And so the debate is on.
Is Tiger Woods making progress? Is Tiger Woods in decline? Is he closer to a new beginning, or is this the beginning of the end?
Brandel Chamblee of the Golf Channel wasted little time over the weekend, taking a big bite out of Tiger Woods’ lap dog — Notah Begay. Begay also works for the Golf Channel but is hardly impartial when it comes to Woods. The two played together at Stanford and Woods is a big supporter of Begay’s benefit golf tournament every year.
That said, Chamblee let go with both barrels after Tiger’s less-than-exciting round of 85 on Saturday.
“Time hasn’t robbed Tiger Woods of his game. He’s done this to himself. He’s traded his genius for the ideas of others. He’s been at this for eight months,” Chamblee said, referencing Woods’ work with his new “consultant” Chris Como. The guy is so unknown he didn’t even rate the title “swing instructor.” As for Woods and Como and the eight months, Chamblee fired out: “I think that’s plenty of time.”
You would think with an athlete of Woods’ stature and accomplishments that he could pick up just about anything in eight months. Chamblee insisted that Butch Harmon or Hank Haney, two of Woods’ former coaches, could straighten him out in 30 days or less.
Begay tried to defend Woods. He blathered some nonsense about letting it all play out for the next three months, and so on and so-forth.
Fact is Woods has moved way down the food chain when it comes to coaches. Harmon has PGA Tour playing experience and is from one of golf’s most famous instructional families. Haney was a solid Division I golfer. Both understand the game from a player’s standpoint.
Sean Foley has no playing experience and a lot less instructional experience.
As for Chris Como?
Never heard of him.
