Can it be that Anthony Kim is intentionally skipping the last tournament to be counted for the Accenture match play in order to get a #1 versus #65 matchup? AK is currently #64 and not playing at the AT&T. With Ernie Els not playing the Accenture and Kim possibly dropping a spot by the end of the weekend, this would provide a pretty exciting 1st round matchup!

Why would he do that?

If he is paired with Tiger, he is going to learn a whole lot in a short time. Kim may beat Tiger at random times, like anyone else in the field, but he is not going to contend with Tiger week in and week out for long, long time.

At 22 years old, no one is expecting AK to challenge Tiger week in and week out (except himself, friends, family, etc.). But, the kid has gone from no world ranking to the top 65 in a little less thank 15 months. He's as long as Tiger, loves the flatstick, and sees himself as a world beater (once again, at the age of 22).

If you have game, why wouldn't you want to challenge the BEST!

I suppose you're right. Although going from no world ranking and no tour events to 65 although impressive, is not astounding.

Keep in mind, there are many players as long or longer than Tiger, who putt well and have a great deal more experience than Kim. And they can't get it done. Why would anyone believe that Kim is any different? How many times have we heard "this is the guy who's going to challenge Tiger?"

I'll believe it when I see it. The best chance Kim has is that he is younger than Tiger. Even Tiger can't beat Father Time.

That said, I hope I'm wrong. I'd love to see more tournaments like the one in Dubai. Much more exciting final round than beating the field by 10 strokes. I know, we're watching history in the making. I just wish history understood drama a little better.

I would doubt that's the reason. Usually, pro's set their schedule long in advance and there's no way to predict world rankings more than a week or two out (say jason dufner won twice- now AK is 66 and doesn't qualify, etc).

As far as who would win- probably tiger, but match play isn't exactly his cup of tea. He wins by attrition over four days- on any given day, someone can get hot and beat him.

My initial reaction upon reading the title was "Alison Krauss plays golf?" LOL

I can't believe more people aren't getting amped about this possible matchup!

Last weekend was horrible!!!

JB Holmes versus Phil Mickelson? Both guys were falling apart!!!

Tiger winning in Dubai. Everyone saw that coming!

By the way, Dufner can't get two wins in one weekend.

but my point is that most players make their decisions more than a week out, except where injuries are concerned. And don't doubt the duf. I'll be he could if he put his mind to it

Match play isnt his cup of tea? Lets think back here...3 US Junior Amateurs, 3 US amateurs (all in a row, many times coming from behind to win under pressure), among the other Match Play tournaments he has won in his career, and lets not forget the playoffs he has been in which are essentially match play where his record is second to none. Youre right he really struggles with this format.

Mine was "Why is Tiger suing the state of Alaska?"

..sometimes we make our own facts

Actually, I'd tend to agree that since turning pro, if Tiger has a weakness, it is in match play.

I never said he didn't have a great match play record. That would be asinine.

My point is that, in the world of professional golf, the winner of a match play tournament is less indicative of overall performance and more indicative of who is riding a hot streak.

Dubai is a great example. Had this year's dubai been match play, tiger would probably have made an exit on day two or three. However, since he opened with an amazing round and closed with a 66, he was still in (and ultimately won).

I'm not saying (nor would I ever say) that Tiger isn't good at match play. I'm saying, from a betting perspective, if you're going to bet on him losing one tournament, you should pick match play. EOS.

I agree with the "I'm not saying (nor would I ever say) that Tiger isn't good at match play. I'm saying, from a betting perspective, if you're going to bet on him losing one tournament, you should pick match play." but.......

I got into a discussion with a friend of mine about Tiger and Roger Federer. He was making the argument that Roger is more dominant in tennis than Tiger is in golf. My argument was that if Tiger played 72 hole matches like Federer plays 5 set matches than Tiger would probably rarely lose a tournament. Just think about it, "2 week tournaments, 64 players, 72 hole matches, how often would Tiger lose in this format?????

I know Tiger is scared of nobody, and rightfully so, but he has to be feeling a little uneasy about this. AK is a MUCH larger task than Pat Perez. I really think AK may be one of the the VERY FEW in the world that could take down Tiger--he's unafraid, he's extremely aggressive, he can rack up birdies like no other (though he offsets them with bogeys too often in his career to date). I don't think there's a challenger outside the top 10 that'd be a worse matchup for Tiger than AK.

This could be a VERY interesting match!!!

True, but I think talking about playing with Tiger, and actually playing with Tiger are two different things. We'll see how mentally tough AK is after Tiger starts up with the mental match play games!

Won't be interesting at all, we are not seeing the "passing of the guard" if Kim is able to pull off a win, Kim has 60+ wins and 13 majors to compete with not to mention a mental assassin in Tiger. The build up to this is already a let down because Tiger has lost to others that weren't nearly as skilled as he was and that may have given them confidence but look where those players are now. This match has no implications what so ever and Anthony Kim must prove his worth on tour. Can he match Tigers first 10 years, or 20, then 30! Tiger may not win the event and be beat by someone other than Kim, so what! All the greats have lost when they should not have at one point or another. No big deal!

You can spin it any way you want to create a buzz.

-Aggressive, fearless, young-gun 22 year old

-Crafty veteran

-Unknown, middle-of the pack scrambler

blah blah blah

Every one of these guys has the same chance and/or motivation to beat Tiger. I hope it's not a blowout, but I'm not incredibly psyched for this or anything. All of this buzz just puts more pressure on AK in my opinion.

I am psyched for the Masters though. That's the same week my wife is expected to deliver our son, so that should be a fun week.

Then you have got include in his name something that involves the "Masters" If your wife allows it.

like Withdrew Masters (insert last name here)

I'm lucky to still have all my gear. I'm not gonna push it. LOL