GOLF'S NEW GENERATION

By mustang6560 on 5/26/10

By Nathan Trifone, ClubSG Contributor

Have we reached a turning point in the current generation of golf? Did Jason Day's victory and 16-year-old Justin Spieth's great run at the HP Byron Nelson Classic signal the beginning of the next generation of golf?

So I am not one to write off Tiger Woods or any of his over-30 brethren. But it is worth taking note of 22-year-old Jason Day’s victory in last weekend’s Byron Nelson Championship, along with 16-year-old Jordan Spieth who grabbed headlines with a top 20 finish. Dustin Johnson, 25, was tied for seventh in the same field. And the Nelson results come a few weeks after 21-year-old Rory McIlroy won the P.G.A. Tour stop at Quail Hollow.

As Woods wanders in the eerie darkness of a golf game lost — contrasted by the weakening drain of tabloid celebrity spotlight -– it is easy to wonder if the young guns raised in his image are now taking their first steps to claim the throne from their idol.

I wouldn't go as far to say the tides are forever changing in golf. However, the reality is Tiger is not as young as he used to be and he can't be the greatest forever. So what does that mean?

But, I think Tiger's recent fall from grace has opened the door for other golfers. Now the Rory McIlroy's, Day's and even the Spieth's of the golfing world can see that the number one ranking maybe a little more open for contention. The fact Tiger is not playing well is bad for ratings. Tiger's vulnerability gives other golfers confidence to know Tiger is not invincible.


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