Tiger's Flame Dimming

Another great post by Joe Posnanski, talking about age, comebacks, and whether Tiger Woods really is finished.

It is amazing how quickly things can change. One moment, you're a lock for immortality, as Tiger was right after he won the U.S. Open in 2008 for his 14th major championship. And then, before you know it, it could be over.

Later in the day on Sunday, after Bubba Watson had won his second tournament on a course that Tiger has dominated over the years, hours after Tiger had limped home with a weekend 74/75, Jack Nicklaus teamed with Tom Watson to win the Senior Skins tournament over on Maui. And on the 17th hole, the Olden Bear turned back the clock, hit a terrific tee shot in the face of a driving wind, and placed the ball perfectly for his partner to knock it in and clinch the tournament.

And from Jack's reaction, you would have thought he'd just won his 20th major. A fist pump, a cackle of glee, the familiar high-pitched laugh which defined him for so long. And I'm thinking to myself, my God, this guy is 70, and he still wants to win more than anyone else.

What Posnanski writes about Tiger is undoubtedly true - what was once a given, that Tiger would overtake Jack's major championship record, is now a long shot. If it was anyone else, I'd say it was over. And perhaps I'm blinded by the very thing that Posnanski is writing about. But I still think he's got a shot at it.