Woods destined for golf greatness

Is Tiger Woods a real, live human being? Does he bleed real blood? Does he put his pants on, like every other guy, one leg at a time?
Well, after 10 years of watching this guy make a mockery out of the game of golf, I've come to the conclusion that this fella is for real. I really believe he's destined to be one of the greatest golfers the Lord ever put on this earth, if he isn't already.
I've always been one to lay back on my appraisal of so-called athletic greats. Most recently, in Akron, and last Monday at the Deutsche Bank Championship in Norton, Mass., I watched Woods defy all odds once again by staving off a determined comeback bid by Stewart Cink to win the Bridgestone Invitational in a playoff. Last Monday, it was Vijay Singh who was a victim of Tiger's spell. On the final day of the Deutsche, Woods turned a three-shot deficit into a two-stroke victory.
This guy is some kind of a machine! He's one of the best shotmakers ever.
His tee shots are fantastic and his iron play and putting are superb. He has a knack of making shots that some would place in the unmakeable bag. He's a competitor and never seems to yield to anyone. That, my friends, is just about all there is to the game and Tiger has it all, nicely wrapped in his golfing repertoire.
Want some stats?
His win at Norton was his fifth straight on the PGA tour and the 53rd time he has entered the victory circle during his career. Also with the Akron title, he now has won more times on that layout than on any other course. He owns four victories each at Augusta National and at Torrey Pines.
For some reason, I never wanted anyone to top Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 major wins. The way Tiger is playing, however, Jack's record won't last too much longer. Woods keeps climbing up the chart and is now second with 12 majors. And at his age, that mark is coming more and more within striking distance. Nicklaus' mark came after a quarter-century of play.
Tiger's 53 victories elevated him past Byron Nelson for fifth place all-time. He just celebrated his 10th year as a pro, as he turned professional Aug. 27, 1996, in Milwaukee. It's been a joy-ride all the way for Tiger, as he pushes his wheelbarrow to the bank each week with a big smile on his face.
Historical Society gala
The Mercer County Sports Hall of Fame has its own niche at the Mercer County Historical Society on Pitt Street in Mercer. Memorabilia of sports history is being collected by the MCHF's board of directors. Items will be collected and placed in the Mercer establishment. Items should be of a sports nature, including photos, old uniforms, and anything pertaining to Mercer County sports, past or present.
The 60th anniversary of the Mercer County Historical Society will be celebrated at a gala set Oct. 7 at Hempfield Station Banquet Center in Greenville, Pa. The event begins at 5 p.m. and the public is invited to attend. Following the social hour, a "Promenade of History" will be held. The meal will follow and entertainment has been arranged.. The price is $15 per person and reservations must be made before Sept. 15.
For more information, call the Mercer County Historical Society at (724) 662-3490. To pay, make check or money order to MCHS, 119 South Pitt Street, Mercer, Pa. 16137.
The MCHS held its first meeting Oct. 12, 1946 at the Humes Hotel.
Raising money
Westminster College women's basketball coach Rosanne Scott announced her team raised over $5,000 at its golf outing at the Bedford Trails Golf Course in Lowellville. The 20-team outing helped raise money for Westminster's trip to Nassau, Bahamas, for the Bahamas Sunshine Shootout, Dec. 17-21.