Here we are again; Master’s week-end. The question of “when” will Tiger Woods break out of his slump is rapidly changing into “will” he break out of his slump. The mark of 18 majors that seemed like a “done deal” just a few years ago now appears to be dwindling into the mist.
Of course, Tiger has gone through quite a lot recently in both his professional and personal life. No need to discuss that here. Rather, I look at the growing “Tyson” effect. In the world of boxing, no name in the Heavyweight division was feared more than that of Mike Tyson. He waded through opponents like a sharp scythe through wheat. Many of his opponents were beaten before the first round bell sounded.
Then came December, 2006 and Buster Douglas, the next in a line of “no chance” opponents. Except, this outing was different. Douglas was easily the better man on that night and wrested the Heavyweight crown from Tyson. Tyson’s career and personal life suffered and he never regained the dominance he once had.
A similar path seems to be playing out for Tiger. In August, 2009, Tiger Woods lost the PGA Championship to Y. E. Yang. Not only did he lose, but going in, Tiger was 14-0 in majors when leading going into the final round. Much like the Tyson-Douglas fight, Tiger did not lose the tournament; rather Yang won the tournament.
The aura of invincibility surrounding Tiger was gone. Following a series of professional and personal setbacks, Tiger now struggles to regain his position of dominance on the PGA tour, but, like my favorite jeans, he just seems to fade.
Here’s hoping that Tiger can overcome the “Tyson” effect.
Related articles
- Tiger Woods Slips On Masters Leaderboard With 1-Over Front Nine (sbnation.com)
- Two Men Inside One Man (coachraidbard.wordpress.com)
