ZealousGolfer.com

At this point, every golf fan understands that Tiger Woods always equals big money. Tiger's role in elevating the world's interest in golf is undeniable. The purses today are commonly over $5 million on the PGA Tour, which means the winner today is taking home the amount given to the field thirty years ago. However, his effect on marketing may be even greater. Today, Tiger's face is on billboards, in airports, and in commercials at all times all over the world.

Of course, when Tiger is on the prowl, the world is always watching. According to the Golf Channel, "Sunday's final round on NBC earned a 7.0 overnight rating and a 17 share, up 37 percent from last year's 5.1/12 after Woods missed the cut. It was the best Sunday overnight rating since a 9.3/21 in 2002, when Woods won at Bethpage." While you may love or hate Tiger Woods, his presence has improved your game in some way.

With the number of golfers increasing highly since Tiger's arrival, more money is flowing to golf's major companies. Thus, Nike, Taylormade, Ping, and all the rest have been able to invest more in R&D, which leads to the major technological advancement occurring not coincidentally since Tiger's arrival on TOUR.

One way or another, golf needs Tiger.