The Masters: ‘It’s over, Tiger’

Stephen A. Smith, from ESPN’s flagship show First Take, is arguably America’s most influential sports commentator. Like E.F. Hutton — when he speaks, people listen.

That’s why the way he opened his show’s segment on The Masters on Monday spoke volumes. He looked into the camera, apologized for what he was about to say about his boy, Tiger Woods, and then, shaking his head with a countenance of dismay and disgust, declared:

It’s over.

Here’s what moved Stephen A to deliver that damning verdict:

Despite posting his highest round in his Masters career and his worst 72-hole score in a professional event, Tiger Woods said his return to Augusta National Golf Club was a “good week.”… Woods’ 72-hole total of 16-over 304 was last among the 60 golfers who made the 36-hole cut.

(ESPN, August 14, 2024)

That’s right. Woods came in dead last at a tournament he previously won five times. 

Woods, the master of self-delusion

Victories at The Masters make up most (five) of Woods’ fifteen major titles. That he played the worst golf of his professional career here is particularly telling. This should plaster the proverbial writing on the wall, large enough for even Woods to see.

Yet he is trying to convince golf fans that this was a good result. Frankly, that reeks of the kind of self-delusion that has Donald Trump trying to convince everyone that he won the 2020 presidential election.

Nevertheless, Woods’ saving grace is that he has a devoted and influential fan in Stephen A — who can speak truth to power without fear or favor.

Time to Retire, Tiger

For the past five years, the talk of every tournament Woods has entered has been all about him. Except that the focus has invariably been on his buff dad bod or on how chronic injuries were causing his poor play. And he appears perfectly happy with this sports narrative.

I began urging Woods to retire years ago. Because he seemed to be basking in his own fading glory while stealing the glowing glory of rising stars.

But I’m no Stephen A. Besides, Woods proved me wrong with a miraculous win at this very tournament in 2019.

Yet, since then, Woods has vindicated my attempt to speak truth to power. A BBC sports analyst affirmed my take last year when he famously said of his play at a tournament:

Oh yes, Tiger Woods — at least he didn’t come in last.

Well, he did come in last this time. And claiming he had a “good week” just makes him look weak.

Here’s hoping he finally heeds my call to stop embarrassing himself. This 48-year-old should retire from the PGA tour and spend the next two years rehabilitating his body.

Then, if he still wants to play professional golf, he should join the PGA Tour Champions (the senior golf tour).