Thank you Corey Pavin!

Since Tiger Woods returned to Golf after a brutal public cheating scandal and divorce with his wife Elin Nordegren, his game just has not been the same.  Frankly, he's stunk up the joint. 

Nevertheless, Woods has maintained the number one ranking in the world and after much speculation, U.S. Ryder Cup Team Captain used one of his Captain's picks to select Woods to this years Ryder Cup Team.
 
I say THANK YOU! 

Not because I want to see Tiger Woods demolish those punks from Europe (although that would be nice), but because I would like for the rest of the casual golf fans who hold on to every move Mr. Woods makes to tune into the Ryder Cup to see just how good the rest of the world is at Golf too.  And that includes some of Tiger's teammates.

Obviously Phil Mickelson is a very famous player, and rightfully so with his number 2 overall world ranking. 

But how many people are "fans of golf" and know names like Rory McIlroy?  Ian Poulter?  Lee Westwood?  These are some of the best golfers in the world, and all happen to be from the United Kingdom.

How about Bubba Watson?  Hunter Mahan?  Matt Kuchar?  Are we even aware that these players are American and will be wearing the Red, White, and Blue? 

Likely, the casual golf fan is familiar with these names, but has not seen these players up close and personal, or even really care to follow them.  They haven't seen the talent, skill, and depth of the quality golfers that the World can offer. 

Tiger Woods has done plenty for the game of Golf.  He's increased viewership, endorsements, sponsorships, and notoriety for all players.  But besides Mickelson, who else is truly a "star"? 

I think Corey Pavin's choosing to put Tiger Woods, and young phenom Ricky Fowler, says more about how popular the game of golf will become and has paved the way for a new star or two to be born!

Watch these players carefully.  Woods is not the only player bombing the ball 340 yards, as Dustin Johnson hits it that far after 9 beers.  Woods isn't the only one that can get on fire on the greens, as Lee Westwood can go on torrid birdie streaks like nobody else in the business.  Hunter Mahan is the most consistent ball striker in the entire game. 

And there is nothing else like the Ryder Cup.  The competition is fierce.  The pressure is intense.  Players tweak a different nerve with every back swing because one twitch or misread can be cause for defeat.  And your teammates depend on you. There's camaraderie, spirit, and pride that is worn on the sleeve of every participant.  Its not the Super Bowl, but it sure is better than any All-Star game I know of because it truly means something. 

Its time for the game of Golf to become more than a Tiger Woods show.  Putting Woods on the team will allow the world to tune into the Ryder Cup, and hopefully, the world will become raging fans with intrigue, mystique, and awe of the Ian Poulter's and Bubba Watson's the incredible talent they have to offer. 

On paper, the Americans are probably the underdogs.  But everyone will win if fans around the world realize Tiger is not the only one who can amaze a crowd.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Ryder Cup 2010: Tiger Woods chosen as wild card for US team (telegraph.co.uk)
• Woods & Mickelson 'could team up' (news.bbc.co.uk)
• No wins, no prob - Tiger picked for Ryder Cup (msnbc.msn.com)