by michael
The sponsors are happy as long as Tiger is playing in the last group. Nicklaus finished 2nd 19 X's in majors and he was their selling agent then. Palmer, Snead, Hogan, Jones in the decades preceding as prizes increased. The game has been around for 400 years and will be around a little longer than even Tiger.

by Kenny Brown
I have watched golf and followed the tour for the better part of 25 years and there is no question that the purses have increased due to the Tiger factor. This does not mean that the game is better, in fact it may have hurt the game. People watching just to be watching is good for sponsors, not the game of golf. Corey Pavin winning at Shinnacock was just as good a tournament to me as Tiger wining at Pebble in 2000. If you love golf, you will watch. If you don't watch because Tiger is not leading, you are just riding the bandwagon anyway. There are too many so-called golf fans that can tell you everything about Tiger, but don't know who Bobby Jones, Sam Snead, Byron Nelson, or Ben Hogan were. These gentleman were as important to the game as anyone has ever been and none of them had a $25 million yacht or multi million dollar endorsement deals. They played for little money and little fame, they simply played because they loved the game.

by Steve Edwards
Yes, they (all other golf professionals) may have to thank Tiger for the large purses that have come along, however we still have to fill the remainder of the field and he still has to beat them and play good enough to win, This is not the first time in history that an unknown has beaten the favourite and will not be the last.

by Ann
You might like to remind many of those cranky pro-golfers who publicly complained about Tiger's latest tournament, the attention he gets, or sneering disrespect. I'm reasonably sure that you also know who they are and these grown men actually have children.
Those pros don't have to like Tiger Woods, but might show a modicum of respect at least while the cameras are rolling ...
Envy is not ever attractive.
Thanks

by Michael Levy
The game of golf reflects the game of life and both are unpredictable. At one time Woods was unknown and he came out of the pack to become the star that shines brightest today. Long may open championships remain open to everyone who dreams he or she can becomes a Tiger on the golf course.
In Love & Joy
Michael Levy. Professional Optimist
pointoflife.com/
"Education is both a curse and blessing for humanity. Unfortunately, too many live the curse."_Michael Levy.

by Derek Starling
Your comments on Angel are typical of a publication focussed on the US market.
If you looked further afield or even took the time to look back at his career he has won some decent tournaments elsewhere in the World.
Formula 1 racing became boring with Michael Schumacher winning everything and while I am a great admirer of Tiger its great for sport to see other players winning majors.

by Tom
You're partially right about Tiger having an impact on the amount of money the PGA now awards its winners. But at least half of the people who watch the tournaments tune in to see Tiger lose. But that's okay, too. He's drawning the crowds/audiences, one way or the other. It doesn't really matter who they're rooting for, as long as they are watching.But to say when he wins it's good for golf...well, I'm not so sure. Just like wrestling has its bad boys that people like to see lose...like radio has its Howard Sterns that people love to tune in to hate, a lot of people tune in to watch Tiger lose.

by patty
wrong pal, it does not matter, in fact there was a golf pool and my hubby had cabera (can't even spell his name) but guess what, we were rooting for him. I had Sabatini- so I rooted for him.. it is like watching the East West games, did not know any of the players, so just wanted to see some good basketball. Thus, I am not a Tiger Fan- in fact it is sorta cute when he grumps arounds the course.. thanks for listening but you are wrong this time,. I would watch golf even without Tiger or Phil... before it was Arnie and Seve anyway

by patricia
The much maligned Ms. Wie would no doubt have a similar effect should she start to win, even occasionally. It's not just playing well, it's playing well with star power. There are a number of LPGA players who realize this, the ones who really want to see bigger money in LPGA events. They welcome her to any tournament she wants to play in...and probably really hope she does well too.

by Gary Larrabee
Fact: The PGA Tour would be mighty bland without the Tiger/Phil factors.
Fact: Tiger is the one man directly responsible for the huge increase in purses over the last decade.
Fact: The purses will shrink once Tiger slows down or retires.
Fact: The golf diehards will always watch, but it's the fringe elements who make the Tour part of our sports culture in 2007 because they want to watch Tiger play and win!
Gary Larrabee