Don't Feed the Tiger

Tiger Woods destroyed the competition and thumped Rory Sabatini in the process in this week's Bridgestone Invitational. Going into the final round, Tiger was one back of Sabatini in 2nd place. He finished with a final-round score of 65 to Sabatini's 74. Tiger won with a whopping 8 stoke victory.

Tiger is far and away the best golfer in the world, so business as usual, right? There is a subplot to Tiger's run away victory. He has a well publicized feud with Sabatini that began earlier this year when Sabatini claimed that Tiger was "as beatable as ever" at the Wachovia Championship. Tiger went on to win the Wachovia. Prior to this tournament, Tiger had failed to close the deal in the Masters and more recently the British Open. So the matchup with Sabatini was just what the doctor ordered. Tiger is a hyper-competitive, clutch performer. He plays best when he is challenged.

A reporter asked Sabatini after the tournament if he would temper his comments on Tiger in the future after this sound defeat. Sabatini's response: "Why?" he said. "I hope I inspire him and play well enough that I can give him a good challenge." Mission accomplished on the former, no so much on the later. Maybe Sabatini has never heard the saying, "those you fail to learn from history, are doomed to repeat it".

Sabatini is one of the world's best golfers, and perhaps his fearless attitude is part of his success. At the same time, it is probably wise for Sabatini to reconsider his Tiger strategy. When confronting a stronger opponent, it is best to consider if a offensive or defensive tactic is more effective. If the competition is strong, competitive and intelligent, it is best to respect this opponent and fly under the radar. Against a slower, beaurecratic giant, a more aggresive tactic can be effective. It is important to know who you are up against so you don't end up Tiger meat.