Slaying the Tiger

July 20, 2015
As the post-Tiger era moves to its conclusion, veteran sportswriter Ryan gives the readers an inside look at the younger set competing for dominance on the PGA Tour, refusing to treat "golf like religion with sacred grounds and mythical heroes." The old guard such as Nickelson, Garcia, Furyk and Els are somewhat invisible here, as Ryan devotes his attention to the young lions: the solid Victor Dubuisson, the cash-driven Jason Day, the chunky Patrick Reed, the stylish Rickie Fowler, the sensational Rory McIlory, and the Texas terror Jordan Spieth, winner of the 2015 U.S. Open. The author doesn't mince words in putting the strengths and flaws of each player under the microscope, and he particularly targets the media-hungry Bubba Watson right between the eyes with choice criticisms. Looming above these youthful competitors, there is the myth and reality of the legendary Tiger Woods, a fallen idol, who Ryan describes as "striding like a Colossus down the fairways he's owned for the better part of 20 years," now crippled with back spasms, a turbulent personal life, and a bad golf game. This chatty, opinionated account of the celebrated younger set on the PGA Tour is recommended for anyone who wants to get real insights on the players and the sport.