[moose_1978]

Just wanted to get some opinions about AK VS Tiger? Do you guys think he will give Tiger a run for his money? I do and hope that he shows the world that Tiger is not the only superstar out there

[Cashmoney725]

I don't get why everyone is asking this What has Kim done that makes him Tiger worthy? I don't think he stands a chance at competing with him personally. IMO

[elrey23]

I have to disagree with above poster. I think that AK could perhaps compete with Tiger. I remember ten years ago when Sergio came onto the scene and everyone just knew he and Tiger would have classic matches against each other and it really hasn't happened. I only mention this because we are ten years later, Garcia is still younger than 30 and is just coming into his own. Right now, Kim might not be able to compete head to head but jeez, give him a few years to get used to life on Tour, he's only 23 for pete's sake. I'm as big of a fan of El Tigre as anyone but no one knows how he will come back after having major surgery on his knee. I hope he is back full strength but there's a small chance that he might play differently. For example, he might not be able to nuke every shot like he did before. It will interesting to see what happens because he obviously has the mental game but will his physical talent still be the same?

[twixster888]

moose_1978, on Sep 27 2008, 09:59 PM, said:

Just wanted to get some opinions about AK VS Tiger? Do you guys think he will give Tiger a run for his money? I do and hope that he shows the world that Tiger is not the only superstar out there

Tiger is the Michael Jordan of golf. AK is like a Chris Paul or Dwayne Wade. an exciting up and comer but no where in the same league Tiger is at.

[Cashmoney725]

elrey23, on Sep 28 2008, 12:39 AM, said:

I have to disagree with above poster. I think that AK could perhaps compete with Tiger. I remember ten years ago when Sergio came onto the scene and everyone just knew he and Tiger would have classic matches against each other and it really hasn't happened. I only mention this because we are ten years later, Garcia is still younger than 30 and is just coming into his own. Right now, Kim might not be able to compete head to head but jeez, give him a few years to get used to life on Tour, he's only 23 for pete's sake. I'm as big of a fan of El Tigre as anyone but no one knows how he will come back after having major surgery on his knee. I hope he is back full strength but there's a small chance that he might play differently. For example, he might not be able to nuke every shot like he did before. It will interesting to see what happens because he obviously has the mental game but will his physical talent still be the same?

You are correct he is only 23, but at 23 Tiger had been the world number 1 for 2 years and... he had already won 2 majors. AK can't even come close to matching that Tiger is the best it's gonna take a lot to take Tigers Throne.

[QWKDTSN]

AK is kinda the first of the 'Tiger Generation'... the kids who grew up playing golf and watching Tiger playing amazing golf at a young age... He watched Tiger play while he was working on his game and set his goals accordingly.

Tiger was already dominant at a very young age.... 3x Amateur champ before even going pro... and then dominating from there... I doubt we will see anyone like that for a long time. But I think AK has serious, serious game and is definitely going to be a contender in the next decade as he matures even more.

[DRGJR72]

He has a chance to compete with Tiger. He has the mentality and the game to do so. I am not sure if he is long enough, but he sure rolls it nice enough with the putter to compete. He has been on tour for a short time and has made a statement. I would think that his combination of game and confidence would enable him to put a little heat on Mr. Woods, especially after a knee deal.

[rblmp32]

twixster888, on Sep 28 2008, 02:00 AM, said:

moose_1978, on Sep 27 2008, 09:59 PM, said:

Just wanted to get some opinions about AK VS Tiger? Do you guys think he will give Tiger a run for his money? I do and hope that he shows the world that Tiger is not the only superstar out there

Tiger is the Michael Jordan of golf. AK is like a Chris Paul or Dwayne Wade. an exciting up and comer but no where in the same league Tiger is at.

Excellent analogy. I'd liken Kim more to Kobe Bryant though. He seems to be that good.

Cashmoney725, on Sep 28 2008, 02:21 AM, said:

You are correct he is only 23, but at 23 Tiger had been the world number 1 for 2 years and... he had already won 2 majors. AK can't even come close to matching that Tiger is the best it's gonna take a lot to take Tigers Throne.

People seem to forget that Tiger had accomplished so much by this age. And that both of Kim's wins this year came with Tiger absent


I think Kim is probably the brightest and best talent, besides Sergio, that has shown up on tour since Tiger. The fact that he's gotten 2 wins this year at an early stage in his career, will only help him develop faster... which in turn will only help him challenge Tiger. Only time will tell. I honestly think Tiger will come back better than ever. He's going to be so geeked to compete and practice after being gone so long, man. He's going to be beyond fired up to come back.

[Grum]

Kids got game but needs to grow up big-time. Until then, not a chance.

[dlygrisse]

He has the talent, is cocky enough to believe he can, but he has to learn to hit putts under pressure and really dial in his short game to compete with Tiger. This will take a lot of hard work and dedication. AK is starting to show some signs of the latter, but only time will tell if he can focus long term and pull it off. Phil gave it a run but in the end was not able to come through in the clutch often enough, and does not appear he will be able to sustain it.

I really hope Tiger gets his "Tom Watson" as Jack did, someone who comes along in the 2nd 1/2 of his career and challanges him for the top spot, it would be fun to watch, let's see if AK is the man, it is up to him not us wishing he was the man.

[ping1]

Tiger has no...I repeat NO COMPETITION. But these guys should have fun til Tiger gets healthy...

[BRS216]

DRGJR72, on Sep 28 2008, 03:08 AM, said:

He has a chance to compete with Tiger. He has the mentality and the game to do so. I am not sure if he is long enough, but he sure rolls it nice enough with the putter to compete. He has been on tour for a short time and has made a statement. I would think that his combination of game and confidence would enable him to put a little heat on Mr. Woods, especially after a knee deal.

Ak is long enough to play with anyone...He is 5th on tour in driving distance.

rblmp32, on Sep 28 2008, 07:30 AM, said:

twixster888, on Sep 28 2008, 02:00 AM, said:

moose_1978, on Sep 27 2008, 09:59 PM, said:

Just wanted to get some opinions about AK VS Tiger? Do you guys think he will give Tiger a run for his money? I do and hope that he shows the world that Tiger is not the only superstar out there

Tiger is the Michael Jordan of golf. AK is like a Chris Paul or Dwayne Wade. an exciting up and comer but no where in the same league Tiger is at.

Excellent analogy. I'd liken Kim more to Kobe Bryant though. He seems to be that good.

Cashmoney725, on Sep 28 2008, 02:21 AM, said:

You are correct he is only 23, but at 23 Tiger had been the world number 1 for 2 years and... he had already won 2 majors. AK can't even come close to matching that Tiger is the best it's gonna take a lot to take Tigers Throne.

People seem to forget that Tiger had accomplished so much by this age. And that both of Kim's wins this year came with Tiger absent

Ak has had 2 impressive wins this year and should not be discounted. That would be like saying the players win by Sergio; the 2 majors by Padraig were tainted. AK has as much or more game than anyone besides Sergio and believes he will be # 1 someday. The difference is he has the talent to challenge TW someday and I believe he will.


I think Kim is probably the brightest and best talent, besides Sergio, that has shown up on tour since Tiger. The fact that he's gotten 2 wins this year at an early stage in his career, will only help him develop faster... which in turn will only help him challenge Tiger. Only time will tell. I honestly think Tiger will come back better than ever. He's going to be so geeked to compete and practice after being gone so long, man. He's going to be beyond fired up to come back.

I agree I think AK is the best young talent to come out since Sergio and he has proven that with two impressive wins this year. He has the talent and confidence to become #2 and I think it will happen sometime in the next year or two. He has all of the shots and a excellent short game.

Grum, on Sep 28 2008, 07:53 AM, said:

Kids got game but needs to grow up big-time. Until then, not a chance.

I believe AK has grown up big time this year. That is the talk on tour how he has matured and is working hard and preparing to win, instead of overcoming a hang over. He won 2 big events this year and I feel that is a sign of maturity. All of the guys on tour like him so that must mean he has matured and humbled himself quite a bit. If he was so immature why would virtually everyone on the Ryder Cup team want to be paired with him? He is a man on a mission and learned from Tiger last year what it takes to be a winner on Tour and showed this year he is going to be dominant one day.

[rblmp32]

Sergio is really looking good this week. If he wins, I will bet money that he wins a major next year. He's knocking on the door big time already.

[kamtile]

At the moment, he is putting almost as well as Tiger ,if he continues to hit fairways and putt at this level, yes he can hang .But his ability to "recover" from a poor tee shot is far from Tigers . And his ability to maintain this high level of putting is the unknown .

[mosesgolf]

Imo, people will come and go who will temporarily give Tiger a run. But I just don't see a Tom Watson, Lee Trevino, Gary Player, or Arnold Palmer who would get the best of Jack on a number of occasions. These guys truly believed they could beat Jack. I just don't see alot of guys now or on the horizon who think they can BEAT Tiger.

[Dizzub]

DRGJR72, on Sep 28 2008, 03:08 AM, said:

He has a chance to compete with Tiger. He has the mentality and the game to do so. I am not sure if he is long enough, but he sure rolls it nice enough with the putter to compete. He has been on tour for a short time and has made a statement. I would think that his combination of game and confidence would enable him to put a little heat on Mr. Woods, especially after a knee deal.

I take it you don't watch much golf? AK is LONG, he was hitting it past Sergio at the Ryder Cup and at the Tour Championship...he absolutely kills it. Not only that but he was hitting it 20-30 yards past Phil too. The one thing AK doesn't have is the world class putting. Have you watched him play...real streaky with the putter. He misses way, way too many putts that are practically gimmies...couple examples- yesterday he 3 putted after missing a 2 footer and the day before he 3 putted a couple times and 32 total putts. The Open Championship he lead the field in GIR and was almost last in putting.

The one thing TW has always had since a young age is putting. Hes never been just a mediocre putter...he makes everything hes supposed to and some hes not. He also doesnt miss putts that have any meaning to them...just clutch. I dont mean to say AK is a bad putter because obviously hes not I just think hes too inconsistent. Sometimes I think he needs to take a little more time on his putts because occasionally he walks up to tap in a 2 footer and missed.

[Mattro]

I'm not saying that he can or will give Tiger a run for his $$, but if anyone can I think it would be him. For a couple of simple reasons:

1) He isn't affraid of Tiger like everyone is.
2) You can tell when he says he wants to be #1 he's not just saying it as a stock answer.
3) Attitude, by this I mean he's I wouldn't say cocky but definitely border line. He is definitely very confident in his ability.

[JNewsted]

I was going to post just about exactly what the above poster said..

Kim's got the game and the guts to stand up to Tiger, he's just got to continue to mature and build that resume. I think he'll be in the same conversation as Phil, VJ, Paddy as "Best Golfer Not Named Eldrick"

[Wsc04forever]

first off tiger is tiger

but i do like to dream up some sort of rivalry for next season

for me i have three guys in mind right now

they are potty, vj, and ak

they all have different styles

you have the older and wiser vj who is running out of time and needs to do it now

you have potty, who is in his prime and playing at his best

and ak, who is the young sexy pic with all the talent in the world

those are my three possible rivalries for 09', yet highly unlikely

potty is harrington by the way lol

[rblmp32]

Mattro, on Sep 28 2008, 11:24 AM, said:

I'm not saying that he can or will give Tiger a run for his $$, but if anyone can I think it would be him. For a couple of simple reasons:

1) He isn't affraid of Tiger like everyone is.
2) You can tell when he says he wants to be #1 he's not just saying it as a stock answer.
3) Attitude, by this I mean he's I wouldn't say cocky but definitely border line. He is definitely very confident in his ability.

I'm not saying that AK is scared of Tiger, but he's never stared him down either. Tiger wasn't in the field for either of his wins.

[BRS216]

rblmp32, on Sep 28 2008, 11:08 AM, said:

Sergio is really looking good this week. If he wins, I will bet money that he wins a major next year. He's knocking on the door big time already.

I agree Sergio is really playing well right now, but there was a certain "Cat" not playing the week of the Players and that guy will be back next year. Sergio has really been playing well the last 6-8 weeks except the (RYDER CUP). He Flopped big time no doubt about it.

rblmp32, on Sep 28 2008, 11:48 AM, said:

Mattro, on Sep 28 2008, 11:24 AM, said:

I'm not saying that he can or will give Tiger a run for his $$, but if anyone can I think it would be him. For a couple of simple reasons:

1) He isn't affraid of Tiger like everyone is.
2) You can tell when he says he wants to be #1 he's not just saying it as a stock answer.
3) Attitude, by this I mean he's I wouldn't say cocky but definitely border line. He is definitely very confident in his ability.

Ak will be the next guy and is not afraid of Tiger so I could see him challenging him and actually give him a run for his money. He will bot back down or be scared of him at all. I think his new found work ethic will really help him next year.


I'm not saying that AK is scared of Tiger, but he's never stared him down either. Tiger wasn't in the field for either of his wins.

The same could be said for Sergio's run this year...Tiger was not in the Field for the 2 Majors he choked away this year or the Players Championship he was lucky to win over Paul Goydos. AK admires Tiger but does not fear him, he seems like the kind of guy who actually would thrive under that kind of competition.

[rblmp32]

BRS216, on Sep 28 2008, 01:01 PM, said:

The same could be said for Sergio's run this year...Tiger was not in the Field for the 2 Majors he choked away this year or the Players Championship he was lucky to win over Paul Goydos. AK admires Tiger but does not fear him, he seems like the kind of guy who actually would thrive under that kind of competition.

Very true, however Sergio has been in the hunt in majors with Tiger in the field. The British last year for example.

[leventhalc]

there was a stat on coverage of the tour championship the other day. Wins before age 24
AK-2
TW-15
nuff said

[frozen_rope]

Any player with a Tour card can beat Tiger on any given week.
No player hangs with Tiger on a full year or multi year basis.

moose_1978, on Sep 27 2008, 11:59 PM, said:

Just wanted to get some opinions about AK VS Tiger? Do you guys think he will give Tiger a run for his money? I do and hope that he shows the world that Tiger is not the only superstar out there

[Viking Golfer]

elrey23, on Sep 28 2008, 07:39 AM, said:

I have to disagree with above poster. I think that AK could perhaps compete with Tiger. I remember ten years ago when Sergio came onto the scene and everyone just knew he and Tiger would have classic matches against each other and it really hasn't happened. I only mention this because we are ten years later, Garcia is still younger than 30 and is just coming into his own. Right now, Kim might not be able to compete head to head but jeez, give him a few years to get used to life on Tour, he's only 23 for pete's sake. I'm as big of a fan of El Tigre as anyone but no one knows how he will come back after having major surgery on his knee. I hope he is back full strength but there's a small chance that he might play differently. For example, he might not be able to nuke every shot like he did before. It will interesting to see what happens because he obviously has the mental game but will his physical talent still be the same?

Let me say it like this - and I hope this is answer enough for you:

PGA victories before age of 24:

Tiger: 15
Kim: 2

Majors before the age of 24:

Tiger: A WHOLE lot
Kim: NONE ZIP

AK is a great newcomer and fun to watch. I wish him all the success in the world, but comparing him to Tiger - please come on........are you kidding me

Kim is a better putter than Sergio, but if you should compare Kim to anyone, Sergio would be a better guy to compare Kim up against - honestly.

[Swingtheclub]

I think there are a lot of players that are a lot closer to challenging the Big Cat than AK

He hits a lot of great shots but he still hits a lot of loose shots


Let the kid finish his potty training before you put this kind of pressure on him

I think he is going to be a great player give it some time there may not be another Tiger for a long long time.

[Taylormadematt]

Short and simple NO

[SpeedyPro]

AK should deal with fellow Korean-origin golfer first: Mr. Lee.

[Eddie]

frozen_rope, on Sep 28 2008, 02:29 PM, said:

Any player with a Tour card can beat Tiger on any given week.
No player hangs with Tiger on a full year or multi year basis.

Perfectly put.

[yuck]

AK was barely better then that 48 year old from Kentucky this year, much less tiger. Head to head KP beat AK nearly as often as AK beat him. Why is there any comparison to Tiger here???


AK 2 Wins, 6 top 3's , 8 Top Tens, 10 Top 25's and $4,656,265
KP 3 Wins, 5 Top 3's, 7 Top Tens, 13 Top 25's and $4,663,794

Seems like AK may be as good or better then a 48 year old, but not Tiger.


(AK does Drive it 4 yards longer then KP, but not nearly as accurate. AK 48th total Driving, KP 24th)

[Mr. Fair]

No.

[gregcindyh]

No!

[3whacker]

can AK compete with Tiger...of course he can, but he needs to be a better driver of the ball, he is a little erratic off the tee....when Tiger returns we may see a different player, as Jack once stated, years ago when asked if Tiger would eventually break his record of major wins " Tiger has not been married or had kids and has never faced major injury"......well now he has done all three. He is coming back from a MAJOR injury, make no mistake about that, but if there is one athlete in the world that can overcome that it is TW...we make actually have a category of TW record pre injury and one post injury...

[63Brummie]

twixster888, on Sep 28 2008, 01:00 AM, said:

moose_1978, on Sep 27 2008, 09:59 PM, said:

Just wanted to get some opinions about AK VS Tiger? Do you guys think he will give Tiger a run for his money? I do and hope that he shows the world that Tiger is not the only superstar out there

Tiger is the Michael Jordan of golf. AK is like a Chris Paul or Dwayne Wade. an exciting up and comer but no where in the same league Tiger is at.

Tiger is actually better that Michael Jordan (in proportion to their respective sports)..
Anthony Kim is a fine player but needs time to mature "one swallow doesn't make a summer"
IMHO the CHALLENGE will come from the likes of Paddy Harrington, Ian Poulter and Angel Cabrera, you could throw Hunter Mahan and Robert Karlsson into the mix as well.
In the past three years these players have steadily improved and look solid in most aspects of the game.
63Brummie
fairways and greens

[golfernut78]

tee to green i think he can compete very well with tiger, but he doesn't have the short game or putter to take tiger down.

[Titleist1455]

moose_1978, on Sep 27 2008, 11:59 PM, said:

Just wanted to get some opinions about AK VS Tiger? Do you guys think he will give Tiger a run for his money? I do and hope that he shows the world that Tiger is not the only superstar out there

When you say "give Tiger a run for his money" i assume you're saying, "can AK take over world #1", correct? And if that's what you're saying, the answer is no.

I think Tiger will be world #1 for at least 7-10 more years in a row. By then, AK will only have a few majors (at best) and will be sitting comfortably in the Top 5 with Sergio, A. Scott, Harrington, etc.

He will probably retire as the world #1 currently on the planet (probably in his early 40s) and the greatest of all time. THEN, AK and Sergio can start thinking about #1.

[aveb4life]

no one is as close to being automatic as Tiger is when putting within 10 ft. not AK for sure.

[sandy]

twixster888, on Sep 28 2008, 02:00 AM, said:

moose_1978, on Sep 27 2008, 09:59 PM, said:

Just wanted to get some opinions about AK VS Tiger? Do you guys think he will give Tiger a run for his money? I do and hope that he shows the world that Tiger is not the only superstar out there

Tiger is the Michael Jordan of golf. AK is like a Chris Paul or Dwayne Wade. an exciting up and comer but no where in the same league Tiger is at.

Tiger WAS the Michael Jordan of golf. Whether he still is remains to be seen. Michael Jordan never had 4 surgerys on the same knee. If he had he wouldn't have been Michael Jordan either. All this remains unknown... There are lots of football players (not giant lineman) that have had that many knee surgerys and can hardly walk in their mid 40s... I can think of no world class athlete that has ever had that many surgerys on the same knee and ever come back to the level he was at initially.. If Tiger does he will be the first.. Since nobody including Tiger can regrow cartlidge and nobody that has had this many surgerys can escape the ravages of arthritis in the joint it will be very interesting to see what new swing changes and compromises he will have to make. Don't forget he is trying not only to return to his former playing level but I'm sure also trying to do it without out having to have another surgery in 2-4 years out.. To accomplish that he will have to remake his swing as far as stress on that knee.. Since that knee snap was a key (in his own book) to his distance and shots like the stinger it will be interesting what he replaces it with... Also people that think he will be back to "normal" by the Masters are dealing in wishful thinking.. Realistically it will probably take him 2+ years to return to his previous form if the knee will hold up to the rehab/training... Hopefully he will stop running as part of his program..

[titleistjunkie]

I'm pretty sure I can say w/ confidence that I am one of the biggest AK fans out there BUT there is NO way you can compare him to Tiger. Now, as far as competing w/ Tiger, he may "one day" be able to compete, but w/ what consistency? Tiger does it EVERY time he shows up and AK is still learning how to compete on a consistent basis. Give AK time to mature and he'll be great one day. But never, ever on the level of The Greatest.

[jshiver15]

Does anyone else here think that the outcome of the TC would have been different had AK not hit a fan on #9 Saturday? I know it had to have shaken him up pretty badly for the remainder of the round (not to mention showing up late). By Sunday, he probably felt 'out of it.'

I'm just wondering how badly my game would slip if I hit someone and they ended up in the hospital.