After Tiger, Then What?

For commish Tim Finchem, it’s all smiles when Tiger is on Tour.(Keith Allison/Flickr)By Robert BruceSpecial to ARMCHAIR GOLFON JUNE 15, 2008, THE DAY TIGER WOODS will-powered his way to his 14th major title on a gimpy knee, he limped off the 18th hole at Torrey Pines and entered an eight month injury-induced exile.From that day until the Accenture Match Play two weeks ago, the golf world — outside of a fabulous few days in Louisville in September — was static. Not much drama. Not much excitement. For the casual fan, not much reason to watch.Tiger’s recent return reinvigorated the sport and gave the Tour a much needed shot in the arm. But it also gave the Tour suits an unfortunate glimpse of the future. Simply put: When Tiger ain’t playing, ain’t nobody watchin’.In the past eight months, golf was off the radar — even while major notables like Mickelson, Kim, Singh, Villegas and Garcia played every week. During that same period, ratings sucked.Though many immensely talented players ar...