The golf world got a look at what life will be like without Tiger Woods this past weekend.

I would have to say that things are going to be just fine judging by the finish of the PGA Championship.

I have never been a fan of watching golf on television, but for some reason this summer I have been drawn to watching at least part of the past couple of majors.

In that time, I have witnessed some pretty outstanding golf being played by people who are not named Tiger or Phil (Mickelson).

For years I have had to endure the never ending talk about how the game of golf will be lost without Tiger Woods.

Frankly, I am tired of it.

I wrote a column many years ago when people were naming him the best to ever play the game. I said in that column that he would never catch Jack Nicklaus and that the “Golden Bear” would remain the greatest golfer of all time.

I took a lot of flack for that column, so I am here to tell you that I am sticking by my words.

Tiger will not catch Jack for the 18 major championships.

With that being said, let’s get back to why the game of golf is going to be just fine.

I have never seen two rounds of golf at a major championship like the two I witnessed on Saturday and Sunday.

Regardless of whether or not the wet course was conducive to scoring, Mickelson, Rory McIlroy, Henrick Stenson and Rickie Fowler were throwing up great shot after great shot.

At one point, I think there were 15 players within three shots of the lead. That is unheard of at a major championship.

And on Sunday, just when it looked like Rory was out of it, he came storming back to reclaim the lead and win his second consecutive major championship and his fourth of his career.

Phil didn’t disappoint either. Despite being barely able to see on the 18th hole, Mickelson nearly chipped in for an eagle, which would have tied him with McIlroy.

The game of golf is in safe hands. There are plenty of young players to carry it forward.

 

Scott Novak is sports editor for Leader Publications. He can be reached at scott.novak@leaderpub.com.