America is a very divisive place in 2018. Well, at least that’s the case on social media. The right hates the left with a passion. The left hates the right with a passion. There are political, socio-economic, racial, and sexual orientation divides. One side tweets out an opinion. The other side attacks the tweet. An argument ensues, and most of the time, nothing is solved. Rinse and repeat.
What if I were to tell you that there was someone who could unite America? Specifically, what if I were to tell you that this someone was one of the most famous athletes of all-time? LeBron James? Tom Brady? Nope.
The athlete to unite America is Tiger Woods.
What transpired this past Sunday was magical. Tiger Woods, who is arguably the greatest golfer of all-time, entered the final round of the PGA Championship with a score of -8, which was 4 shots behind the leader (and eventual winner), Brooks Koepka. Tiger has not won a major since the 2008 U.S. Open. Frankly, it’s felt like it’s been more than 12 years since Tiger was true “Tiger.” The Tiger that became the most popular athlete on the planet in the mid-2000s has been a shell of himself lately due to personal problems and health issues. However, August 12, 2018, was different. Tiger turned back the clock like it was 2005 and reminded America what he could do if his game is on. The problems of the country become secondary when Tiger is in contention.
Once Tiger showed up to the course looking like this, it was a wrap.
The Sunday red shirt AND a backward hat? If I were competing that day, I would’ve gone home because I knew I didn’t stand a chance. It turns out that the field actually didn’t stand a chance (besides Brooks) as Tiger shot a final round -6 / 64, which was his lowest-ever final round in a major.
Just listen to this crowd. Who else even comes close to hearing those roars? In golf, no one. In other major sports? No one as well. Tiger Woods is in a league of his own.
No one moves the needle like Tiger. I can’t think of an athlete who has moved the needle more than Tiger in the past 30 years. You might have to go back to the days of Muhammad Ali to find an equal counterpart. The Tiger Effect is real. When Tiger is in the hunt at a major, the ratings are to the moon. It’s been years since Tiger was in contention, but last Sunday, Tiger had a legitimate shot to win, and all of the eyeballs were on him. Tiger Woods is the most powerful athlete in his sport, and it’s not even close.
Let’s go back to my original point. Tiger Woods can unite America because he has the ability to stop people of all races, colors, and creeds in their tracks and turn on the television. This isn’t just a sports fan talking. This is an American. If you were on Twitter this past Sunday, there were barely any political discussions. There was no hate being spread. It was only reactions to what people were witnessing on a golf course in St. Louis. Stephen A. Smith summed it up best in the video below.
You may love him. You might even hate him. But, you are going to watch him.
America needs Tiger Woods.
Follow me on Twitter @danny_giro
