Golf fans slam LIV Golf League star over bizarre Tiger Woods verdict

Golf Fans React to Louis Oosthuizen’s Surprising Verdict on Tiger Woods in Blind Ranking of All-Time Greats

Golf fans have expressed disbelief and frustration after LIV Golf star Louis Oosthuizen left Tiger Woods out of his top two greatest golfers of all time. Oosthuizen recently participated in Golf Digest’s viral ‘blind rank’ challenge, where he was asked to rank 10 of golf’s legends based on their names being revealed one by one—without knowing which names would come up next.

The lineup presented to Oosthuizen featured the following golf icons:

– Arnold Palmer
– Rory McIlroy
– Jack Nicklaus
– Phil Mickelson
– Seve Ballesteros
– Annika Sorenstam
– Ben Hogan
– Tiger Woods
– Dustin Johnson
– Greg Norman

By the end of the challenge, the South African golfer had placed Woods at number three, sparking outrage among fans. Woods, a 15-time major champion, shares the record for the most PGA Tour wins (82) with the late Sam Snead. Many golf fans and experts consistently place him at or near the top of any ranking of the sport’s greatest players.

In contrast, Jack Nicklaus—whom Oosthuizen ranked higher than Woods—holds the record for the most major wins at 18, while Ben Hogan, another name that Oosthuizen placed above Woods, won nine major titles in his storied career. However, many golf enthusiasts feel that Woods’ impact on the sport, coupled with his major wins, should automatically secure him a top-two spot.

Upon reviewing his list, Oosthuizen reflected, “Let me see how I’ve done… I think I’ve done so, so,” acknowledging that his rankings might cause some controversy.

**Golf Fans React Strongly to Oosthuizen’s Choices**

Once news of Oosthuizen’s rankings surfaced, golf fans took to social media to express their disappointment and confusion over his decision not to place Woods at either number one or two. Here are some of the most notable reactions:

– “LOL okay, Louis.”
– “Total nonsense!”
– “Imagine not having Tiger at 1 or 2. Is he having a laugh?!”
– “What Tiger has done for golf, it’s no question or comparison. No. 1 all day long.”
– “How can you not have TW at 1 or 2?”
– “I stopped watching after he voted Tiger at 3.”
– “Jack okay at 1, but Tiger 3? Do me a favour!”
– “Hmm, I’ve never seen or heard a discussion that has Tiger outside the top 2!”
– “Terrible! You could put Woods at one or two, but not at three. I love Louis but, sorry!”
– “Hogan above the Cat?!”
– “He probably would have picked Gary Player at 2 or 3 as well, so Tiger would likely be fourth if he was given all the greats!”
– “Tiger at 1 all day, no brainer.”
– “Anyone would think he plays for LIV Golf…”

**The Debate: Nicklaus vs. Woods**

Oosthuizen ranking Nicklaus ahead of Woods did not cause as much of a stir, as Jack Nicklaus’ 18 major championships have long been the gold standard in the sport. But many fans argue that Tiger’s influence on the game, his sheer dominance during his prime, and his 15 major titles make him at least worthy of a top-two position, if not the number one spot.

Woods’ rise in the late 1990s and early 2000s revolutionized the game. His impact extended far beyond the golf course, drawing in new fans and boosting the sport’s popularity worldwide. Despite his injuries and personal challenges, Woods’ legacy remains intact as one of the greatest players to ever step onto the golf course. Many see it as disrespectful to rank him below anyone other than Nicklaus—if even him.

**Oosthuizen’s LIV Golf Journey and Future of Stinger GC**

Oosthuizen’s blind ranking verdict comes on the heels of his team’s performance in the LIV Golf league. Oosthuizen captains Stinger GC, which finished fifth in the season-ending Team Championship. The team, however, faces a significant change heading into the offseason.

Branden Grace, a member of Stinger GC, was relegated after failing to meet the required standings at the final regular-season event in Chicago. Grace will no longer be part of Stinger GC unless he can secure one of the top three spots in a LIV Promotions event later this year. Alternatively, Grace could find his way back into the league by performing well in the International Series on the Asian Tour.

As for who will replace Grace on Stinger GC, that remains uncertain. The offseason will give Oosthuizen time to reshuffle his roster and prepare for the next LIV season.

In the meantime, Oosthuizen’s blind ranking of golf’s greatest players, and particularly his placement of Tiger Woods, will continue to be a point of heated debate among golf fans.

While fans may be divided on Oosthuizen’s rankings, one thing is certain: Tiger Woods will forever remain a giant in the sport of golf, whether placed at number one or three.