Quickdraw:
I read an article yesterday on how the rest of the PGA season is going to be sub-par because Tiger's taking the rest of the year off. In looking at it publicity wise, I kind of agree with that. Golf isn't the same without him. However there are still many great golfers out there waiting for a chance to shine and now will have their opportunity. The reason they don't shine now is because Tiger is just that damn good and stands head and shoulders above the rest.
I'm awaiting his return to see if he can not only make the Masters next year but also win it after taking so much time off. But I'm also not going to stop watching golf this year because it's golf and these guys are simply amazing.
For the hardcore golf fan there will be more parity now, and some of the events that might not have been all that exciting could be much more so with Tiger out for a while. His time off wil certainly hurt the ratings and attendence of many events however, as a lot of people pretty much only watch golf when Tiger is in the mix.
Personally I'm most sorry that he will miss the next couple of major events, and especially the Ryder Cup matches....but this certainly gives the other players a better chance to win some of the big events.
A lot of people are trying to make it seem as though his swing is causing the problem, but the reality is that his work-out regimen, especially with regards to running (often with a weighted training vest) is more responsible for the knee issues. He could probably take some of the stress of his knee in the swing by flaring his left foot outward a bit, but I don't think he'll have to make many dramatic adjustments in that regard.