…Tiger Woods!

In case anyone out there thought Tiger’s days of dominance had gone by the wayside, this week’s happenings at the British Open should dispel that notion. Woods seized control of the tournament Friday and then did what he’s done so many times in the past…put the competition away.

Oh, a few big names stayed close. Ernie Els had his chances. So did Sergio Garcia. But when push came to shove Sunday, neither one could make a serious charge. Garcia, playing in the same group with Woods, folded like a pup tent early. This is the 2nd time he’s been in the final pairing with the master and he’s shot over par both times.

The only player to step up was Chris DiMarco, who put a scare into Woods at last year’s Masters and pulled within a stroke after sinking a 25-foot putt on 13. Tiger was up to the challenge however, drilling 3-consecutive birdies and holding on for a 2-shot victory. The win marks the first back-to-back British Open titles since Tom Watson turned the trick in 1982-83. Woods has now won 11-majors.

Afterward, the emotional 30-year old broke down at the memory of his father who passed away earlier this year. “I could not stop it� said a sobbing Woods. “I miss my dad so much.� It was a rare emotional display for the normally stoic champ.

I count myself as a Phil Mickelson guy, rooting for the big lefty whenever these majors come around. Not because I dislike Tiger Woods mind you, but because having legitimate challengers to the king’s throne makes things more entertaining. Over the past year, there’s been hope that Tiger’s stranglehold on the game is gone…that numerous challengers, led by Michelson, had closed the Grand Canyon sized gap that existed.

Throw that theory out the window. Tiger Woods still rules the golf kingdom, and until Sunday rolls around at a major and one of these guys has the guts and the game to take him down, they’ll all be playing follow the leader.

Is Tiger Woods back? Did he ever go away? Would Phil Mickelson have been able to challenge is he was in contention?