Can You See Tiger as a Senior Tour Player?
by Adam Fonseca on Dec 28, 2011 9:46 AM EST
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Something that I have often wondered while sitting on my couch watching Tiger woods duck-hook another teeshot into the trees, Dustin Johnson hit out of a dirt patch - I mean bunker, or Rory McIlroy fix his belt buckle is exactly how long I will be able to witness these amazing feats from players of this ilk. While some of the more silly moments from these players often cause me to spit out my Pepsi soda on a Sunday morning, there are many more examples of brilliant play from these and other players on the PGA and European Tours that will undoubtedly be missed by fans everywhere once their playing careers are finished.
But can you imagine any of these guys on the Champions Tour?
Yahoo! Sports' Jay Busbee published an interesting take on this question, focusing primarily on Rory McIlroy. The young Northern Irish powerhouse will undoubtedly have a historically-good career once all is said and done, but as Busbee mentions in his article, fans may not have as much time to watch Rory as we may have first thought.
During a recent interview, McIlroy mentioned that he really has no intentions of "playing tournament golf in [his] forties", which will obviously make him ineligible for the Champions Tour should he hold true to his word. All kidding aside, that would really suck. Far be it from me to suggest what a man should do with his career, but only being able to watch Rory for approximately 15 more years or so is downright depressing. But then again... I can't really say I can picture young Rory playing with the "old guys".
The same goes for Tiger Woods. Love him or hate him, he's a once-in-a-generation talent who just doesn't seem like the type of player who would want to compete on the Senior Circuit. Although, Woods has said in the past that he would like to keep playing into his 50s, but we'll see if his health (and desire) hold up over the next 10 years or so. I'm sure he's due for another swing change in the next couple of seasons, right?
What about Rickie Fowler? Luke Donald? I can certainly see a player the likes of Matt Kuchar playing well into his 60s, but maybe not a Nick Watney or Adam Scott. Phil Mickelson is a different category altogether, though. I'm pretty sure that guy will play until officials tell him to stay home.
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Rory is young and will likely change his mind four or five times before it comes time for him to seriously consider the senior tours. I know that when I was his age I used to say there were things I was never going to do that are a daily part of my life now. The years went by, I changed and so did my perspective. It’s a natural part of life and that may well be the case for young Mr. McIlroy.
Here’s hoping you are right about that, Sir Charles.
www.ChicagoDuffer.com
by Adam Fonseca on Dec 28, 2011 10:56 AM EST up reply actions
My question about guys like Tiger and Phil is what happens to the Champions Tour if they DO play a year or two and then pack it in like Nicklaus did. Will they have enough drawing power to continue as the popular tour it is now. Of course, they did recover from this similar problem with Palmer and Nicklaus when other big timers retired from the PGA Tour and moved on. But there aren’t any multiple major winners like Tom Watson to step into their shoes.
It’s too early to say anything about Rory, for all we know, he could go the way of a Sergio or Duval.
And what about the savior of women’s golf ? She said she would be done with golf by the age of 30 to become a “world citizen”…..ok….I can’t go on with her and keep a straight face…but you get the idea.
If at first you don't secede, try try again
In all honesty – and this may be better reserved for another article – I don’t blame any LPGA player for retiring from pro golf at an early age. There simply isn’t any benefit to continue competing past your prime on that tour, especially if you are no longer actually competitive in tournaments.
With that being said, however, I would love to see a senior tour for the ladies at some point.
www.ChicagoDuffer.com
by Adam Fonseca on Dec 28, 2011 3:22 PM EST up reply actions
Not sure how to interpret that. It sounds like you think Michelle Wie has decided that she will be past her prime by the time she hits 30. (you might get a crack in the shin from Annika for that one)
Yeah – it would be nice to see the LPGA grow its fan base to the point where people would turn out to see the “elderly” former greats…you know…those over the age of 30. :-D
If at first you don't secede, try try again
My point was that the majority of female players – and male players, for that matter – reach a point when they are no longer competitive enough to make up for the costs of playing on Tour. Some can, however. Others cannot.
www.ChicagoDuffer.com
by Adam Fonseca on Dec 29, 2011 1:28 PM EST up reply actions
I can't imagine Tiger playing the Champions Tour
I believe him when he says he wants to play into his 50’s, but I’m sure he assumes (and he’s probably right) that he will still be competitive on the main tour for that long. In fact, I think we are about to see a significant lengthening of careers on the main tour across the board because pros are paying closer attention to their health (diet and exercise) and thinking longer term about creating a swing that will stand the test of time.
I don't know
But I do know competitors like to compete, so why not. I can’t see Tiger playing a full schedule of any kind, but I could see him playing a few events just for the fun of it (if his health allows it). Maybe just the Senior Majors; heck maybe he’ll decide he wants to complete the senior career slam. To answer your other question, yes Tiger will change his swing again in a few years.
As far as Rory and Dustin, who knows. I can definitely see Phil out there however. If you look at it historically, most prominent PGA players end up playing at least some Senior Tour golf so I’d say chances are reasonable.
I enjoy the Senior Tour so I hope so.
The man who never alters his opinions is like standing water, and breeds reptiles of the mind.
~ William Blake
One more point,,,
I forgot to mention. You act as if Tiger, Rory, and Dustin are the last good players. There will obviously be more behind them to enjoy. But come to think of it, not sure Dustin belongs on this list anyway as there will always be plenty of players at his level.
But the point is more great players will come; we could even see a player one day that makes Jack and Tiger look mediocre. (perhaps a bit of an overstatement but you get the point)
The man who never alters his opinions is like standing water, and breeds reptiles of the mind.
~ William Blake
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