Tiger with another solid showing
From Bob Harig, espn.com

October 27, 2003

Tiger is now behind Vijay Singh for the money title. But who really cares about money in the long run? No one remembers how many money titles Jack Nicklaus won, they recall the major victories, of which Tiger has eight majors, Vijay only two. Tiger is sitting out the last event of the year because he sticks t his scheduele, not a money list. Will the money list affect player of the year? Not hardly. Singh has played nine more times than Tiger, proving how dominant Tiger really is. Also, for Singh to have any chance at player of the year he needs the money title.

Mney, Money, and more Money
AP, October 6

Well he did it. Tiger rakes in $1.05 million with his victory at the American Express Championship this week. The new driver was the key according to Woods, "It just frees me up, and now I can let it go again." When it was over there was no question who was the best player in the world. One would think Tiger has player of the year wrapped up, time will tell.

Nike-Titleist-Nike-Titleist- back to Nike
AP, September 30

Tiger, who has typically been against the bigger headed golf club, now switches back to the biggest nike model to date. "I'm excited about putting it into play and very curious to see what happens." Kevin Devlin, global sports marketer for Nike golf was encouraged by the move and wants to see Tiger with more Nike equipment. Tiger currently had a Nike driver, irons, and this week a sand wedge. (Personal opinion- Nike is not so hot. If I were Tiger and could play any brand of titleist I wanted, and still have a contract to wear a nike hat for $125 million, I would never use a nike golf club, but that's me) Tiger has only a few shots left to lock up player of the year, this week is big, like his new driver.

Last chance for 2003
David Craft, ESPN.com, August 16

Well here we go again. Tiger is not in the lead and everyone is jumping to conclusions. After three rounds of the PGA Championship Tiger is nine over par. Woods claims he trying extra hard, but that is his problem. In golf the harder you try the worse it gets, believe me. Tiger is thinking too much out there, he needs to let it happen. Needless to say Tiher had his worst finish in a major since he turned pro in 1996.

Tiger is his own worst enemy
By Bob Harig, ESPN.com, July 15

"He is a victim of his won greatness, assailed when his accomplishments fall short of feats hailed as the best the game as seen." Woods has spoiled golf fans according to Harig. If he doesn't win everyone thinks something is wrong with him (this is because people don't know the game). Look at all the great players of this generation. Phil Mickelson has yet to win a major, Davis Love III has one to his credit, and even poor Greg Norman only has two major titles. One needs to compare Tiger to his true rival, Jack. Jack was never victorious in more than two majors a year and he went seven years without a major. Tiger has raised the bar that only he can live up to, and if he doesn't people get worried.

Another Western
The AP reports, July 6

This is Tiger's fifth straight year with at least four victories. Some have said he is in a slump, so what, he hasnt won a major. "It's certainly a shot of confidence," says Woods. 2002 PGA Champ Rich Beem said that sometimes Woods will lap the field and that Tiger is often superhuman. It is hard to believe Mr. Woods could be in a slump when fellow players are saying he is superhuman. Woods surpases Nicklaus, Palmer, and Hogan for most consecutive years with four wins; not a bad class to be in. Tiger is still number one and everyone knows that.

The Big Switch
By Darren Rovell of ESPN.com- July 29

Tiger is paid $20 million a year to endorse Nike, but there is no contract to use the clubs. Busniess director for Nike's golf club division Mike Kelly sais, "golfers do this all the time . . ." Phil Mickelson has said for quite some time that Nike is "inferior equipment." Many believe this move will bring back the old Tiger, only time will tell.

Is Tiger really in a slump?
August 10

Denver Post writer Jim Armstrong says:

Tiger is not in a slump, he's just not playing up to his standards. "He's had his hands in more weed than the Trail Blazers' entire roster." The Tiger seen today isn't as magical as the old Tiger. He is all over the place but he still gets it done. "Maybe he needs to relax, chill out, let his hair down a little. Maybe he should sneak a Marlboro Light, mainline a few M&M's, hold court with Jack Daniel's . . ." Something needs to give, this is Tiger Woods after all.