Ryder Cup new test for Tiger

On the heels of his first PGA Tour win in five years, Tiger Woods is now in France with the United States team that faces Europe in the Ryder Cup Sept. 28 to 30.

After being betrayed by his body so badly it was questionable if he would ever play again, Woods feels reinvigorated to join his teammates for a new beginning, not a last hurrah to his glorious career.

The 42nd Ryder Cup, to be played this year at Le Golf National in Paris, will not only test Tiger’s nerves anew; it will also bare to the world how well he has healed from the emotional and physical toll of personal problems and four back surgeries in the past.

Although he has an amazing record of 80 victories in the PGA Tour, the most recent came last weekend at the Tour Championship, Woods has been on only one winning team out of seven he has joined in for the Ryder Cup.

Offering no prize money to the 24 best golf players in the world, 12 from Europe and 12 from the United States, the Ryder Cup is a highly electric match play event that infuses large amounts of cash from television and corporate sponsorships to the PGA, the PGA European Tour and its affiliates.

With Woods playing for the American side, the prestigious golf championship will greatly benefit from the so-called Tiger effect.

A trade phenomenon that occurs each time Woods makes the cut, threatens for the championship or wins, as was the case last weekend at the East Lake Golf Course in Atlanta, the Tiger effect does a lot of good stuff.

His feat makes television ratings soar, sports equipment and apparel sales rise and gives participation in sports, particularly in golf, a bump.

Throughout Woods’ career, his success has meant success for golf and the sports industry in general, says decorated public relations and advertising guru Charlie Agatep.

Agatep says after Tiger notched his first victory in 1,876 days, Filipino golfers and fans will be closely watching his sports apparel and footware and will definitely boost the Nike line that he endorses.

“But I understand that Tiger has switched from Nike to TaylorMade clubs,” says Agatep, who expects local golf retailers to carry Woods’ current choice of irons in anticipation of demand.

Agatep has also noticed Woods’ demeanor on the golf course.

“He is gentler, kinder,” notes Agatep. “His PR people should continue to tell stories about how he has changed.”