Dave Pelz, the well-known short-game authority and mad scientist of golf, is one golf instructor that I respect tremendously.
As a former NASA engineer, Pelz supports his teachings with solid scientific research. It's not uncommon for him to have reams of data to back up his findings. For example, Pelz provided the statistical data that proves that putts rolled at a speed to exactly 17 inches beyond the hole have a higher probability rate of going in than putts hit at any other speed. He also conducted experiments that answered the age-old question, "Should you leave the flagstick in the hole or pull it out?" When Pelz says something about golf, you might as well just accept it as fact.That is, until last week. Uncharacteristicly, Pelz went on the record to make several totally unscientific claims:
"When Phil's at his best, I'm thinking nobody can beat him."What you talkin' about Willis?
[And that includes Tiger Woods?]
"You bet it does," Pelz said. "If Phil's long swing is good, his short game, I believe, is the best in the world. He doesn't have a serious weakness inside 150 yards.
"I'm not saying Tiger's short game is bad. He has a great short game. But I think Phil putts more consistently than Tiger does. He has more imagination and a few more shots around the green."
There's no doubt that Phil Mickelson is one of the best golfers of his generation. But he happens to be in the same generation as the best golfer ever. To make such obviously biased and subjective statements is quite surprising for Pelz, especially his assertion that "Phil putts more consistently than Tiger does." Ever since Phil turned pro in 1992 he's been touted as a "great putter". But I've always thought that he was overrated in this area. Over the years, I don't think that I've seen a "great putter" miss as many 3-footers as Phil. I've even seen Phil 3-putt from about 10 feet. Tiger, on the other hand, just doesn't seem to miss a putt when it really matters. In fact, according to Shotlink, Tiger hasn't missed a putt inside 4 feet this season! If I needed someone to make a putt to save my life, there's no question that I would choose Tiger over Phil.
Regardless, why the heck would Pelz make such ludicrous comments? Did he put an ounce of thought into it? Was it an over-exposure to the noxious fumes emanating from his golf laboratory? Whatever the reason, all it did was to agitate an already fired up Tiger Woods to crush Pelz's chubby student with the phony grin. Like Michael Jordan, Tiger makes it a point to ruthlessly annihilate those who "diss" him.
Mr. Pelz, for your well-established reputation's sake, retreat back to your lab and stick to your test tubes and bunsen burners. And if there's room, take Stephen Ames with you.
13 comments:
Looks like when Pelz ventures into areas of opinion that don't rely on statisical support, he's just as fallible as anyone. Mickelson probably pays Pelz gobs of cash, so I can forgive him this one misstep.
What's the dig against Ames about?
Not only has Phil 3 putted from 10 feet, he's 4 putted from 5 feet.
Pelz is a genius and I've read his short game bible a few times...
But right now I'm not sure even Jack would beat Tiger the way Tiger is playing right now.
I think Dave got caught up in the moment. Very uncharacteristic of Mr. Pelz and his comments could only added to the fire in Tiger's belly.
Obviously, Mr. Pelz he hasn't been able to scientifically test & chart how much focus, determination and motivation Tiger builds based on "competitive" media comments.
Phil certainly has great skills but we don't see the same "Gladiator" instints in him like those seen in Tiger.
Not only does Tiger have the skills, he has "THE FIRE". That's where Tiger stands apart from the crowd.
Stephen Ames trash talked Tiger before their match at the 2006 WGC- Accenture Match Play Championship. When asked of his chances against Tiger, Ames said, "Anything can happen ... especially where he's hitting the ball."
Tiger summarily disposed of Ames the next day 9&8. Nine and eight: You cannot get beat any quicker in match play, not over 18 holes. Who's next?
Technically he could have beaten him 10&8 but who's counting. The other thing to mention is that he (Tiger) predicted 9&8 after he heard Ames' comments. You definitely don't want to get this tiger mad.
looks like mr. pelz forgot to add in the variable of concentration. tiger's mind is as sharp as an ancient handcrafted katana, and it makes phil's look like a butter knife.
There seems to be certain qualities in the greatest of athletes that just can't be taught. They are actually writing the next textbook as they perform.
Ah! Ames was punished for his hubris, because, let's face it, Woods is a golf god. (9&8 is the pro equivalent of whipping your johnson out on the way to the women's tee after duffing your tee shot.)
But Stephen Ames had a point. Look at how many people Tiger hits with wayward drives. Two last week at the PGA and one today in Akron. And anything can happen as evidenced by Tiger's 4 bogeys in a row in today's round.
It is how Tiger recovers from these shots that make him great. He never gives up.
People, you have to face facts, Tiger is the greatest golfer of all time and if you don't belive that... ask God.
how many golfers have has much luck as tiger. no one misses fairways like he does but never lands behind a tree always seems to have a shot to the green. he was found out yesterday the day his luck ran out
It's 2010 now, and Dave Pelz wasn't wrong after all. Phil is putting much better than Tiger, and Phil is pretty much kicking Tiger's butt all over the place. Only a matter of time . . .
Phil's demeanor on the golf course, and off, seems to be attracting more and more followers. The gentleman athlete, goofy smile and all. The grumpy, grouchy, foulmouthed Tiger act has become very annoying already.
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