Golf's best struggles at Bethpage, but it's not over till it's over

For the millions of Tiger Woods golf fans around the world, today there is disappointment that the No.1-ranked player in the world will perhaps fall short of winning his 15th major championship at the 109th U.S. Open.

While there are many disappointed in Woods' performance so far, after making it known the best of his era is my favorite athlete to watch, I have heard from several who are happy to see his name on the bottom half of the leaderboard.

Though not fully understanding why some like to see the best fail, it is the nature of the beast, and make no mistake about it, Tiger is a beast.

There are some that simply don't like Tiger, and though everyone is entitled to his or her opinion, it's hard for me to figure out.

Some have conveyed in conversations that Woods is cocky and arrogant, thinks he is better than everybody else, and so on and so forth.

I agree the man walks with a swagger and has all the confidence in the world, winning 67 professional tournaments at the age of 33 would have that type of effect on most of us, wouldn't it?

I mean my goodness, on days I hack around the course and shoot in the 70's, for two or three days I probably have a little bit of a swagger myself.

Being the best does have its disadvantages, and while Woods has his detractors, there is no one better in the world today.

No, he will not win every tournament he enters, but am I the only one to notice how far the television rankings drop, as does attendance at the events, when Woods isn't in the tournament?

Sponsors and PGA officials were surely chomping at the bit for Tiger to return from the knee injury that sidelined the best for nearly a year. Sure, there are other great players on tour, but nobody draws an audience like Woods.

Though Woods is in large part the reason I ever swung a club, I thoroughly enjoy watching others such as Phil Mickelson, Fred Couples, Ernie Els and Anthony Kim make their way around the course.

And yes, even though I will not miss nearly a minute of Woods in action, I do acknowledge too much attention is paid to him at certain times, like the U.S. Open.

Though far down the leaderboard, all the announcers seem to talk about on Saturday was Tiger, Tiger, Tiger. While it really didn't bother me, the haters had to be really upset. But, I guess at times being the best does have its advantages.

On Thursday afternoon I had the opportunity to sit down and talk to new Dyersburg head football coach Bart Stowe. After spending some time with the new skipper I liked what he had to say and believe Trojan football is in the very capable hands of a winner, both on and off the football field.

After leaving his office I even got a chill thinking the high school football season, as well as college, is right around the corner.

The sweltering heat of summer now upon us only means in a couple of months Friday nights under the lights will be here before we know it. Now that is something to get excited about, isn't it?

After a short break, getting back in the swing of things is refreshing. The time away was spent on the golf course, and while playing well over 100 holes in the heat was exhausting, getting back to work has me really excited.

And yes, having the No.1 pet back at home feels pretty good as well.

Have a great week.

Your comments are welcome at msmith@stategazette.com