Why we don't need "The Next Tiger."

Rory, Jordan, Bubba...Who is going to be "The Next Tiger?" Who is going to carry Golf the way that Tiger in the early/mid 2000's? To me, I don't want or need another Tiger. Why is it that we always look for someone to replicate the greats we've watched in every sport. There will never be another Michael Jordan, another Tiger Woods, another Derek Jeter. Those guys were so unique in their on-the-field greatness, as well as their marketability. Just because they acted a certain way or competed a certain way, doesn't mean that it's the ONLY way to be legendary. I take this past weekend at The Masters as a prime example of how greatness is perceived and displayed. It doesn't make it any more or less fantastic to watch and appreciate, it only gives a variety to what "greatness" means.

Jordan Spieth (who is my new favorite golfer) is a 21 year old, mild-mannered kid who completely dominated Augusta this past weekend and everyone that was trying to catch him from his first drive on Thursday. As anyone who watches and appreciates Golf can tell you, his swing is pure, his chipping is spot on and he is as clutch of a putter as I've seen in a long time. He has all the physical tools to be great in this sport, but what he also has is a persona that people are going to gravitate to. He isn't showy and demonstrative like Tiger is. He goes about his business the right way and says all the right things. He is wise beyond his years. I just imagine what I was doing when I was 21 years old. As I am sure most of you were doing as well, I was getting excited to finally be able to show my REAL ID to a bouncer to get into a bar! This kid just won The Masters. Throughout the tournament, he continued to stay poised as adversity (not a lot) hit him. Shot after shot, putt after putt, it was remarkable to continue to watch his greatness. 

For a few years now, since Tiger had his little "accident" with the SUV, the media has been pushing Rory on us as "The next guy." While Rory is an amazing young golfer, it seems as thought the media is trying to mold him into someone who is the newer version of Tiger. Why? Why can't we have someone who ISN'T like Tiger but still great? Yes Tiger was the best thing that has happened to Golf in a long time, but right now, it's Spieths turn to do it his way. 

Golf is a game of precision, grace and mental fortitude. Jordan has all of the skills to carry golf into the future. I think we all need to appreciate and embrace the fact that Jordan Spieth is his own person, and is going to do it his way. He's a humble young man who has a burning passion to be great. He comes from a strong family and has positive role models to guide him. Let's let Spieth be Speith and enjoy watching him for years to come. 

Back to the Future - Tiger Woods 2015

You would be hard pressed to find even a casual PGA fan that wouldn't argue that at one point, Tiger Woods had the game of Golf by the fingertips. When he wasn't atop the leaderboard, you would hear more rumbles of "Where's Tiger" than "Who's actually winning" (and to some degree, this is still the case). Since then and in the wake of other off-course issues, Tiger Woods now finds himself a 39 year old 14 time Major winner nursing a few strains, bumps & bruises and looking to find his former self (on the course at least..) and make his comeback.

In that sense, once left to wonder, is Tigers former self good enough? Sounds crazy I know, but so long are the days where Tiger will have the tournaments won on the first tee based on his physical skills and dedication alone. You can't ignore what Tiger has done for the game of golf but if there is a comeback to be had, Tiger not only has to find his game from the glory days, but he would be foolish to think even if he does, Sundays would be a runaway victory. 

Believe it or not, Tiger has himself to thank for this. In essentially captivating the world and putting golf back on the map, Tigers fame gave rise to the now generation of Golfers looking to follow in the footsteps of their childhood idol and steal the headlines. McIlroy, Fowler, Johnson, Scott, Day, Spieth, Kaymer to name a few.

While many experts argue that Tiger is "finished" and that his fall from immortality was inevitable, others see Tiger primed for a second act in 2015 and after all, who doesn't like a good comeback story. I can't say that Tiger is down for the count. Also can't say I'm pulling for the guy to be a lifer on the DNP list plagued with injuries. What I can say though is that IF Tiger is able to return back to his former self, there are a gauntlet of young talented players that are primed to steal his thunder and one is left to wonder - will the Tiger of old be good enough to dethrone the new era field that now stands in his way of Major #15..? Golf season is again upon us! Chapter 1: The Masters - April 9th