Old Guard

[Captainron]

Remember the days when Tiger, Phil and Ernie were winning most things between them? None of them have won anything for about three years now while missing more cuts than a prison barber.
It can't be nice for guys who won regularly to be so uncompetitive ( yes I know that Phil has done okay last week but it's not consistent at all )

Should these guys be taking places in events? I know they have a few years to wait for the seniors tour. Would that be happy taking a break of a few years and enjoying themselves before coming back and playing when they hit 50?

 

[virtuocity]

Should these guys be taking places in events?

Golf is an industry. Events cost money to put on and organisers look for a return.

As long as the more senior players draw in a crowd (ticket sales), they have a place in that process.

 

[ScienceBoy]

They should be there, they have earns it.

The new kids need to prove they are better and can steal the limelight.

 

[MashieNiblick]

I get the feeling that these guys in common with most top sports sports people are just uber competitors. They have done it all their lives. It's part of who they are. They love it and would struggle to live without it. I'm not sure therefore that they would enjoy taking a break. They also want to be competitive when they start the seniors tour. Taking a break would mean losing that competitive edge.

A lot of spectators enjoy watching these older guys and of course Jack, Tom, Greg, etc have all shown the emotional high for them and their fans that comes if they do win or get into contention.

There are still plenty of opportunities for up and coming players to get starts and I think having these legends in the field is great for the young ones as I'm sure they learn a lot from playing with them. Imagine being a rookie and getting to tee it up with someone you idolised as a kid learning the game.

 

[snell]

Even if he's nowhere near being in contention I still love watching Mickelson round the greens. There aren't many that can match his creativity at times.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

They are still there by rights aren't they as they kept their tour card last season. Why shouldn't they be there. You could argue the same about many, players on every tour going. It isn't all about the next generation and many fans relish a chance to see their favourites in the flesh or on TV

 

[Hobbit]

If they were coming last I might agree. But if you're saying they shouldn't take up a place because they're not winning, then you could say the same about many younger golfers that finish below them.

 

[HawkeyeMS]

If they are still earning enough to keep their card then why shouldn't they play?

 

[Darth Fader]

They have contributed enough to the game over the years to deserve the right to play in whatever events they choose.

 

[Captainron]

I was thinking more about how it must feel to themselves. They were once so brilliant but now they're average. I know they love competing but surely they must know in their heart of hearts that they are past it. None of them can string more than 2 good rounds together and it must be heartbreaking.

Ernie was my guy and I hate seeing how badly he is playing. I don't believe he will ever win on the European or Pga tour again.

 

[Wilson]

If they are still earning enough to keep their card then why shouldn't they play?

Not sure about Ernie, but don't Tiger & Phil have lifetime exemptions?

 

[Bunkermagnet]

Every generation has it's "standout" players, and I'm sure the same was discussed when Nicklaus, Player and Palmer were past their best. Just like waves in the sea, there are some big and some smaller ones. However it won't matter on their size, they will always be some.
Does it really matter?