Tiger Woods is clearly in decline. His left knee is chronically injured and is causing additional leg problems. His putting has significantly worsened. Tiger’s off-course incidents have eroded the mental edge that he had over his peers.
While he is only 35, the combination of physical and mental factors have caused a premature erosion of his skills. He only displays flashes of his old self.
The best outcome for golf is for Tiger to lose to a young player in a major. This will create a new superstar in golf overnight. The new generation will finally be seen as having arrived. The tournament would be talked about for years and be viewed as a generational moment.
The 1960 US Open shows how great this scenario can be. Ben Hogan was the biggest star in golf despite not winning a major in seven years. His leg injuries forced him to a part-time schedule. His putting had declined and he spent much of his time concentrating on making golf clubs.
Ben Hogan would battle with Arnold Palmer and a 19-year-old Jack Nicklaus for the title. On the double round, 36 hole, final day, he hit 34 straight greens in regulation.
His putting kept him from running away with the tournament. His downfall came on the 71st hole, as he tried to attack a tough pin and his ball spun back into the water.