ten years, James’ peak of dominance was about 10 years ago (MVPs 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013), while Steph’s peak was more like 5 years ago (his MVPs were 2015, 2016).

Funny thing about Bayless.  Although Skip Bayless comes across as a total jerk on TV, it’s all an act, and he’s a kind person in real life.  My uncle plays golf with him; I think Bayless likes the fact that my uncle is not a sports fan.

BC

Wish I could remember where I read the article, but a few years back, a writer (without Bayless' cooperation) said that Skip had a lot of talent, but at a certain point Skip came to a crossroads where he could either be a great sportswriter or (paraphrased) a jerk for money, sort of in the Glenn Dickey/Lowell Cohn tradition, and he chose the latter.  Apparently his mentor (and I don't remember who it was) was somewhat disappointed. I knew both Mark Purdy and Bud Geracie a little bit, but I've never asked either about their thoughts on Bayless. My guess is that they'd probably prefer to keep them private.

Incidentally, I don't know many athletes or celebrities around sports, but my take on the few that I do is that they're terrific people (Roger Maltbie, Julie Inkster, Ron Rivera, Geracie and Purdy).

[cardcrimson]

Brown shoots +2 on his final round to finish lowest among the four amateurs who made the cut. A little disappointing play on the weekend, but hey the guy's a senior in college and made the cut at a major professional championship at the most famous golf course on the planet. Nothing to hang his head about.

I'm more optimistic about the coming year for men's golf. Thorbjornsen & Brown are playing fantastic this summer, and Karl Vilips and Alex Yang are also have some encouraging results.

Of the four amateurs, Brown actually finished third, behind an Italian and an Aussie. . . .

Rory putted 36 times today, two putting every one. I'm guessing the total length of his made puts was probably less than 50 feet.

[cardcrimson]

Brown shoots +2 on his final round to finish lowest among the four amateurs who made the cut. A little disappointing play on the weekend, but hey the guy's a senior in college and made the cut at a major professional championship at the most famous golf course on the planet. Nothing to hang his head about.

I'm more optimistic about the coming year for men's golf. Thorbjornsen & Brown are playing fantastic this summer, and Karl Vilips and Alex Yang are also have some encouraging results.

Of the four amateurs, Brown actually finished third, behind an Italian and an Aussie. . . .

Rory putted 36 times today, two putting every one. I'm guessing the total length of his made puts was probably less than 50 feet.