Biglin: Hail To The King Of The World

After Historic Win, Tiger Is Best Athlete On Earth

Mike Biglin, Sports Editor
June 19, 2001, 1:40 a.m. EDT

Well, yes, of course, Tiger Woods did shock me Sunday.

Really it was quite flabbergasting.

Did you see him miss that little 2-footer for birdie on 15? How did he blow that one? Hell, even Phil Mickelson and David Duval would've sunk that one.

The rest of it -- well that was fully expected, wasn't it?

The scary answer is yes, it was.

Everyone fully expected good ol' Eldrick to win the Masters and do something that had never been accomplished in the history of golf. After all, Tiger came into Sunday with the lead -- and he's won 24 out of 28 times he's been there, including a perfect 5-0 in Majors play.

So, maybe that lip-out on 15 was Tiger subconsciously adding a little element of drama to the equation, keeping us on our toes.

Of course, everyone knows by now how it finished. Woods opened the door, and Mickelson and Duval promptly re-shut it.

Duval was brilliant Sunday, pasting the first 10 holes in 5-under-par. But he started to slip on 13. He didn't get wet -- something he has often done, most memorably in last year's final round -- but he missed a birdie putt. It was a sign of things to come.

He got the expected birdie on 15, but gave it right back by driving the green on 16 and missing the comeback par putt to fall down one to Tiger yet again.

But with unreal iron play, he gave himself two great chances to pull back even. But both times, Duval missed the crucial birdie putt -- the most painful the short 5-footer on 18 that slid just left of the inviting cup.

No surprise he turned down the post-round CBS interview. Would you want to talk then?

And how about that poor Mickelson. Phil, a little advice here -- go find Ernie Els and share a few drinks with him right now, just so he can prepare you for the disappointment that's in store. Becuase, with your tendency to play holes loose throughout the round, and your even bigger tendency of missing key short putts, you're not going to beat Tiger. Sorry.

Because look at how you finished. If you sank that birdie putt on 18, you would've become the first player in Masters history to shoot all four rounds in the 60s -- and you still would've lost by two shots.

Of course, Tiger had to finish with a birdie. He had to squelch all that "If Duval made his putt..." talk. With one last tap of the flat stick, he made those arguements moot -- while heightening his status as the greatest, most exciting athlete on the planet.

Some people might start talking how Tiger is the best ever. Sorry, pips, but that's a little too soon. After all, not only did Jack Nicklaus win 18 majors, he finished second an unthinkable 19 times in majors. So, Tiger's got some work.

And, sorry kid, but it's not a Grand Slam. I'll give you this -- it is the greatest achievement in golf history.

No, my currently Christmas tree-color clothed friend (see right), you'll have to wait until you get to Atlanta in August to proclaim that. After you win your third striaght PGA, of course.

Hell, I'm not betting against him. Are you?

I know another thing: I'm going to enjoy every second of the quest. Because, right now, there's nothing in the sports world equal to Tiger Woods. And by year's end, there may never be anyone who will be able to match his singular feats of grandeur.

Yep, he's that good, so you better take it all in why you still have the chance.

Mike Biglin is a national sports editor based out of Boston. He can be reached at mbiglin@thebostonchannel.com

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