I had originally posted this under a comment, but it was too complex to pass up. I am trying to not show any disrepect for his dominance.
If this article proves anything, it is that Tigger is the greatest combination of power and a short game in history.
In power he ranks with Nicklaus and Norman, but I can only think of someone like Tom Kite that has his efficiency on the short game of Tigger vs. his peers. (Notice he only quit winning in years that he putted at the average level of the other players.) Woods has benefited from growing up with the 60degree wedge, so yes his short game is better than Jack's.
A little history, In 1981 Tom Kite, put the first 60degree wedge in his bag after (Dave Pelz gave him one.) His record in his first 9 years 2 wins. The difference when he became the best Short Game Player. At 33 years of age he won 17 times in the next 12 years.
The difference in Woods and Kite is simple, he has the athletic ability to hit with a powerful high ball flight. Because of this ability to hit the ball high , like Jack, along with his short game and physical traits it makes his swing 4th in importance of his incredible success. God Given Talent, Not Mental! Jack dominated majors for this exact reason his entire career and clocked higher swing speeds than Woods.
Yes, his dedication played a major factor to his dominance, but it is more amazing to read stories about his short game and ability to power through his mistakes that other players could never hit.
His comment about about owning his swing makes me want to puke.
He is the epitome of not owning his swing. He never truly understood the reasoning or he would not have made the last two changes. The comparisons to the Media love "Hogan" still tickles me. Hogan had at best the 3rd best swing of his generation. Facts are this, Hogan didn't win until big until Nelson left and he beat Snead with his brain, read up on the equipment changes he implemented and the run he made afterwards, while Snead played with what Trevino and Player say were the worst clubs in history. That Hogan did this on his own and started Hogan Golf is by far the most impressive, thing I have ever read regarding a golfer.
Players that we have seen that owned the swing: Trevino, Nicklaus, and Furyk. They had a swing and understood how to adjust to issues that Tiger never has done. Tiger has "Never and Never Will" own his swing. Forget the numbers Haney screams. Compare Harmon's last 4 years and Haney's last 4.
Woods is the most gifted player of the modern era for sure, but his power is in my opinion is a few shades less than some of the past greats like Nicklaus, Norman and Snead. The difference with Nicklaus and the other two is that he was the only one that putted as well as Tiger. All three were much better ball strikers than Woods. As we know golf is a game of putting and power.
Tiger is a phenom and yes it is truly ridiculous that he changes his swing like he does. Tigger will keep winning for the next 10 years regularly and it does not matter if he imitates Bubba Watson or Rory, it really doesn't matter when you have the gift.
J
