Hey, Tiger.
Sorry about the match play – a little too much partying with Roger Federer maybe? No matter, you’ve still got that nice little PGA Tour streak going; after consecutive win No. 5, the Deutsche Bank Classic, you actually smiled at the thought of going after Byron Nelson’s record of 11 straight victories.
We’ll worry about that later. Besides, given your schedule, that probably wouldn’t come until about a year from now anyway. And there are bigger, more immediate fish to fry.
Like the Ryder Cup.
I know you get a lot of grief about the biennial clash with Europe; your 7-11-2 record in four appearances has even caused some to suggest that you don’t care very much about playing for team and country. But the hope here is, after beating up on all the humdrums on the PGA Tour, that this week’s get-together at the K Club in Ireland will get your juices flowing and provide a challenge you can’t resist.
Namely, leading the United States to what would have to be considered an upset victory.
It’s true, you’ll play in just five of the 28 matches. But such is the nature of this particular trial; you’re going to have to impose your will – not necessarily on the Europeans, but rather your teammates. Such is the burden of leadership, particularly as it applies in team play – I’m pretty sure Rod Smith has never intercepted a pass for the Broncos, but his presence still holds great sway over Denver’s defense.
We both know you don’t have to worry about Jim Furyk and Chris DiMarco – either one of them would just as soon drag Monty and Sergio into an alley behind the nearest pub and beat them to a bloody pulp as politely shake hands on the first tee. And, even though, come Saturday afternoon, he may seem to be more worried about how LSU is doing, you know David Toms will be there, too.
It’s everyone else we’re worried about, isn’t it? You’ve already taken some good initial steps – flying with your new best friends across the pond on a charter to practice on the auld sod was nice. Taking the four Cup rookies – Zach Johnson, J.J. Henry, Brett Wetterich and Vaughn Taylor – out to dinner was even better.
Rumor is, you didn’t know the little bistro you all settled on was a cash-only joint. Somehow I suspect you managed to get out without busing any tables.
I know you were worried about the bill getting out of hand, but I wish you had managed to find a way to include Phil. He could use a hug right about now, given how things have turned out since the 72nd hole of the U.S. Open. No, you may not be the logical choice – if you walked up in front of him outside the U.S. team room and said “Boo,” he’d probably go screaming down the hall – but he is considered the world’s third-best player and has some skills that might come in handy in a match or two.
Everyone knows it’s not really your nature, Eldrick, but the idea in this thing is to incorporate, not intimidate.
Assimilate, then celebrate.
A few weeks ago, after you won the PGA Championship just outside of Chicago, there was actually a comparison made between you and the city’s icon of victory, another one of your buddies, Michael Jeffrey Jordan. I think you called such talk “neat.”
Dude, you’re 30, but we digress.
While some pooh-poohed the thought, I see a valid comparison. What do Henry, Wetterich, et all have in common with the likes of Stacey King, Steve Kerr and Will Perdue among others?
All were considered nonentities, however, the latter group was raised to greatness and championships on Jordan’s shoulders.
Can you do the same for the U.S. team? MJ never hesitated to stick an Air Jordan deep inside someone’s compression shorts when he felt they needed it. Will you get in Chad Campbell’s face when he’s nonchalanting it like it’s the first round of the Chrysler Classic?
Well, that’s about it. I know you’re about ready to shut it down and concentrate on the NFL like the rest of us, but your country, which as you know has lost four of the past five competitions, needs you.
Will you answer the call?
Fairways and Greens,
Your friend.
P.S. Speaking of your future schedule, might you manage to make a trip to Colorado next July, maybe even bring your clubs along with the fishing gear? I shudder to think of the heads that may go rolling down Castle Rock if you don’t.
Staff writer Anthony Cotton can be reached at 303-954-1292 or acotton@denverpost.com.
