Tiger's Next Challenger?

Hey everyone! I've apparently been transported back to 2004 (but am still dutifully posting into the future anyway) because I came across this piece today on ESPN.com's golf section. It says that Adam Scott is the the only young golfer in the world that can make a modest run at Tiger Woods' dominance. And guess who is saying that? Butch Harmon!

"Adam Scott is the best player under 30 in the world by far," Harmon said of his protege. "You may get an argument for Luke Donald or Sergio Garcia but I just think Adam Scott is above them. He's a truly great talent.

"He is the only one who can challenge Tiger Woods in the next four or five years. He's the only one I see of the young players with all the things it takes to get close to Tiger Woods," Harmon told Sky Television's Golf Night program.

Ummm, I'm not too sure I can agree with you, Butch. Yes, Scott is the world number five player. He reeled off a great final round in Qatar to win going away from the field.

He even has five PGA Tour wins - although no majors, not even the Players, Tim Finchem. His last win in which Woods was in the field was the 2004 Players.

Scott does have a swing that is very similar to the one that Butch installed in Woods during the 1999-2003 timeframe. But to have similar mechanics does not prove to lead to similar records.

The story brings up a good point, though. Why do players and their coaches continue to be dumb enough to give Tiger the bulletin board material that he needs to get through stretches between major championships? Before the Patriots lost to the Giants, all 18 opponents were dumb enough every week to gave the Patriots more than enough for Bill Belichick to use against the opponent and inspire an attitude of playing like the other team had spit on the Patriots' mothers.

Everyone knows the adage that Tiger forgives, but does not forget - especially Butch Harmon. He should know better.