Phil Is Not A Tiger

Phil Michelson has been thrust into the role of golf's savior because of the actions of his arch nemesis Tiger Woods. Tiger has been vilified for his infidelity and Phil has been anointed a saint for being a family man and standing by his wife and mother in their time of need. I applaud Phil for his courage in handling adversity, but the golf world is setting him up for failure. Phil is not the athlete of the decade. Tiger vs. Phil is not really a rivalry. Phil has had 13 years to prove he is Tiger's equal and has fallen miserably short. It's one thing to win as a feel good story every once in a while but it's entirely different to have the expectation of winning every tournament. At the end of the day sports is about winning, not inspirational events. If Phil had the pressure on him that Tiger faces he would melt like an ice cream cone in the middle of the Mohave Desert. Tiger was built for this, groomed for greatness since he was 3. Phil is a victim of circumstance and in way over his head as golf's poster child. TV ratings don't go through the roof when Phil is in contention going into the final round. Phil is a good golfer, but Tiger is the greatest ever. Let Phil have his time for now, but don't anchor a golf tour around him.