The Tiger Woods Phenomenon: A Dominating Force in Golf

Tiger Woods has achieved unprecedented success in his career, winning four major championships in a record-breaking short span. His dominance has led to a situation where other top golfers, including Ernie Els and David Duval, feel they have no chance to win unless Woods is off his game. Woods' impressive statistics, including a 57% win rate in his last 23 tournaments and a record 19-under score at the British Open, have left his competitors frustrated and wondering if they'll ever be able to beat him.

Key Takeaways:

• Tiger Woods has won 13 of his last 23 tournaments, or 57 percent, the highest win rate in his career.
• He has won 14 times since January 1, 1999, the last time any player won 14 tournaments in two years being Jack Nicklaus in 1972-73.
• Woods has achieved a record 19-under score at the British Open, the best against par in the history of majors.
• Ernie Els and David Duval, two of the world's top golfers, have struggled to keep up with Woods' pace, with Els snapping at reporters to focus on his own good game after being asked about Woods' recent win.
• Phil Mickelson has also struggled to find consistency against Woods, who has become a mental burden for his competitors.
• Woods' coach, Butch Harmon, believes he has only reached 75% of his potential, which explains his occasional losses and is a frightening thought for his competitors.
• Many top golfers are starting to wonder if they'll ever be able to beat Woods, with some feeling that it's no longer worth trying unless he's having an off day.

Statistics:

• Woods has won 14 times since January 1, 1999, a streak that shows no signs of slowing down.
• His 57% win rate in his last 23 tournaments is the highest of his career.
• He has achieved a record 19-under score at the British Open, the best against par in the history of majors.
• Woods has won 3 of the last 4 majors, with the exception being the 1999 Masters.
• His average score in majors is significantly lower than that of his competitors, a testament to his incredible skill and dedication.

Sources:

• "Tiger Tees Off on the Field" by Casey Mulligan, The State (Columbia, S.C.), no date.
• Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services.