Will the 226th best golfer in the world please go away?

One of the things that is great about sports is that outcomes are quantifiable. Objective.  Who’s the best basketball team? The Golden State Warriors (unless Cleveland fans want to whine like babies about some of their players being hurt during some really important games).  Who’s the best woman’s tennis player? Anyone who doesn’t answer “Serena” needs a reality check.  Sport celebrates the best and ignores the rest.

With one exception.  ESPN cannot go a week, maybe a day, without talking about the 226^th best golfer in the world.  There are 225 golfers who are superior to this player, based on the PGA rankings of July 5, 2015.  The 226^th best golfer in the world used to be very good, but he hasn’t won a major tournament in seven years.  This year he has shot a round of 80 or higher three times, including an 85 at The Memorial.  His highest finish so far this year was tying for 17^th place at two tournaments.

I am at a loss to understand why ESPN remains fixated on the 226^th best golfer in the world.  They could spend more time talking about Thaworn Wiratchant, who is number 220.  Or profile Colt Knost, who is 206^th.  I would like to know more about Andrew Dodt at 151^st.  But no, ESPN will fill countless hours asking the question of whether the 226^th best golfer in the world is “back” because had an impressive Greenbriar Classic, where he tied for 32^nd.  Yes, tying for 32^nd is considered an impressive showing for the 226^th best golfer in the world.

The 226^th best golfer in the world is probably past his prime, although in golf people can still win or at least challenge into their 50s. He has suffered numerous serious injuries, several to parts of his body that are important to golfers (legs, back).  He has not shown any pattern of development, any sign of progress towards regaining his past greatness; he misses a cut, or shoots an 85, everyone declares him finished, and then they predict he’ll win the next major because he shoots a couple of rounds under 70 at a tournament where seven under par is only good enough for 32^nd place.

Will the 226^th best golfer in the world ever win another major?  Will Rafa Nadal be knocked out of four consecutive Wimbledons by players ranked outside the top 100?  It could happen; it might happen.  But until it happens there is no evidence for such optimism. Of the four majors in 2014, the 226^th best golfer in the world did not play in two, missed the cut at the PGA Championship, and finished 69^th at the Open Championship.  It will be hard for the 226^th best golfer in the world to catch Jack Nicklaus for most majors won with results like that.

I do not wish the 226^th best golfer in the world ill.  I respect the fact that he has shown brilliance at a game that has frustrated millions. I acknowledge that he has broken down racial and cultural barriers through his hard work and excellence.  Even if he doesn’t quite catch Jack Nicklaus for most majors won, there is still an argument to be made that he is the best golfer of all time, given the increased difficulty of beating the field now compared to the 1960’s.

I just wish ESPN would shut up about the 226^th best golfer in the world.