Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson at the Buick Open: Is Tiger's Dominance a Problem?

Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, their place in golf? Just as it should be, 1st and 2nd in the world rankings. Who is number one in the world, sans rankings? Well in Ireland it's Padraig Harrington, in South Africa It's Ernie Els, in Korea it's K.J. Choi, in Fiji it's Vijay Singh etc. Now who is number one in GOLF, all golf, any golf , that's a better question? That would be Tiger again. Should the rest pack up and go home? No there is far too much money, prestige and a chance to do something worthwhile with the money involved.

Does Tiger's dominance mean Phil should always try for second and hope for first? I don't think so. Phil already had a pretty good chance to do what Tiger considers to be "easily within reason", win a grand slam. Back in 2005 Phil won the PGA and won the next major, the 2006 Masters. On the final day of the 2006 U.S. Open, on the back nine, after having the lead, from the 16th on it was hard to watch.

He seemed to be chasing the win with his long game alone and going for broke on each long shot is what put him out of even a playoff bid for the Open. Ironically it was his laying up on the 18th hole of the third round of last years Deutsche Bank Championship that set up his final round victory and his last win over Tiger. Sometimes when the conditions are just right this is the best duel in sports.

Who will win be the winner between these two golfers at the Buick Invitational? Buick is one of Tiger's big sponsors and he has used a win at the Buick to springboard some of his best seasons. Phil won one of his first two PGA events at the Buick in 1993. I think Tiger comes out ahead of Phil. Who will win outright? Maybe it will be Camilo Villega's time to duel with Tiger on Sunday. I'm just glad that as professional football winds down to its last great game of the year, professional golf is already there to provide drama, pathos and joy from the athletic among us.