TIGER BY TEN :

The Field Strikes Back at Woods (CLIFTON BROWN, June 16, 2002, NY Times)

[W]hat could have been a cakewalk for Woods has become a formidable challenge. Woods and Garcia will be paired together in the final group of a major championship for the first time, a pairing that will be both charismatic and a potential lightning rod for controversy.

Garcia became a target for the galleries today after his round on Friday, when he appeared to make an obscene gesture toward hecklers and complained later about the wet playing conditions. Garcia even suggested after Friday's round that had Woods been on the course that afternoon - he had teed off in the morning - the United States Golf Association would have halted play.

Although Garcia left a note of apology in Woods's locker today, hecklers do not always forgive and forget. But with a major championship at stake, both Woods and Garcia hoped that nothing outside the ropes would affect what happened inside them.

"I've said all week, there's nothing wrong with the fans showing enthusiasm, just as long as they're respectful," Woods said. "Sometimes, the fans have crossed the line, and that's unfortunate.

"It's also unfortunate Sergio made a mistake yesterday, and I think he's probably the first to admit that. That's the way it happens. The fans are charged up. The players are charged up. I just hope tomorrow the fans are excited but respectful, not only to myself and Sergio, but to all the players."

Two quick thoughts on the Open :

(1) That's the worst Tiger is capable of playing in a Major and he's still ahead by four. He'll win by ten.

(2) After all the rigamarole about the "People's Open", could these golfers and announcers stop whining about the "unruly" crowds. Hey fellas, grip it and rip it. The ball isn't even moving for cripes sake. Can you imagine Barry Bonds stepping out and asking the crowd to quiet down so he can concentrate on a 97mph fastball from Randy Johnson?

Posted by Orrin Judd at June 16, 2002 12:15 PM