(from vnboards.ign.com, posted 8/11/07)

How would people react? He's poised to capture his 13th major tomorrow, chasing 18 career majors set by all time leader Jack Nicklaus. In light of this, one considers Gary Player's remarks earlier this year that steroids are now being used by several (I believe 10) unnamed person's in golf, and that it is currently not against any rules to use steroids, HGH, or any sort of supplement.

If it came out tomorrow that Tiger was using steroids and/or HGH, even though it technically violates no rules, would it forever taint his records? I'm not insinuating that Tiger indeed is or has used any performance enhancing drugs, but I'm trying to figure out what people's reactions would be given the Barry Bond's hubbub (who also has never actually been found to be using any sort of performance enhancers).

Would Tiger still be a hero, and Bonds a villian, or would people change their tune?

I can't believe with all the avid golfers and even more avid Tiger fans, no one will speculate how people would respond to finding out Tiger was juicing. I'm betting it would be just like the response in this thread, none.

People don't want to think their hero is doing something to give him an advantage. Don't get me wrong, I'm not accusing Tiger of anything. Just would like to know how people would react to find out he was.

I would think, "That figures!"

I figure, IF he's using them or anyone else on the PGA Tour, that golf is a finesse game. That unlike baseball or football, strength will only get you down the fairway or to the green. You still have to hit the ball the direction it needs to go. I don't know if steroids or anything else can make you hit it straight or precisely where the ball needs to go. There are several players that hit it longer than Tiger but Tiger can drop it in a bucket from 180 out and then put the flat stick on it like no one else can.

Bonds, Mcguire and anyone else didn't care where the pill went, as long as it was out of the yard. I don't know if any of my mumbo jumbo make any sense ,but there it is.

my .02 worth

I wouldn't be surprised. I doubt Player would have said it for no reason. I would consider them in the same tainted category as Bonds, McGwire, Palmeiro, & Sosa, et al.

Lots of people (on other sites) saying the 'roids wouldn't help a golfer. I beg to differ. Let's say the weak point of my game is my long game, in terms of distance. But my short game is dead on. If I juice, that puts me right in the middle of my short game which is my strong point.

No one reads a green like Tiger. If juicing is allowing him to drive those 375 yard greens, and get within 150 200 on those par fives, he is effectively taking a stroke of every par 4 and 5. True, he still has to hit those 375 yard greens. He's still got to make the ball do what he wants it to do. But I say juicing can help a golfer.

Bleeds, you must also take into account the great improvement in technology. I can hit the ball further than I did a few years ago just by upgrading to better equipment and different balls. As far as Tiger, he's been able to hit it a mile since he first picked up a club. IMO juicing wouldn't help in golf.

But can you drive a 375 yard green?

Simple logic and a slight knowledge of physics tells you that if someone has greater upper body strength and the talent Tiger has, he can hit the ball farther than just the guy with the talent.

You are right, Tiger has always been a long driver. But he wasn't driving par 4 greens until just a few years back.

One thing to consider past the strength aspect. 'Roids make you more aggressive. With that knowledge, maybe someone on the juice might compelled to try the par 4 greens, while someone who is clean may not.

Not saying one way or another definitively. Just a thought.

[quote name='bleedsbluengold24' date='Aug 15 2007, 11:29 AM' post='833298']
But can you drive a 375 yard green?

Only in my golf cart.

I understand your thinking but I would be very suprised if Tiger was juicing. I could understand some of the other player doing it though if they thought they could get an edge on TW. Looks like they need all the help they can get.

It's true that someone on the juice might have the ability, and be compelled to drive a 375 yard green, but is that thought process really logical? Many of today's golf courses aren't even set up for a person to be able to drive the green on a hole that long. With bunkers, and trees, and water hazards, it would take alot more than just the ability to hit the ball 375 yards, to get it on the green. Besides when the majority of the players start driving 375 yard holes, then I can promise you, the USGA will do something, whether it be making the greens harder to putt on, or making steroids against the rules.

We all know that Tiger can hit the ball a long way. When I was 18, I drove the ball 305 yards. Of course that was over 30 years ago and unfortunately for me, I couldn't hit it straight, so distance didn't help me. Now I'm lucky to hit it 225, but I can hit it straight. The ability to hit the ball 375 yards is great, but it won't make you totally dominate on the PGA tour.

Personally, if anyone is taking steroids (other than doctor related), they don't have much up top. They are dangerous and can kill you. My problem is if our society is making it to where kids today believe that the only way they can win or be dominate is to put this stuff in their bodies, then we as parents, and coaches, and teachers, have to educate our kids better. Because of that, we as adults have to be an example, and we can't lead if we are walking the wrong path ourselves.

I would be HIGHLY surprised if Tiger Woods was juicing. Sure, he's huge, but I really don't think it was because of steroids. The guy works out everyday, he has a gym at his house, for goodness' sake.

Steroids would only help you so much in the golf game. Unlike other sports, golf requires exact placement of a shot, whereas in baseball, where steroids are rampant, you just try to knock the stuffing out of it and hope it leaves the field. Golf is so much more than that, and even if you hit it 300+ yards, you've STILL gotta get it in the fairway and get it onto the green and into the hole. What good is a 200 yard 7-iron if it misses the green by 30 yards? Steroids only help with muscles, not precision and accuracy.

And yeah, I wouldn't doubt that some players on tour are juicing. God, they need everything they can get their hands on if they want to catch Tiger, who, by the way, probably STILL could beat them.

I would die, because i mean that would be the end of the world,CORRECT?

It wouldnt surprise me if he did. His guns have really grown.

Me thinks that they should confiscate his banana stash. He
sure gobbles 'em down, whole(i.e. no evidence left, peels and all).

I have to agree Tigers short game is as good as his long game,and he has been playing sence he was 3 years old the man is just good,no juice for him,,,maybe orange juice

I "JUICE" every time I play. But it only makes me think i can hit it farther,straighter,higher and the longer I play the better golfer(In my mind) I become. Usually then someone has to drive me home!!