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| I spy... |
Sorry if my title misled you. This will not be an elaborate anaylsis of the Chinese calendar and it will not be about a drunken oriental song that I pounded out after a booze-filled evening. This story is all about the real Tiger, Tiger Woods, lurking in the pines at Augusta as we enter the weekend.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe we've seen this stance before. Flashback to the 2010 Masters and you will get a better sense of things to come in 2011. Tiger was a measely two shots back entering Saturday. In case you need a reminder past that point, Tiger never got closer to the lead and Lefty walked away with a 'Green Jacket.' That outcome was two-parts no-one-is-scared-of-Tiger and one-part Tiger couldn't putt outside of 5 feet.
Many will argue that this year's Tiger is different and that he has a real chance at winning his fifth green jacket at Augusta. I want to tell you that you couldn't be more wrong. People are saying that 2011 Tiger has a different look in his eye. Fans of his would point to his putting in the first two days this year as the key to why he only sits three back from 21 year old Irishman, Rory McIlroy. I would tell you that this new look Tiger is one that is surprised even by his recent shot-making and improved putting from 8-10 feet. Proponents for Tiger might also say that the leaders ahead of him, McIlroy and Day, are more susceptible to the pressure than Lee Westwood, Phil Mickelson, and the likes were a year ago. I would tell you not to discount the 21 year and 25 year olds that are playing poised and playing together. Rory McIlroy is not shy when telling the media that he isn't a 'wee' bit scared of Tiger. He is so bold that he is seemingly teasing Tiger to bring it on. It may cost him later, but I love his attitude. He wants to play the best and beat the best.
There are three reasons why I don't see Tiger slinging a new green jacket on Sunday :
1) Fearlessness
As I just mentioned, everyone now knows that Tiger can be beat. While he did make a great late surge shooting a 31 on the back 9 today, that does nothing to worry his competitors heading into Saturday. K.J. Choi played all four rounds with Tiger last year, ironic that Choi will be playing alongside Tiger on Saturday. You think he's worried? Also a few shots back are Fred Couples and Phil Mickelson who are a strong Saturday showing away from being in contention on Saturday. Also, the 'Youth Movement' at and near the top of the leaderboard believes they are on the cusp of a career-changing revolt. Names like McIlroy, Quiros, Day, and Fowler all represent those that have had as many birthdays, or fewer, as the writers on this blog. I like the chance for at least one of them to keep the hot hand through Sunday.
2) Friday's Front Nine Tiger
Tiger shot a 35 on the front nine. If you're keeping score that's four birdies and three bogeys. If Tiger fails to convert a birdie or two on the back nine, he's only sitting at 5 under. If Tiger can't get shake a bogey here and there, he'll have no shot. Therefore, just keep an eye on what happens in the front nine. If Tiger is able to eliminate a bogey or two I could be wearing the dunce cap, but I don't see it happening.
3) O Putter Where Art Thou
Tiger's greatest weakness in the last couple of years since "TigerGate" has been his putting consistency. I think Tiger's putter will fail him one round this weekend. That will lead to a mental breakdown that he just can't overcome. I truly believe that after this tournament, there's a good chance we will see the Tiger of Old. He just doesn't have it all together...this weekend.
That being said, I like Rory McIlroy's chances to secure his first green jacket at the age of 21, like someone else we know. That would be Tiger Woods, who also won his first Masters at 21.
-Pat
