Does golf need a John McEnroe (Read On)?

Question

Think about this. Tennis was at it's peak in the yrs of McEnroe and Jimmy Connors 2 controversal maniacs. The fact is controversy draws crowds. If golf had a controversal star would it's popularity increase. Yes golf has Tiger but would controversy help more?

Simply put does golf need a real life Happy Gilmore?

Answer 1

I think the fans have more fun witnessing a guy who can pull off some of the craziest shots in the toughest of circumstances rather than a guy who hits a bad shot and goes crazy. Half the reason you don't see anybody lose it on the PGA Tour is because if they do, their chances at winning the tournament go down the drain because golf is all about mental stability. That is why Tiger is so good. All of these guys can hit the shots, Tiger just has the nerve to do it when he has to.

Answer 2

They almost had it with John Daly

Answer 3

First of all, to the true sports purest golf is not a sport, it's a hobby!  lol  I know I'm going to get nailed for this but Tiger Woods is so much better than the rest of the world I don't think golf needs a Johnny McMouth or a Connors to hype the sport.  After all in golf you don't hit the balls at one another.  

Golf has it's "blue blood" following and every once in awhile us common folk get to see something exceptional.  This US Open has had it's sub plot with Tiger's knee.  The real drama was late yesterday and today.  Since golfers only really compete against themselves I can't see any "one on one", knock down drag outs in the near future!

Answer 4

As great as it would be to see a Happy Gilmour out on the greens, I think golf is doing fine as is.  Have you been watching the US Open?  Its been pretty exciting, and I haven't seen anybody beat up Bob Barker.

Answer 5

Golf is a gentlemans game.

Answer 6

It doesn't fit the game because McEnroe always was in the officials' faces complaining about calls.  There aren't a whole bunch of calls in golf - one usually calls infractions on oneself.

There are some guys out there raising Cain - Sabatini, for example, but the vibe with Rory is that he's a jerk.  Poulter with his funky looks, Daly with his multitude of personal problems add some controversy but it seems to be the boring factor of folks like VJ, Davis Love, Phil are par for the game.  

Tiger is the straw that stirs the drink (thanks Reggie!) and he's the guy.  Ain't it great he's so darn good and exciting?

Answer 7

No what golf needs is someone to rival Tiger.  Tiger is great but Jack had others who pushed him to finish strong.  Tiger should have lost today but instead players collapse.  If you look back at Jack's record, the majors he won is incredible but the number of times he came in second is what makes him truly great.  People will look back and say was Tiger that great or did this guys choke by shooting Plus scores on the last round.