McIlroy Climbs Beyond Greatness, as Tiger Diminishes Into Darkness

His stylish attire, of course, emblazoned in his greenish golf shirt with blue and white stripes and the Nike logo on it, was more attractive than his game itself. The afternoon was elegant, on the day the beautiful venue was engaging as the creeks flowed nicely, as the azaleas blossomed and as the leaderboard was ever so changeable at Augusta National, a refreshing scene for the Masters annual event.

But this time, even if Tiger Woods can amazingly return to normalcy and take the smoothest path to polish as the world's most popular athlete, the afternoon was anything but lovely or kind to Woods, an unhinged golfer trying to reestablish a renewed status. So just like that, faster than he swears angrily or tosses his iron stick in frustration into the creek and engages in obscenity, Woods is on a mission towards not only repairing his tattered image, but also winning another major title in pursuit to shatter Jack Nicklaus' record-setting 18 titles.

In a forgiven country, after he notoriously opposed that he was above any wrongdoings as we truly believed he was the most spotless athlete on the planet, Woods is ready to move forward and clear his name of guilt. In the meantime, we are long past the feel-sorry-for-Tiger stage when he has clearly faded, wilted and declined. We are left guessing and debating if Woods can ever win another major title, even if he's well past his prime and has a slight chance in reemerging into a prominent name in an insipid sport. He was supposed to be a cure for an uneventful sport, but in truth, he needs a win to heal from the dreadful memories of a grisly sex scandal that forayed into his personal life and revealed his double-life.

The point is, he hasn't been spectacular ever since he suffered a hideous downfall in his lifetime, no longer perceived as the immaculate role model with modest family values running an educational center for children. It's hardly nice for the popular face of the sport to deteriorate, an event qualified not only as uninteresting but feeble without the famous Woods, despite his surprising sins that placed his marriage in tatters.

The recent trend of pursuing a title at Augusta has shrunk and, as usual, he seems forlorn in the sport he once dominated. In a complex sport, with all the applause he accepted from zealots in the galleries, he has fallen from grace and has been the only athlete who couldn't redeem or refrain from public humiliation. By any logical perceptions, it's hard to envision Woods returning to usual form when it looks as if his remarkable, dazzling reign has come to an end. With all evidence of historic feats and milestones no other golfer in this era can replicate, comes an awful ending to his precious career, a livelihood that finished so badly after diminishing as the iconic figure amid the scandal.

When he arrived to Amen Corner, a famous crossroad and locale at Augusta National where a restful cabin with a stone chimney hidden in a cluster of trees, azaleas and dogwoods and where spectators can sit in portable seats and witness shots to the 11th hole, 12th hole, tee shots and second shots on the par-5 No. 13, he was welcomed with a warm reception. And seemingly, the crowd was cheering and glorifying Woods when he walked into Amen Corner, a location on the course that should rightfully so be renamed to Tiger's Corner for the spectators powerful roars.

The demise of one of the greatest golfers all-time is gradually in existence, an evident footnote that Woods doesn't have the swagger to seize control of the leaderboard. It's the Masters in Augusta, an atmosphere where Woods has been winless since 2005, and particularly his inability to compete efficiently and intimidate opposing golfers is killing his capability and potential fearsomeness. There is no doubt in our minds that Woods is precisely more potent on a video game released featuring the embattled athlete, unsuccessful in finding his mojo to contend for another green jacket.


The theory was for Woods to rid the uncertainty of his personal scandal and relight his dominance to reclaim invincibility. It's foolish not to realize that every dynasty eventually recedes, but a legacy usually carries on. Nobody aside from Woods believes that his legacy will remain intact, a reputation in tatters after a sequence of allegations from a sex scandal. Nobody respects Woods as a person, let alone his talent. Nobody, that is, seems intimidated or fearful in competing against Woods. Nor, for that matter, has anybody backed down.

For now, at age 35, he's numbered and vulnerable to falter against anybody. Almost obviously, it's not certain that he'll past Nicklaus for title No. 19 in the near future, but if anything, will retire well shy of an honorable plateau in the sport. That alone would definitely put an end to the draining gibberish about his recent infidelity and transgressions on his ex-wife. Though he is on pace to reach a sumptuous mark, he owns 14 major titles in the twilight period of his career, aiming to return to greatness by amending his woes and doing everything he can in the upcoming competitions.

In these Masters, on the afternoon when Woods played horrible and never delivered to ease much of the tension, Rory McIlroy, the 21-year old kid, shot his best ever Thursday -- accounted for seven birdies and no bogeys in an easy 7-under par 65. He climbed the leaderboard with a 65 and stayed in the lead until Woods' sleeper at a major championship Y.E. Yang managed to gather a 7 under but then bogeyed 17 and 18. On the eve before the first round, McIlroy ventured to a shopping mall in Augusta and bought a football.

In front of his rented Augusta home, he was tossing the ball around with a few friends and then eventually a neighbor came out. For McIlroy, who has quickly emerged among many at the Masters, his chances of fitting for a green jacket is probable with victories on both the PGA and European tour. Therefore, he is composed and prepared for the challenge mentally when many inexperienced golfers in the unfriendly confines at Augusta National, a place where the winds blow intensely and where the greens for the players could be difficult to master, lacks composure and aplomb.

This year, he didn't miss the cut. And he never finished lower than 20th. That happened in 2008, during his disappointing lapse. His visit at St. Andrews in last year's British Open was greatly impressive and it represented European golf in many ways. That is when he shot a 63, an 80 the following day and 60 for two rounds, finishing third -- and now in the Masters, he is awe-inspiring. Better than Woods, he played brilliantly and as well as Rickie Fowler and Jason Day, a pair of young players with bright futures in a strategic sport.

Unbelievably, Day shot even-par 72 and Fowler, splendid on the fairways in the Masters, birdied four of the final five holes to card a 70. Stylish on the day, McIlroy wore sunglasses on the back of his cap and played proficiently like no other. As for fashion, Fowler won the contest, dressed in green completely that attracted much attention. It's rational to believe that Woods and Mickelson aren't the dynamic duo the nation adores watching as we embrace the newfound era of skilled players.

Suddenly, the elite golfers, such as Phil and Tiger are plunging -- on the course, on the fairways at Augusta, not the main attraction in April but the two high-profile faces of Augusta National in oblivion. Without even being heckled or harassed by a plane carrying a banner overhead, in what was supposed to be a year that he cure the painful thoughts of disadvantages, he shot a 71 in the first round, a customary trait lately but never climbs back into contention.

And he won't come back this year either, if he continues to miss putts. His archenemy, Mickelson, the defending champion, began with seven consecutive pars and carded 70, making a birdie from the pine straw right of the fairway. But where he gaffed was by driving it into the bushes left of Rae's Creek, a shot that almost rolled in a birdie putt before it rested for a par.

These days, Woods just isn't the same untouchable, intimidating guy. Maybe we can trust in McIlroy. This could be the moment he shines. This could be the next celebrity in golf. Bye, Tiger. Hello, McIlroy??

Phil Mickelson Resonates the Happiest Ending With Wife Amy

In a week when all the brouhaha surrounded Tiger Woods, how he’d respond and contend in his return to the course for the first time since the ghastly sex scandal was an ultimate concern, which deterred any optimism of an inspirational ending at Augusta.

This was an event consisting of infatuation, converting into a public scene with the world’s greatest golfer finishing fourth after returning from a five-month, chaotic hiatus.

In a sport that needed a touching story, Woods uplifted humanity as spectators applauded him everywhere he walked on the course, ecstatic that he returned and recovered from the hellish months.

But in the end, the focus of attention at the Masters wasn’t Woods’ stupendous comeback or potty mouth that ignited an outburst and begot a fuss. Rather, all the recognition turned to Phil Mickelson, a famous golfer and Woods's nemesis who won his third Masters by three strokes.

As much as Tiger hijacked the scene with his eye-opening first two rounds in the midst of his jarring status on-course and everyday life in general that is mired in tumult, all spectators dismissed the soothing and heartwarming opportunity Mickelson had finalizing an inspirational storyline at the Masters.

Amy Mickelson, Phil’s wife, was diagnosed with breast cancer and has been battling the deadly disease with chemotherapy sessions and resting in hospital rooms petrified. Never has jubilation exposed much emotion at Augusta National, endless tears of happiness and romantic hugs and kisses between a husband and wife, whom battled through adversity the last year.

It was the first time in 11 months that Amy traveled to witness her husband deliver a special win, collecting his third green jacket. She dripped tears behind the 18th green, proud of Phil’s accomplishments in a golf tournament he almost eagled three consecutive times Saturday, which gave him a cushion heading into the final round Sunday.

There’s no longer much conversation surrounding Tiger’s potty mouth or sex scandal that has marked his image to some extent. There’s no longer much gossiping about Woods affairs with mischievous bimbos, deceiving his wife, Elin, of his infidelity.


As of now, Mickelson captures adulation by winning his fourth major championship, finally capitalizing on the grandest stage.

It’s almost a glance at redemption, rebounding from a horrendous collapse at the Masters a year ago when he gaffed on the final day of competition. But this time, he prevailed seizing an inexplicable moment. His ailing wife cried when he rolled in his final shot, warm and delighted with her husband’s dramatic turnaround, in which he had finally sustained immortality.

Last year at the U.S. Open, he vowed to win at Bethpage Black and receive the grand prize to place it near Amy’s hospital bed, but dropped and stumbled against Lucas Glover. Four years ago, Mickelson was en route of capturing a victory at the Open, but ill-advisedly blundered in the tee box on a stroke that bounced off a tent.

Over the years, he has been unfortunate, descending in the late stages to lose out on a major championship. There were many rooting for him, even though Woods was pampered with much eulogy.

In the galleries, there were friendly fans pulling and cheering on Mickelson, every time he teed off on the fairways. It was fascinating that he was fearless and unflappable, slapping a shot between two trees on 13, leading to a birdie that organized a win.

The imagery from Mickelson was sentimental, suddenly at ease with fewer afflictions and a problematic crisis that has battered a distress family. In reality, he soothed a difficult scenario to bear with, building upon inspiration in his highest and most meaningful win of his golfing career.

Some will admit that Mickelson’s win resonated the sweetest sporting story in ages, relighting happiness for his wife and mother, who are both fighting breast cancer. This tournament has typified a memorable finish at the 2010 Masters, as many embraced Woods of contending in his return, but also viewed a romantic panorama at the end between Mickelson and Amy.

“I want to recognize my family,” Mickelson said. “My wife has been through a lot this year, and it means so much to us to share some joy together. She’s an incredible wife and an incredible mother, and she has been an inspiration for me this past year in seeing what she went through. I’m so happy that she and our three kids are here. It was such an emotional week, and I’m having a hard time putting it into words.”

Later, Mickelson talked more about his wife’s health status, in which her prognosis seems hopeful and promising of an enduring and healthier status. But cancer is an obscure illness that has a chance of reoccurring, despite experiencing chemotherapy.

“It’s been tough. It’s been tough,” Mickelson said repeatedly. “As I’ve said, we are fortunate long term, but the meds that she has been taking have made it very difficult, and she didn’t feel well. She doesn’t have energy, and she’s just not up for a lot of what this tournament can provide.

"To walk off the green and have her here to share this moment and share the joy of winning on 18 and to share this with my kids is something we’ll look back on the rest of our lives. This means so much to us, the jubilation. It’s very emotional. I don’t usually shed tears over wins.”

It’s not about the win, but it’s the magnitude of the win. He pulled it off for his uptight family, encountering anxiety and heavy burdens, unsure of a treacherous health condition involving a wife to a popular golfer and his children.

Long ago, Mickelson was criticized for lapsing in tournaments during Tiger’s absence, a point within a prominent pursuit that he presumably could have obtained winnings and eminence.

For a long period in time, Mickelson has been enveloped in the company of Woods, who has been saluted as an iconic golfer and the greatest athlete, stealing stardom with the sudden impact he delivers in the sport, even though he slept with damn near every waitress, stripper, porn star, and any other bimbo.


But now the noticeable transformation in golf happens to be Mickelson’s emergence at perfect timing. He hijacked the scene by reducing much hoopla about Woods. The title of best golfer in the world will always belong to Woods, but in the meantime, Mickelson is the best golfer with a monumental defeat to break away from the worrisome struggles that delayed fruition in prior major tournaments.

“Phil, I’m proud of you,” Masters chairman Billy Payne told him at Butler Cabin.

We’ve seen Mickelson at striking distance, at his very best in these Masters. In such a high-spirited mood, he fired a shot that landed within three feet of the hole, fueled with his unstoppable momentum and aggressive strokes.

In striking distance, Mickelson missed the putt, which would have been his third eagle in two days, but reprieved by making a birdie and possessing a two-shot lead over Lee Westwood and Anthony Kim, the 24-year old golfer who climbed the leaderboard in the late rounds.

Meanwhile, Mickelson pulled it off, not just for himself, but his wife. In what seems like a late win, it wasn’t too late for Amy. Seems an inspirational scene uplifted spirit at Augusta, when a committed, selfless golfer wins it for his lovely family.

That is, Phil, of course.

Tiger Engages in Obscenity to Lose Composure as Phil Mickelson Rises

It was a radical shout, heard with intense emotions and limited composure of Tiger Woods when he’s frustrated and delivers a poor performance. Not sure why spectators are stunned with his symbolic demeanor when he has a setback and lapses at the worst possible time. He can get away with foul language, but has clearly forgotten to tone down the profanity, in a sport most citizens perceive him as the influential model, even after his despicable and grotesque scandal.

Earlier in the week, he was the same man who constantly mentioned and overstated at times, that he was aiming to lead by example and have “respect for the game” in his return to the Masters. If so, he wouldn’t have engaged in obscenity at Augusta, on the beautiful surface where spectators welcomed Woods back with continuous standing ovations, thrilled of his fast recovery and mental approach on the game. This is clearly a staggering scene, surviving five months of hell with undying turbulence, which doomed his image and put a marriage in bedlam.

As he continues to intrigue us all, still in position to win his first title at the Masters in five years, Woods created uproars in his recent outburst on Saturday. This is something the crowd never anticipated, unless an individual who deeply despises him ever since his sex scandals stained believability. But more than anything, Woods wasn’t even supposed to be anywhere near contention, let alone sound off vulgarly at the mouth. If there’s one awful thing to scold Tiger about, it would be his pathetic language, which leads to trouble and creates an animus argument.

Eventually, we come to an understanding that he really didn’t mean any harm, later apologizing for his unnecessary swearing. From his struggles Saturday, it may have dictated Tiger’s fate, in which he may not win after all. From losing his composure, he’s no longer the favorite of fitting for a green jacket after an errant tee shot on six. While almost every one is rooting for Tiger and turning a sporting event into a publicity scene, Tiger is suffering from another collapse, presumably losing his touch when he bogeyed and started yelling “TIGER WOODS, YOU SUCK!”

Off to a brilliant start, a credible Woods presented an astonishing landscape at Augusta National, the center of attention everywhere he walked on the course. At a refreshing scene, in a friendly environment, Woods was greeted and cheered by thousands, but stumbled in the third round. In a week that he was given much adulation, he finally faltered in the critical round of the Masters, needing to recapture poise and dignity. And if so, he’ll enlarge stability and mental capacity to expectedly contend by Sunday afternoon.


His arrogant mouth has gotten him in trouble at the prominent golf course, on brink of losing again at the Masters, where he has had misadventures in recent memory. He has drawn more attention by bickering, rather than keeping his vow to minimize swearing on-course and maintain his ill-temper behavior of exploding in the midst of a triumphant moment. He has a potty mouth, a dirty mouth, once again acting out of character.

Rather than thinking before he reacts, Tiger reacts before thinking. In these Masters, he has experienced a frustrating round, falling to his nemesis Phil Mickelson. Maybe this is his time to take home a green jacket, ousting a five-shot deficit and has climbed the leaderboard as the top contender for his third green jacket. There’s Lee Westwood, currently at 12-under par and atop the leaderboard at Augusta, with Mickelson only five shots behind after making back-to-back eagles on 13 and 14.

Any golfer could rise into contention at this point. Woods seems to be suddenly declining, losing morale on a day where nothing worked in his favor. He was angry that a shot fell short of the flag, rolling 12 feet down a hill and rested in an unfavorable spot on the green. He was forced to take another shot, but even worse than before, it rolled past the hole and missed for a par.

Then, he bogeyed and dropped to 6-under. That was enough to make an irritable Tiger scream out loud, and curse in despair. Never did he toss his iron stick, but he was infuriated with himself, scowling, and screaming when he lapsed. Throughout the day, Woods became angrier, never finding his way back, but somehow managed to salvage his to third. By the seventh round, Tiger was agitated and fatigued with his struggles, mad with the world and himself. When he arrived at the 18th hole, the spectators applauded Woods, despite his ill-tempered attitude.

Is Tiger sure he’s a form of Buddha?

Mickelson Falls Short, But With Spirit, Heart Still a Winner

Well, it didn’t finish as planned. Courtesy of hearten humanity, spectators gathered to embrace emotional triumph for Phil Mickelson in support of his wife’s battle with breast cancer. Spectators were longing to witness an epic encore of Tiger Woods’ electrifying playoff win at Torrey Pines a year ago, shortly before spending eight months recovering from reconstructive knee surgery.

Now, those same fans are shocked out of this world, as he failed at capturing a major title for his first time in a full year. Even an improbable closure by David Duval would have profiled a good story at the U.S. Open, where rainy days and suspended play washed out the top-notch players as the masses were aiming for either inspiration or popularity.

Popularity belonged to Tiger, as inspiration belonged to Phil.

They are two players who have captivated our minds, hijacking our time of which we distinguished and braced Tiger and Phil on each PGA Tour, where they have excelled tremendously.

But on this particular day that tested momentum in the arrival of Ricky Barnes and Mickelson’s near-emotional win, an impetus Lucas Glover prevailed in the finale of five long days to converge at the closure and captured only the second victory of his PGA Tour career. He won with excellent poise, and attained a long-awaited dream, bashing Mickelson’s inspiring story that touched hearts of many, encouraging a win for his wife Amy. The heartfelt story almost occurred in the grandest moment of Mickelson’s career and was close to achieving his most memorable win.

One reason is for the fans' reactions, sharing their strong support. On several different occasions, the crowd roughly cheered on a feel-good story, confident of his chances. When he walked to the 15th tee, half of the crowd sprinted down the hill to get a close view of his shot off the tee, anything for a man coping with his wife’s illness. The generous fans were caring, waiting for him to arrive at the ceremony hoisting the silver.

Instead, Glover was presented with the silver cup. He was the deserving winner, surviving exhaust and long-suffering days and surprised us all with the improbable finish. You probably had in mind that Woods was going to defend his title, assuming you didn’t have in mind that he would finish this year with a major title.

If he had won, it would have being his 15thmajor title. And if Mickelson had won, it would have marked an illustrious moment of a lifetime. Unfortunately, Woods collapsed in the first-round, missing putts he normally makes to enthrall spectators viewing the scenes from the gallery. I have to think that this was Tiger’s worst performance of the PGA Tour.

Yes, heavy rains and soggy fairways played a part to his mudballs, but too many missed putts cost him the title, which was supposed to be the rebirth of Tiger. More than anything he was frustrated of his subpar play, and mentally and physically anguished of his constant struggles, he finished each of his three rounds in the 60’s.

Yet again, Tiger capped an identical number, closing out a frustrating loss with a 1-under 69. He was in trouble and lifeless in the first round, failing on the final four holes of his rain-slopped mudballs.

On the other side, Mickelson held poise, staying in contention on the final day. Only it would have been nice if he could have hoisted one for Amy, but he fell short of a win late in the final hour. He rose to the top of the leaderboard, seeking to present silver to his wife who's nearing her breast cancer treatment, was craving the cup in her hospital room. Playing with a heavy heart, Mickelson's style was relentless and stylish as his pinstriped pants. At the very least, all of them presented themselves with a known trademark. Ricky Barnes wore his painter’s hat and Woods wore his red Nike shirt, along with his usual Tiger Nike cap.

On this day, the world will embrace and present Glover with the silver, a journeyman rolling in an 8-footer on the par-4 16th hole, asserting a two-shot lead of Duval at Bethpage Black.

For some time, I picked Barnes to win the open, the renaissance of a gifted player. He hasn’t played profoundly in six years, and collapsed in the minor league Nationwide Tour. Even though I was pulling for Mickelson, and was emotionally disheartened about the terrible news of his wife’s health, it was rational to consider distributing the silver cup to Barnes.

For much of the day, fans chanted “Lets go Phil,” which were well deserved chants. On this glorious day, despite coming up short, Mickelson made a 35-foot birdie putt on the 12th hole and followed with an astonishing shot on the 13th hole, where he capitalized on an eagle.

Not bad for a guy battling through tragic moments in his life. It’s tough for a normal citizen, dealing with a spouse or anyone for that matter with an illness. There’s not a day that progresses without Mickelson worrying dearly about his wife’s health, which is why he set a goal entering the Open-WIN ONE FOR AMY.

So delighted were the fans, rooting for him, more than his arch nemesis Tiger Woods. Uh!

Yes, for once in the late stages of his career, Tiger was disregarded.

All of this was because of humanity, feeling sympathy for Mickelson. In reality, illnesses are something you never are ready to accept, and in reality Mickelson is dealing with an everyday predicament.

Winning was in his favor, but once he arrived to the 15th tee, mental lapses ended the dream. He stumbled, missing a critical par putt nearly three feet from the hole. At the 17th tee, the pressure suddenly struck Mickelson in front of New Yorkers, pledging and viewing heavily, with prayers he would finish on the biggest shot.

But he botched on the play that didn’t have enough velocity, and unfortunately rested short of the hole for his second bogey in three holes. It was agonizing to come so close of placing a trophy near his wife’s hospital bed.

Nevertheless, it’s the thought that matters, and diligence of playing with an urgent mindset. For Glover, it was beyond the most glorious win in his career, and historic, too. When people least expected him, he shocked the spectators in the galleries of Bethpage Black and became the second player in 25 years to win a major in which he had never made a cut, battering everyone’s chances including David Duval's.

Unlike last year, this year's tournament was crazy and battered by heavy rains. This year's tournament was about surviving sloppy weather conditions more than maintaining poise as a player.

Yes, poise worked in Glover’s final round, but that wasn’t always the results for others, such as Tiger, having to withstand unfriendly muddy greens, flooded fairways and sloppy results that ended a replication of last year. Weather indeed tested the player’s game, difficult elements to gain success within.

That said, kudos to Glover, managing to survive and excel in the unfriendly elements, which qualified a silver cup. The 29-year old fulfilled a dream of his own, never finishing in the top-10 of any major and missed the cut in each of his U.S. Open appearances. So, grabbing his first victory was historical, and unforgettable, I might add.

But spiritually, Mickelson accomplished a goal by playing for Amy.

That’s a winner and Amy, too.