A major without Tiger?

Yes thats right, a major without Tiger Woods. If someone would have even thought of the idea a few months ago, It would been very far-fetched to say the least. Now, with the British open getting under way today, Tiger is no where to be found at the Royal Birkdale Golf Club. So what gives?

Well, If you have not been living under a rock for the last few months, you would know that Tiger had reconstructive ACL surgery right after his U.S. Open win to sideline him for the rest of the tour year. Now, without Tiger at Royal Birkdale this weekend, it is very possible that the TV ratings could go down the gutter. At least 1/4 of all people who watch golf, if not more, only watch it because Tiger Woods is playing. I don't think those fans are doing the sport of golf any good.

Now, I'm the kind of guy that likes to look at the glass half full, so I think that Tiger's absence can actually do great things for the world of professional golf. First of all, it gives the rest of the golfers less to worry about on Sunday when they are on they are on guy in a red polo short. Also, I think it gives some of the younger golfers a chance to shine because everyone wont be focused on Tiger. I really do believe that another golf phenom can come out of this tournament on top.

As of right now, Three golfers are tied for the top spot on the leaderboard, one of them is the man that battled Tiger through an 18 hole playoff at last month's US open. Thats right, Rocco Mediate is sharing the top spot with Robert Allenby and Graeme McDowell. This is exactly what im talking about. When Tiger isn't present, it gives the other guys a chance to shine.