Tiger Woods, the Greatest Ever? ?NOT!

Tiger is great but still a long way from claiming the title of "Greatest That Ever Played The Game". Although I do believe he is more then on his way to claiming that illustrious title, God willing. But until then, Slammin' Sammy Snead is my pick. That's right, not even Nicklaus.

If you look at the 11 win gap between Jack's 70 total victories and Sam's 81 and then figure Sam's total of 165 victories he claims, no one even comes close. Sorry Jack. Now figure in the shape of the courses today, the equipment and the level of competition and there is no doubt in my mind that Sammy is the man. Keep in mind, Sam played against, Byron Nelson and Ben Hogan -- all born the same year - they were considered the era's Big Three. Hogan amassed 63 total wins and Nelson won 52, putting both of them in the top 5 of the all time winners list. Does anyone really thing that Tiger's best competition today, is going to end up in that illustrious group? I think not.

Statically speaking there is a large gap between the top of the all time winners list that not even the great Walter Hagen bridges. Hagen, in 7th place with 40 wins, is eleven short of the 6th placeholder, Billy Casper. Eleven wins is an entire career for even a great player on the tour today. Again I ask you to look at the gap between number 2 on the list, Jack Nicklaus and Number 1, Sam Snead, eleven wins.

Even if you are the most vehement "Tigernite" or Nicklaus Nut, you have to admit, the real all time golf elite includes only a very few, 6 to be exact: Sam Snead, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Byron Nelson and Billy Casper. And Billy Casper gets my vote for the greatest player with the least recognition, by far.

Now I'm going to really tick you Tigernites off. My money says he never gets there. (However, I'm not betting the really big money) Why? I think he runs out of desire. The bigger he gets, the closer he gets, the more he wins, the more the pressure will build. If he has shown any weakness at all, it is his temper that occasionally gets the best of him. As the pressures mount, and with the glare of the media of today it will, I think that pressure will sooner or later wear him down. No, I'm not predicting he will go "postal" and toss a camera in a lake with the owner still attached, but I think the "fire in the belly" will dime. And if I am right, it will be a travesty to lose, not the greatest that ever played, but one of the greatest, that could have toppled "the" Greatest Player That Ever Lived, Sam Snead!

Only time will tell!

More Great Golf Stories at: http://www.sbmag.org/Golf_Stories/Great_Golf_Stories_Index.html

No permission is needed to reproduce an unedited copy of this article as long the About The Author tag is left in tact and hot links are included. Email floyd@sbmag.org.

Floyd Snyder is the founder and former owner of Executive Advertising, Camera Ready Art and Strictly Business Magazine. Currently he is the owner of Strictly Business Magazine at http://www.sbmag.org


AddThis Social Bookmark Button

In The News:


Washington Post

Golf Capsules
International Herald Tribune, France - Oct 9, 2008
Claxton and Browne, a three-time tour winner, had bogey-free 64s in sunny and warm conditions on La Cantera Golf Club's Resort Course. ...
Aussie Green seizes Texas Open golf lead AFP
Green leads the Texas Open RTE.ie
Green leads Texas Open The Gazette (Montreal)
The Press Association - Toronto Starall 270 news articles

Leishman leads by three at halfway in Nationwide WNB Golf Classic
PGA.com - 1 hour ago
Leishman, from Warnambool, a small, coastal Australian town with a fabulous golf course, had been playing well this year without getting the desired results ...
Leishman leads by three in Midland Sports Network
all 3 news articles

August Wilson's 'Radio Golf' finishes cycle
San Francisco Chronicle,  USA - 3 hours ago
Now, local audiences can complete the journey, with TheatreWorks' regional premiere of the last of the plays, "Radio Golf." And with Berkeley Repertory ...
August Wilson's century cycle comes to close in 'Radio Golf San Jose Mercury News
all 2 news articles

AFP

Valero golf tournaments raise record amount for charities
Bizjournals.com, NC - Oct 9, 2008
The Valero Texas Open and the Valero Benefit for Children Golf Classic have brought in a record $8.5 million for children’s charities. ...
Don't mess with Texans this week at Valero Texas Open - Golf ESPN
Valero Texas Open Raises Another Record Amount for Charity WELT ONLINE
Justin Leonard shooting for record fourth Valero Texas Open title WorldGolf.com
GolfObserver.com - Austin American-Statesmanall 119 news articles

Arizona Republic

Motorist crashes car into lake on Sun City West golf course
Arizona Republic, AZ - 9 hours ago
by Parker Leavitt - Oct. 10, 2008 10:32 AM Fire crews rescued a man around 9:30 am Friday after his car went into a lake at the Grandview Golf Course in Sun ...
Man drives car into Sun City West golf course lake YourWestValley.com
all 4 news articles

Galveston golf course prepares to open
Bizjournals.com, NC - 8 hours ago
Officials with the Moody Gardens Golf Course expect the facility to be back in the swing of things by the end of October. The island’s public golf course ...

Prep boys' golf: Steady star leads Dixie to fourth straight 4A title
Salt Lake Tribune, United States - 11 hours ago
By Maggie Thach MIDWAY - Dixie's McCoy Willey didn't have a strategy heading into the second round of the Class 4A state meet at Soldier Hollow golf course ...
High school golf: Dixie flies to 4th straight state championship Deseret News
Flyers dig in to win fourth straight state crown Desert Valley Times
Flyers 4A champs again; Thunder 8th in 3A St. George Daily Spectrum
Deseret News - St. George Daily Spectrumall 6 news articles

Prep boys' golf: Park City senior earns redemption with 3A title
Salt Lake Tribune, United States - 11 hours ago
Bell's score was the best of the two days of competition at Solider Hollow golf course, no matter the classification. He paced the Miners as they pulled ...
High school golf: Park City snares all the 3A hardware Deseret News
Kings of the course Park Record
High school golf: Park City claims 3A crown Deseret News
all 6 news articles

Tiger Woods playing ‘diaper bingo’ instead of golf
MSNBC - 10 hours ago
Woods was a baby himself when, spurred by his late father, Earl, he first picked up a golf club at the age of 6 months. Now, still only 32, ...
Tiger Woods 'progressing well' after surgery SportingNews.com
all 2 news articles

South Christian wins Division 3 golf regional
MLive.com, MI - 10 hours ago
PIERSON -- On a day when the wind whipped and scores were high, Jackie DeBoer conquered the golf course and distanced herself from the field at the Division ...
golf - Google News
Your Ad Here

Games at Buy.com

Holiday Home Store at Buy.com

How Important Is A Golf Fitness Program

A golf fitness program can make the difference between you optimizing your golf potential or playing the same frustrating golf you may be used to playing.It's no... Read More

What A Good Golf Workout Program Should Have

Golf workout program?with the exploding number of so-called golf experts these days it becomes very confusing and it is easy for a golfer to be misled and... Read More

Getting To The Core Of Your Golf Swing

At some point, almost all of us struggle with efforts to improve our golf game. Many will try videos, books, hours with a teaching pro, the newest... Read More

3 Easy Changes to Shave Strokes from Your Golf Game

Here are 3 easy golf tips that will immediately give you a better swing and improve your hitting! It did for me almost instantly once I got... Read More

Reluctant to Try Golf Instruction?

Maybe you or a friend had a negative experience with an instructor. It could have been a personality conflict or some other problem. Golf instructors are like... Read More

Who Invented The Game Of Golf?

Well, who actually did invent the game of Golf? The question has been asked and argued for many years with no true winner. Many countries have a... Read More

What are You Doing to Improve Your Golf Swing?

Improve your golf swing. You have probably tried everything, from following advice that worked for your friends to so called 'tips from experts.' So what else can... Read More

Guide To Buy Used Golf Clubs For Beginner Golfer

If you are just starting out to play golf, you should never buy a new golf club set immediately as you may discover that this game is... Read More

Ice Golf - Could You Stay Cool When The Heat Is On?

Ice Golf - only the coolest need apply!Want to try the ultimate golf challenge on a course where you'll have no trouble staying cool over even the... Read More

Strength Training For Junior Golf

Much debate has occurred about kids and strength training. There's been concern about growth plate damage. There's been discussion of whether it increases their likelihood of future... Read More

Why Golf Fitness Should Be A Priority

Golf fitness should be a priority for any golfer in the same way a visit to the dentist is for somebody with an aching tooth. In the... Read More

How To Achieve The Proper Golf Swing

Every golfer wants to know the magic secret to achieving the proper golf swing. One that is repeatable and produces results.If you have been trying to accomplish... Read More

The Perfect Golf Swing Is Within Your Reach

The perfect golf swing IS achievable for any senior golfer!Actually we have noted in our ongoing programs, a dramatic change in the quality of the games of... Read More

Mental Toughness Training for Golfers: How to Conquer Pre-Game Jitters

The first tee shot can often make or break a round because it sets up your performance on the first hole, which can have a bearing on... Read More

The 5 Keys To A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE Golf Pre Shot Routine You Can Learn Immediately

What I'm about to disclose to you in this article is an easy to follow, 'Step-By-Step' formula to having a highly effective pre shot routine. Every golfer... Read More

Mental Concentration, Golf, and You

All players, when they are concentrating on a stroke, are in some respects mad; for a second they become monomaniac; you are possessed with an idea that... Read More

Appreciating Your Core Golf Strength Will Improve Your Game

The core golf strength, unknown to many enthusiasts of the game is the conditioning and strengthening of the muscles in your body, which you use to play... Read More

Choosing a Golf Swing Training Aid

Golf swing training aid clubs are a great way to learn how to swing your golf club correctly and more powerfully. There are many different kinds of... Read More

Achieving The Perfect Golf Swing Drill

The perfect golf swing drill is a joy to behold. And yet it is not too hard to achieve.The perfect golf swing drill starts with a proper... Read More

Taking A Golf Lesson Isnt Always The Answer

Golfers will do anything they can in hopes to play better golf and hit the LONG ball. Am I right? Are you in this category? If so,... Read More

Golf Swing Simulators

Are you looking for a way to play golf during the sweltering days of some or the extreme cold days of winter? Try out one of the... Read More

Golf Vacation Schools ? Choose the Perfect Golf School Vacation for Your Game

Golf Schools, like golfers, come in all shapes and sizes. Don't make the mistake of attending any golf vacation school. Do your homework and find the right... Read More

Tips For Correcting A Golf Slice

Correcting a golf slice is the fastest way to shave strokes off of your golf game. Slicing a golf ball is one of the most common errors... Read More

Fitness Ball Training for Golf

There are many training tools available to help achieve better balance in your golf swing. The most effective way to improve balance is by training the core... Read More

Choosing the Right Golf Clubs

Planning on becoming the next Tiger Woods? If so, the first thing you might consider is getting some new golf clubs. Choosing the right golf clubs can... Read More

What Do Trees Have to Do With Golf?

On our way back from a recent round of golf, Fritz and I were discussing the way most golfers evaluate golf courses. We've had this discussion before,... Read More