Tiger proved at the eighteenth green of the US Open the cutting edge he has over his fellow golfers, not just in pure ability but more importantly, the mental strength that guarantees he will never give up. He has an overwhelming belief he can win, even with an injury.
A sensational birdie on the last, showing nearly man Lee Westwood how it’s done, spoke volumes of why Tiger is different to the rest of the tour, winning is engrained in him. He never lets his mind become clouded with negativity and alongside his added experience an air of invincibility is brewing once again.
When Tiger was released on the world of golf, the players on the tour got an almighty reality check. You now had to make sure you hit the gym regularly and guaranteed you were always on top of your game, because this man set new standards.
As his domination of the Tour began, the ‘Tiger syndrome’ was apparent around American locker rooms. A super human athlete who could hit further than anyone else, was fitter than everyone else, and most importantly, had the habit of finishing majors on top of the leader board had arrived and was setting up camp for years to come.
However the rumours were not true, Tiger was in fact human, and he was and has been susceptible to inconsistency and lack of form – but his record is still the benchmark for modern day golf.
His mental toughness is more apparent this week than ever before, having endured throughout the tournament a painful knee injury in which he had to use his driver as a cane to walk between tees and greens in the final round. ‘Tiger syndrome’ could creep back into fashion if he wins against Rocco Mediate tonight.
The man is unbreakable mentally, willing to force through the pain barrier to achieve success. This US Open would be right up there with his greatest achievements in the game and could act as the catalyst for another Major winning streak.
If he does win, the reaction from the clubhouse will be interesting, a seed of ‘Tiger Syndrome’ will be sown into the minds of the Tour golfers, the question is, how will they respond as we enter the business end of the golfing calendar?