Golf fans slam LIV Golf League star over bizarre Tiger Woods verdict

Golf fans slam LIV Golf League star over bizarre Tiger Woods verdict

 

Louis Oosthuizen, a notable player from LIV Golf, recently stirred up a storm among golf enthusiasts after revealing that he wouldn’t rank Tiger Woods in his top two greatest golfers of all time. This revelation came during a segment on Golf Digest’s “blind rank,” a social media trend where participants rank a set of names without prior knowledge of the order in which they will be presented.

 

In this particular game, Oosthuizen was asked to rank ten legendary golfers, which were revealed to him in the following sequence: Arnold Palmer, Rory McIlroy, Jack Nicklaus, Phil Mickelson, Seve Ballesteros, Annika Sorenstam, Ben Hogan, Tiger Woods, Dustin Johnson, and Greg Norman. Given the immense achievements of these players, fans were keen to see how Oosthuizen would navigate the rankings, particularly regarding the placement of Woods.

 

Woods is a monumental figure in golf history, boasting 15 major championships and tying with the late Sam Snead for the most PGA Tour wins at 82. His impact on the sport is unparalleled, making him a central figure in any discussion about the greatest golfers of all time. Jack Nicklaus, often cited as Woods’ primary rival in the greatest-of-all-time debate, holds the record for the most major championships with 18, while Ben Hogan, another icon, claimed nine majors throughout his storied career.

 

When Oosthuizen reflected on his rankings, he remarked, “Let me see how I’ve done… I think I’ve done so, so…” However, the backlash from fans was immediate and intense. Many took to social media to express their disbelief and disappointment. Comments flooded in, ranging from incredulity to outright ridicule. Phrases like “LOL okay Louis” and “Total nonsense” encapsulated the disbelief many felt regarding Oosthuizen’s decision to place Woods at third.

 

The overwhelming consensus among fans was that Woods should undoubtedly occupy a top position, with many asserting that he should be ranked first or second without question. “What Tiger has done for golf, it’s no question or comparison. No. 1 all day long,” one fan asserted, while another exclaimed, “How can you not have TW at 1 or 2?” The incredulity only grew as one user noted, “I stopped watching after he voted Tiger at 3,” showcasing how passionate fans are about Woods’ legacy.

 

Even those who appreciate Oosthuizen’s talents and contributions to the sport expressed their disappointment. “I love Louis but, sorry! Tiger at 1 all day, no brainer,” one fan remarked, emphasizing the general expectation that Woods should be at the forefront of any all-time ranking. Some fans took it a step further, arguing that even the great Ben Hogan should not be ranked above Woods, expressing disbelief that Oosthuizen would even consider such a ranking.

 

Amidst the heated reactions, Oosthuizen continues to focus on his performance on the golf course. He recently led his team, Stinger GC, to a fifth-place finish in the LIV Golf season-ending Team Championship. However, the team will be undergoing changes, as Branden Grace, one of its players, was relegated following the final regular-season event held in Chicago earlier this month. This shift raises questions about who will step in to fill the void left by Grace during the off-season. Grace still has an opportunity to return to LIV Golf, as he can earn his way back by finishing in the top three at an upcoming LIV Promotions event later this year.

 

As the dust settles from Oosthuizen’s controversial rankings, it’s clear that discussions about the greatest golfers of all time will continue to evoke strong opinions from fans, particularly regarding the legacy of Tiger Woods. The debate illustrates not only the passion surrounding golf but also the varying perspectives on what constitutes greatness in the sport.