Tiger on Top!

Tiger Woods is back on top of the golf universe after taming trash-talking Rory Sabbitini and the rest of the field at this past weekend’s Memorial tournament at Muirfield Village in Dublin, Ohio.

More importantly, it wasn’t just the fact that Woods won this past weekend, but how he won. The world’s best and most famous golfer finished with a scorching 5-under par 67 that included three birdies on his final four holes and one of the most improbable shots he’s ever hit in his illustrious career.

Woods nailed a chip-in wonder on 16 that left the legendary Jack Nicklaus in awe and the rest of the PGA Tour wondering … is Tiger Woods really back?

Nicklaus right about Tiger’s chip

Jack Nicklaus loves himself
some Tiger Woods.

None other than golf’s beloved legend Jack Nicklaus, called Tiger’s chip-in for birdie on the 16th hole at his own Memorial golf tournament, called it  "the most unbelievable, gutsy shot I've ever seen under those circumstances”. Now, if a legend like Jack Nicklaus, who has seen just about everything there is to see in the game of golf, says it’s the greatest shot he’s seen in a situation like the one Woods was in on Sunday, then who am I – or anyone else for that matter – to argue against the great ‘Golden Bear?’

Taming Tiger’s haters!

Tiger Woods is back on top of the golf world!

Apparently, a lot of people still hate the hell out of Tiger Woods for cheating on his now, ex-wife Elin a couple of years back – and I, for one, find it absolutely laughable that some poor souls have nothing better to do than to hold on to some silly hatred for a pro golfer that had extra-marital affairs. While in one sense, it’s laughable Eye On Sports readers, it’s also a sad statement about the depths of which people take their hatred toward others, even those they don’t personally know, in today’s ‘judge-first, ask questions later’ era.

My personal opinion is that whatever Woods decides to do with his personal life is his business, if he isn’t breaking the law and why should anyone care about what he does off of the golf course when he’s undeniably been the biggest driving force the sport of golf has ever seen.

Here’s a sample of the ‘hate’ I found online at various web sites since Sunday’s victory.

week in week out, we see guys fold like lawn chairs on sunday. woods got lucky. That's about it.

 - Danny

This $%# win means nothing. Sure Woods will gain some mo for Olympic, but golf is a very cruel game. I guarantee that he still doesn't believe in his swing enough to win at that track. The 2nd at 16 Sunday was every bit as much about luck as it was skill. At Olympic Woods won't get away with errant tee shots like he did Sunday at 16. 

 - provee

This is Not Considered a Win, enless Tiger wins the U.S. OPEN or a Major tournament not these bubblegum games.

 - JSure

He is done.......weak field at Memorial. He'll choke come US Open.

 - mthold

Once again Eye On Sports readers, I’m thinking Woods’ detractors need to get a life!

Tiger’s Troubles!

Eye On Sports says Tiger
Woods may never regain his
former, world-wide dominance.

Sure, he’s in the midst of rebuilding his career – and his personal life after both fell apart shortly after his Thanksgiving Day debacle nearly three years ago, but I’m going on record right now to say that Woods will likely never regain the dominance – and intimidation factor – that he once held over every other golfer on the face of the planet.

Don’t go having a cardiac arrest or anything Eye On Sports readers, but dare I say, Woods looks … ordinary.

What's your take on Woods and his struggles to regain his previous form? Sound off in the comments section.

Tiger’s Trek to the Top!

Tiger Woods may not have won this past weekend at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, finishing two strokes behind winner Robert Rock after leading the field heading into the final round.

While a 54-hole lead for Tiger was once considered money in the bank, no one that witnessed last weekend’s event doubts that Tiger is well on his way back toward the top of the golf universe.

Hell, even Rock, who won for just the second time in his European Tour career, was mostly surprised to have beaten Woods – and second place finisher Rory McIlroy.

"It's pretty hard to believe that I managed to win," Rock said. "I'm very surprised. It's difficult playing with Tiger. You expect almost every shot to threaten to go in. There was a lot of pressure and I couldn't afford any lapses in concentration at all. It was hard work, but I'm very happy now."

Tiger’s Back, To Win at Least One Major in 2012!

Love him or loathe him, apparently Tiger Woods is quickly regaining the form that once made him the greatest golfer on the planet – and if you don’t believe me, just ask his own brethren who all agree that Woods looks fantastic.

“It looks like he's getting a lot of confidence back again,'' Stricker said. “It looks like the Tiger of old, really, and it's great to see. We need him out there playing, and playing well.''

“I think he is really 80, 90 percent back to his form again,'' Choi said. I'm very happy about playing with him tomorrow. Tiger is a good friend. He's got a very strong will. He's got the right mental attitude right now, and I think it's going to be a very fun day tomorrow.

“I watched him play a couple of holes today, and I was very impressed at the way he was swinging, at his rhythm, at the power he had,'' Choi said.  “It almost seemed like watching the old Tiger back in the day.''

I’m going on record right now to say that the fired-up Woods wins at least one major in 2012 – and possibly two.