Golf

» Writerbob - Tiger is most intimidating?

I got in on this a bit late, but I enjoy the topic too much to let it die. I think the definition of intimidation is fluid enough to accomodate both positions. MJ and greats in other sports (arbitrarily, Ray Lewis, Roger Federer as modern examples) don't necessarily create a mental obstacle to achievement in the process of competition, especially in the tenth-of-a-second reaction games like basketball and football. It is their ability to make plays a few hundredth of seconds faster and more accurately that sets them apart.

As an example, I remember the famous shot over Craig Ehlo that MJ made. I don't think any player could have played Jordan any better than Ehlo did then, it was Jordan's superior abilities that allowed him to make it. I don't think Ehlo's defense was affected by the idea that it was MJ against him, it was more of a case of pure physics. Now in the broader view of competitions, I do think that great players affect preparation in game planning, but when the whistle blows I don't see people being scared - in fact, I think people are challenged to bring out their best, which makes superstars even more remarkable because everyone is looking to take them down and be the new king.

Now golf and Tiger, here's where Alan correctly cites an intimidation effect. But what does this say about the fragile psyche of top golfers when they stop doing the things that make them successful and begin to play defensively, or conversely over-aggressively (ala Phil Mickleson)to try to beat him? Tiger only "intimidates" because these other over-compensated alphas of the tour allow his presence to get into their heads.

So if we are to define intimidation as a mental phenonemon, then yes Tiger is by far the most intimidating. But physically, I would throw up if I knew I had to guard MJ in his prime or carry the ball up the middle against Urlacher. So not to be PC, but you both are 100% right!

-- posted by Writerbob