Tiger has miles to go and promises to keep

This year’s US Open will also be remembered as an event during which the torch was passed on to the next generation of golf heroes. Jack Nicklaus played his last Open, filling the vacancy caused by the absence of defending champion, Payne Stewart. Amidst cheering galleries and fond memories, a tearful `Golden Bear’ took his leave. It was also the beginning of another chapter. One that will be written largely by Tiger, causing much excitement and anticipation.

Woods made his victory look easy. Yet, every golfer who watched and Tiger himself, commented that Pebble Beach did not play easy last week. He was in a different zone though, with "a feeling of calm" and could have handled almost anything.

This brings us to another point. Just as Augusta was altered after Tiger’s destruction, will this 24-year-old continue to leave course designers in his wake, armed with plans to Tiger-proof their courses. But making them tougher will make it more difficult for the others, increasing his advantage even further — a point that he voiced in 1997 when various greens committees threatened to alter the layout of Augusta.

The world’s best golfers now head for St. Andrews, nursing a desire to win the 2000 Open Championship (British Open) which starts from July 20. If Pebble Beach suited Tiger, St. Andrews promises to fit his game like a glove. The wide open fairways will allow him to hit his drives as long as he wants, or possibly can, with the roll on the ball providing added yardage.

His power will help him destroy the feared gorse and thick rough that stands in his way. And if Tiger wins, he will become the fifth golfer to win a Grand Slam, joining Jack Nicklaus, Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan and Gary Player.

If his dedication and concentration is anything to go by, it will not be long before he does so. Totally focussed, he even refused to be a part of the 21 golfers who drove into the Pacific in memory of Payne Stewart. The reason cited: It was best to leave the past behind and he didn’t want to miss his early morning practice round, tee time.

For Tiger, each day begins at six, after which he lifts his weights and works out before heading out to conquer new territories. An ideal role model for youngsters and adults, Tiger’s asset is his mental strength. One did not witness any tantrums throughout the week, as he took each bad lie and bounce in his stride. The triple bogey on day three was followed by four birdies and the last shot of the tournament was dropped on the 10th, 26 holes before he officially claimed victory.

Only after the tournament did one see his toothy smile as he seriously added that he needed to work on a few things before heading out to the British Isles! He then proceeded to thank his parents — mother Kutilda who was walking with him and father who watched at home. While 32,000 people watched his every move on the golf course, Tiger’s father – still recovering from heart surgery – watched on television.

Being Father’s Day – the day every US Open concludes – he laughed and said, "I guess this is not such a bad Father’s Day present." Anyone there and probably millions of viewers across the world could have told him, "It’s the best, Tiger."

LAST WEEKS RESULTS:

USPGA & EPGA:US Open; Winner: Tiger Woods
LPGA & ELPGS: Evian Masters; Winner: Annika Sorenstam
SENIOR PGA: SBC Championship; Winner: Doug Tewell
Buy.Com Tour: Buy.Com Greater Clevelnd Open; Winner: Deane Pappas

COMING UP:

USPGA: Cannon Greater Hartford Open
Senior PGA: US Senior Open
EPGA: Murphy’s Irish Open
LPGA: ShopRite LPGA Classic
ELPGA: Ladies French Open
Buy.Com: Buy.Com SteamTown Classic

GOLFER OF THE WEEK: Tiger Woods