Going back to Tiger,
I don't think anyone didn't want to see him play at Augusta, just to see if he could do it. But to my knowledge its a you either qualify or you don't situation, there is no waiting list, so he wasn't taking anyone's spot.
But given the PGA has alternates, who knows if the next first time major player could have stepped up and done something like the current leader.
Tiger wasn't "taking anyone's spot"
If he had withdrawn, someone would've taken HIS spot.
Who would the PGA of America and the fans rather see play?
He made the cut, shot 69 on a hard course.
he's earned the right to get in his "reps' in majors, to prepare himself for future majors.
Baby steps-literally.
You think an alternate steps in and makes the cut?
(actually pretty sure one just did )
Then there's John Daly, who DID win as an alternate....
Speaking of which, why have you not shone the lens on his freak show. Taking a cart AND a spot(by your definition)
If the PGA had any balls, they would deny his cart.
Talk about self inflicted.
Daly hasn't made a PGA cut in 10 years, and Tiger just made the cut-this year remember? Beating world #1 and DJ amongst others.
Jeff,
If he wants or needs live tourney play to get in the swing of things, how about playing some of those 2nd tier events he's ignored most of his career to help drive ratings and ticket sales for them.
P.S. After he proved he could do it again at ANGC, I figured TOC would be his next major, as he just may be able to competitively play 72 holes given its flat and relatively short.
But you can't just rock up to TOC without "reps", to see how your nervous system will react.
and for Tiger, those reps need to get his adrenaline going.
But I would like to see him play a non major as well.
I agree that TOC is the realistic goal, but the two major outings were positive steps along the way IMHO.
The body is an amazing thing and I'm sure very week the healing continues.
Time will tell, but don't count out the GOAT or the steps he believes he needs to take to come back into major form.