As you well know, Tiger Woods came up short Sunday at Pebble Beach. After a strong start Tiger's game failed him, and he slid further down the leader board. Phil Mickelson, who was paired with Woods on Sunday, actually won. You don't have to be a golf expert to know that Phil Mickelson was known more for losing to Tiger than for any of his on course accomplishments. Then it hit me....post bully syndrome! And that may spell trouble for a return to Tiger domination. So what's post bully syndrome?
Post bully syndrome is what a former tough guy goes through once he (or she) is finally whipped.....and it ain't pretty. Mike Tyson had the most infamous case of bully syndrome, and it didn't start with his first ever loss in Japan. Mike Tyson lost his bully card in his first fight with Evander Holyfield. Tyson was physically dominated by Holyfield in that loss. It wasn't just the punches that made Mike Tyson the baddest and most feared boxer on the planet. It was his confidence...that mental edge. You knew when he stepped in the ring the opponent was scared. Holyfield took that from Tyson, and the fallout was well...you know.
Pat Summit and the University of Tennessee women's basketball program terrorized the ncaa for not just years...but decades. Summit had the best assistants, resume, and players. UT won 8 national titles from 87-08. Then came the University of Connecticut. The Huskies were just as tenacious and confident as Tennessee. UCONN ultimately dethroned the Lady Vols to start their own dynasty. Pat Summit's teams have been a shell of itself since. They even lost in the first round of the ncaa tournament for the first time in Summit's 30+ year career a couple years back.
The fact that Tiger lost to Phil Mickelson puts him on my bully syndrome radar. Tiger was in Mickelson's head for years...racking up win after win in the process. Not only did Mickelson beat Woods (who was playing well prior to Sunday), he beat Woods while being paired with him. Mickelson has a huge psychological advantage over Woods now. That could change the complexion of the entire season. I hope it's not bully syndrome....but it sure looks like it. follow @plcolter
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