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Joe D.Tiger Woods is probably one of my favorite sports figures ever. He is absolutely one of those 'once-in-a-generation' type players. The type of person you have to feel fortunate that you were around to see him perform. Very much like Michael Jordan in basketball - or Muhammad Ali - or Babe Ruth.
But I don't look to annoint anyone 'best ever' in any sport. There are too many game differences when you span generations. Especially in golf.
I prefer tempering that with 'one of the best ever'... or 'definitely in the argument for who was the best ever'.
Guys used to play with hickory shafts and featherie golf balls. The fairways were not nearly the prestine grass we see today. The ball didn't go as far or roll as pure. If you had a swing problem - you couldn't call your coach who would fly down to you to work on your game. The money and allure of a sports celebrity and professional golfer might not have outweighed other professions/distractions... so there wasn't 100% immersion into the game of golf.
Can I say that Tiger is better than Bobby Jones?.... no way, no how.
Bobby Jones retired from golf at 28 years old. Incredible to think what he did accomplish at such a young age... and what he could have accomplished after that. While he was destroying the competition in Golf... he was attending college... and then Law School. Imagine that! And eventually he moved from golfer to Lawyer. Absolutely incredible.
Can I say that Tiger is better than Old Tom Morris? How can we? An incredible golfer (4 Open Championships) and a father of the game.
Can I say that Tiger is better than Harry Vardon? I can't do that.
Can I say that Tiger is better than Ben Hogan? I can't do that.
Can I say that Tiger is better than Jack? I can't do that.
I can say that Tiger is "in the discussion" of the best ever.
I can say that I am fortunate to have the opportunity to watch his playing days.
I do think he will go on to win the most majors ever... and I would love to see that. But, the last majors are going to be very difficult - as Tiger is getting older, and quality competition is getting younger.
And even as he breaks that record and many others, I still won't bring myself to say Tiger is the best ever.