[ikarcuaso]

Maybe the current point system s/b revised. Would the U.S. have a better chance to win w/o Eldrick? He probably would prefer it like that, anyway. Let's discuss.

[xan_user]

I don't really see him as a great team player, but I do see him as a great team captain someday.

[MattyO1984]

Fair enough the US won without Tiger in the team but I think it's crazy to think that the US are instantly better without him in the team. I honestly think that if in one of these things Tiger brings his A game and gets on a roll he will get a taste for it. Although from a European perspective I wouldn't be overly fussed if that didn't happen

[dorfblee]

Eh, I think the US team would be just fine with or without Tiger- if anything maybe he shouldn't play all five matches? Sunday singles is required for everyone and no one would sit Tiger for that anyways, but maybe not have him play every match type twice . . .

I would apply that to Phil too. Just because they are the highest ranked players on the team doesn't necessarily mean they should play all 5 matches.

[dachtor]

in thinking about zingers strategy on sunday, send the aggressive guys out first, the hometown boys in the middle and the steady guys last, I can't help but wonder where tiger would have been placed. I think Boo, Hunter, JB and Kim all provided a lot of character and team unity this week. I wonder if that would have been different in Tiger's presence. TW seems to be more reserved and business like for these events.

just something I was thinking about while watching.

[alcap26]

One man cannot win or lose the cup. I think for him to become more successful in the Ryder cup he needs to take a chapter from his play against Ernie at the Pres Cup. He was intense there.

[jabirdaz]

Don't be silly. He's the best there is, period. What happens when Sergio, Westwood, and Padriag show up with guns blazing next time... You betcha gonna need Tiger.

[mk920]

Tiger should never be left off the team. He's the best player on this planet. Just think of the possibilities of the team competition. Tiger and AK playing foursomes.

[bogeyk]

I don't think Tiger being off of the team is good. It is the frosty relationship between he and Phil that creates tension in the team room. US Ryder Cup team plus Tiger equals cup.
US Ryder Cup team plus Phil equals cup. US Ryder Cup team plus Tiger and Phil equals a bunch of hung over Euros.

[DemolitionMan]

Tiger should be on the team, although his Ryder Cup record is not stellar, I would still rather have the world's #1 on the team than not. But as for Phil.....now there's some dead weight. ; )

[PurePursuit]

Was waiting for someone to make the Phil comment lol.

[ikarcuaso]

What about team chemistry? Does anyone think Tiger's presence disrupts that? Maybe the other guys aren't as loose or relaxed with Eldrick around?

Just playin' devil's advocate, but the team seemed more loose this time. Is that a product of their early lead, or is it the other way around?

[hoganfan924]

You're kidding, right?

Tiger is the best player on the planet and arguably the best player in the history of the game. His total match play record (not just Ryder Cup) is incredible. Now if you'd asked "should we leave off Mickelson?" Maybe a different answer. LOL

By all reports, the "looseness" of the team had a lot more to do with AK, Boo and 'Zinger.

[poppyhillsguy]

ikarcuaso, on Sep 22 2008, 09:30 AM, said:

Maybe the current point system s/b revised. Would the U.S. have a better chance to win w/o Eldrick? He probably would prefer it like that, anyway. Let's discuss.

No Way! Now maybe Steve Stricker, but not Tiger.

[shepdog]

I think the success of this team had more to do with Zingers style of captaining the team, and the infusion of some energetic rookies and a couple of homegrown guys like Perry and Holmes that really WANTED to play for the red, white and blue. Tigers abscence had nothing to do with a US victory imo, and his prescence would have been welcomed. Maybe seeing the enthusiasm of this years team will make him more enthusiastic to participate in future cups. I also hope that future captains take a page out of Zingers approach to captaining the team and make future cups more enjoyable and loose for the US team. It should be a fun competition for both teams.

[ejmac]

Zinger definitely played a key role by lightening the mood the guys were much more relaxed but on point as well, which was a crucial factor in their stellar play. Also had the Euros been hitting on all cylinders it would have been a really tight competition. Definitely the best golf I've seen all year.

[adam1234]

ikarcuaso, on Sep 22 2008, 05:30 PM, said:

Maybe the current point system s/b revised. Would the U.S. have a better chance to win w/o Eldrick? He probably would prefer it like that, anyway. Let's discuss.

definitely not. The US media, desperate for a win, hyped up his absence as a positive but that's just plain ridiculous. Tiger is the best player in the world by a huge margin. and if the US got into a ryder cup, as they did this year, he could certainly up his intensity. The other players aren't intimidated by him and he can do team banter and camaraderie. i am certainly interested in seeing him compete in a close ryder cup that goes all the way.

[skinkman]

i guess 1999 should not count..he was part of that winning team..
Look, I am sure he will be glad to sit it out to guarantee a win..

[Lsutiger]

Why?

[Giantbear]

Tiger very stoic and business like during a tournament. He exhibits great passion during close rounds and charges but has a very detached way that is part of his succesful formula. Unfortunately, i think that the charicteristics which help him so much in an individual event hurt him in a team one. He is so protective of the "real Tiger" that he rarely cuts loose. This team won on emotion as much as it did on skill and i think with tiger there that emotion may have been tempered.

Having said all that, you do not leave the best active golfer on the bench.

[scottyallanb]

I also think guys if you pair Kim with Tiger, both Nike guys and the loose fun attitude of Kim he could also bring that fun fire out of Tiger. I think the confidence that they got from this Ryder Cup will carry them for the next few. Makes a big difference.

Was a great win!!


Scotty B

[toddnt]

Ridiculous, how do you have the greatest player, if not Jack off the team! I guarantee no matter what his previous record is NOONE wants to face him!

[BRS216]

dorfblee, on Sep 22 2008, 02:10 PM, said:

Eh, I think the US team would be just fine with or without Tiger- if anything maybe he shouldn't play all five matches? Sunday singles is required for everyone and no one would sit Tiger for that anyways, but maybe not have him play every match type twice . . .

I would apply that to Phil too. Just because they are the highest ranked players on the team doesn't necessarily mean they should play all 5 matches.

Tiger is a great matchplay player and when he was with Furyk they were a good match. I think pairing him with Kim would be unbeatable

DemolitionMan, on Sep 22 2008, 03:35 PM, said:

Tiger should be on the team, although his Ryder Cup record is not stellar, I would still rather have the world's #1 on the team than not. But as for Phil.....now there's some dead weight. ; )

He just never seems to play well during th Ryder Cup.

toddnt, on Sep 23 2008, 12:10 AM, said:

Ridiculous, how do you have the greatest player, if not Jack off the team! I guarantee no matter what his previous record is NOONE wants to face him!

He is a killer in Singles and with Kim he they would be a deadly duo.

[LottaBalata]

I would also say that Tiger is a better player as a non-team member. BUT, how in the world could any US Ryder Cup captain not choose the greatest golfer in the worl for his team?????? He would have to be really nutso to do it. He has a horrible record as a Ryder Cup member. If he's healthy, he'll be on the next 4 Ryder Cup teams, AT LEAST.

Unless he and the wife decide to raise a team of their own. . .He's going to pull an Anika on us when we're not looking. I'll be broken

[Geohans]

Tiger's record is not the question. What effect does he have on the other players? If Tiger had been there, would Boo have been Boo?, Would the rookies have felt free to be themselves? THAT is the question.

[mont86]

I like to go with the guys that have a point to prove, Boo, AK and anyone else that wants to make name for themself..
Best player in world or not Tiger may not be right for team com.

[Swingtheclub]

Tiger is younger than this years star Boo that means he has lots of Ryder Cups to play

I look forward to seeing that . Dont count your chickents before they hatch and dont count Tigers Ryder Cup record until he is all done playing the Ryder Cup.

I feel the same way about Phil let time right history.

[dlygrisse]

NO, he should not be left off the team. He is the best player in the world, by far, Period no question. Yes his Ryder Cup record isnt the best, but he is a great match player and unbeatable in singles. Looking back the reason he has lost a lot of matches is because it seems that his partners always stand around and wait for him to make something happen. The pairings with Mickelson were doomed fromt the get go, I think Tiger intimiadates his playing partners. What he needs is a partner that is comfortable with his presence, one that enjoys playing with him. Also the captains never set him on the bench, maybe Tiger nees an afternoon off every now and then, just a thought. Lastly at the end of 1997, 2002, and 2004 Tiger was rebuilding or working on his swing, so he was not in perfect form. I think having a great leader as a captian would help some of these issues, a captain that is not in awe of Tiger. Maybe that is why Tiger plays so well in presidnendts cups, because Jack is the captain.

[xan_user]

Maybe sitting home watching the team spirit win will help him put the 'T' in team.

After taking some time off with his family it will be fun to watch him comeback.

[tbowles411]

kenk7us2002, on Sep 23 2008, 06:58 AM, said:

Tiger is younger than this years star Boo that means he has lots of Ryder Cups to play

I look forward to seeing that . Dont count your chickents before they hatch and dont count Tigers Ryder Cup record until he is all done playing the Ryder Cup.

I feel the same way about Phil let time right history.

Yeah, what Ken said!

[Baller]

ikarcuaso, on Sep 22 2008, 03:10 PM, said:

What about team chemistry? Does anyone think Tiger's presence disrupts that? Maybe the other guys aren't as loose or relaxed with Eldrick around?

Just playin' devil's advocate, but the team seemed more loose this time. Is that a product of their early lead, or is it the other way around?

Then I would think an attitude adjustment is needed. He is a man just like they are, when he gets up he takes a pi$$, showers, shaves, and puts on his pants, one leg at a time just like they do. Its not individuals competing to win for themselves anymore, its individuals competing to win for the team. So, if they think one man is greater than the sum total, it's because of what each person believes Tiger to be on his own; they're creating perceptions based upon a lack of self esteem they have when in his presence. Man I just can't believe Tiger is that powerful!

[SouthsideGolfteam#1]

They can leave off Mickelson and Tiger both for all I care.

If they aren't playing for money they don't care. Their Ryder Cup records bear that out.

[philfan316]

You have to break it down like this.

On paper - Tiger is your greatest asset. He is a master of match play and any team without him is worse off.

Emotionally - He is a detractor that brings his aura to the event. His aura is bad. It affects guys, plain and simple. He adds the pressures of "Losing with him" and "Knowing he's the best"

Which one outweighs the other? Paper or emotions. I don't think Mickelson and Furyk would care as much as rookies and young players would that he is around.

[Bloggerbeck]

I agree. He did the U.S a favor by staying home and watching it like the rest of us.

[skinkman]

you just gotta laugh

The US team has been losing before Tiger came along..they won in 1999 with Tiger...lost the next four with Tiger...so after one win, Tiger is the bogey man....I wish Tiger would sit 2010 out...and have Sergio, Harrington and Westwood put a serious whupping and teach the US how lucky you were this time that these three players did not perform like they usually do....come on Tiger..sit it out..sadly he would be crucified if they lost..by the same people

[tbowles411]

I can see it now. In 2010, he's going to be the classic team guy to prove he can go out there and dominate his opponent. He's probably going to hear questions like this for 2 years, "Hey did they win because you weren't there?" He's going to work as hard as he ever did and put 5 points, just to prove he can do it and prove people wrong. Mark it down. His stubbornness and pride will turn out to help the US team.

[joe68odessa]

Hell no Tiger shouldnt be left of the team! He is the best player in the world and when he is hot, he is UNBEATABLE... Mickelson on the other hand? Thats a different story, hehe

[joe68odessa]

tbowles411, on Sep 24 2008, 09:43 PM, said:

I can see it now. In 2010, he's going to be the classic team guy to prove he can go out there and dominate his opponent. He's probably going to hear questions like this for 2 years, "Hey did they win because you weren't there?" He's going to work as hard as he ever did and put 5 points, just to prove he can do it and prove people wrong. Mark it down. His stubbornness and pride will turn out to help the US team.

exactly. that is Tigers way of thinking

[sigmamason]

Can somebody point out the quote where Tiger said "I don't want to play the Ryder Cup"

Tiger has always stated that he wants to win every Cup. Luck isn't on his side in 4ball/4some vs say Sergio who is great in 4ball/4some.