Tiger Woods Could Miss Buick Invitational, Torrey Pines Return

Posted Aug 13, 2008 10:50AM By Ryan Wilson (RSS feed)

Filed Under: Golf, PGA

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No matter the time of year, or his current physical state, the story is ALWAYS about Tiger Woods. Yesterday, Bacon pointed out that Eldrick won't even pick up a club until 2009, and today, the Los Angeles Times speculates that Woods could even miss the Buick Invitational.

Hardly noteworthy except that Buick pays Tiger larges sums of money to endorse their automobiles, and part of that deal includes playing a few Buick-sponsored events. Also, the tournament is at Torrey Pines, site of Woods' jaw-dropping U.S. Open victory two months ago. Resuming his career on the same course where his season came to an abrupt end six months prior somehow seems fitting.

But what makes for a heart-warming story doesn't always mesh with real life.

If Woods waits until January to swing a club for the first time, it could delay his return to the PGA Tour until after the Buick Invitational at Torrey Pines, the first week of February.

And then there are the ratings, which, frankly, have been abysmal in Woods' absence. The British Open and PGA Championship suffered huge losses in viewership, and that doesn't bode well for the upcoming Ryder Cup and FedEx Cup.

Worst case, PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem makes a temporary rules exception and outfits Tiger in a golf cart. Thing is, this wouldn't even be an issue if the people making such decision weren't a bunch of prigs about it when Casey Martin was looking for a little help. Reap, meet sow.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

8-14-2008 @ 5:28PM

mitch said...

It's a shame Tiger is injured and recovering, but you can't allow him to ride a cart til he can walk 18. As was the arguement when Casey Martin was trying to get an exemption on the tour, it could lead to an unfair advantage.
Hell, I actually wouldn't mind seeing the pros play without caddies, then you would actually see who the best all-round golf is. Carry your own bag and make decisions all by yourself.

8-15-2008 @ 11:03PM

whodoo said...

I ammuch happier watching golf without tiger!

8-17-2008 @ 6:44PM

gamutt said...

If your a true fan of any sport you would appreciate excellence
regardless of the team or player.
I consider myself lucky to watch all of Tigers accomplishments.
along with his peers as well.

8-16-2008 @ 10:42PM

KRIS said...

IM NOT COASIAN SO I DON'TGIVE A DAMN.

your coignorant

8-17-2008 @ 12:47AM

George B Vieto said...

The PGA would be wise to find another Tiger Woods since the world's number one golfer is going to be missing in action for a long time.

8-17-2008 @ 10:18PM

Kris said...

Yeah, because Tiger's are a dime-a-dozen... Silly comment...

8-17-2008 @ 12:57AM

isidro garcia said...

You mean cau-casian right Kris.

8-19-2008 @ 8:43PM

tricia said...

Golf has lost something without Tiger, whether your a fan of his or not the game is much more exiting with him in the mix.

8-19-2008 @ 9:28PM

Like a previous comment, anyone who does not consider themselves lucky to have wached Tiger Woods play golf is not a true fan ofthe sport.

Also there is no one that can replace him, not at this time, yes there are other golfers who have there day in the sun but they are not consistant.

I look forward to his return in 2009 WHEN he has made a full recovery.