Forum » former Bath man who was inspirational

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Tiger Woods was a large part of the conversation on the eve of the Arnold Palmer Invitational. And hes not even playing. Woods is missing Bay Hill for only the second time in his career when the tournament starts Thursday on a course that Palmer said is in the best shape ever. Woods has won eight times, including the last two years, but he called the 84-year-old host on Tuesday to say persistent back pain will keep him from playing. "He didnt tell me how bad his back is. I dont think he knows how bad his back is," Palmer said. "I think hes listening to the doctors. And he mentioned that theyre saying that he needs to give it a bit of a rest and see if he can work it out. He was very nice. And I, of course, have great sympathy for the fact that he tried like hell to come here and play. And I appreciate that and the fact that he called. "I think he wanted to play golf this week," Palmer said. "I think that he needs to take (time) -- whether its this week, next week or the following week -- to get ready for Augusta. Certainly, if I were in that position, Id be doing much the same." Most of the chatter was more about the future with Woods. Will he play at the Masters? Stuck on 14 majors for the last five years, can he match or surpass the record 18 majors won by Jack Nicklaus? And what will be the larger obstacle -- his age (38), his health (legs and back) or the competition (long list)? "I dont think 38 years is the ultimate stopping point for his quest to do what Jack did," Palmer said. "I think it lessens the possibility of that happening. Its going to be tough. Its going to be tough to keep the concentration and the type of the game that is necessary to win majors." Nicklaus won four of his majors after turning 38. Ben Hogan, with battered legs from a car accident, won five majors after turning 38. Palmer, however, believes more than age is at stake for Woods. "These young guys are tough, and theyre strong," Palmer said. "And if they continue to play as well as theyve been playing, its going to be tough for anybody -- whether it be Nicklaus or Tiger or whomever it would be -- to continue to win major championships. And were talking about guys that are playing good and coming on." Palmer actually had a list of players he was talking about. Some of them were young, such as Chris Kirk and Harris English. Others had either won this season (Ryan Moore) or played well recently (Robert Garrigus). "I dont know how many you want me to name," Palmer said. "But really, the strength and the ability of these people is very pleasing to me." Graeme McDowell, a runner-up to Woods two years at Bay Hill, said he can understand what the No. 1 player is going through with injuries. He also believes that competition might be an even larger obstacle than his health for Woods to break Nicklaus record. "Hes a physical player who creates a lot of speed and a lot of power and his body is starting to struggle a little bit, no doubt about it," McDowell said. "But Im sure hell fix it. ... But we all talk about how good the fields are nowadays. Taking Tigers fitness and physicality out of it, winning major championships is getting harder and harder for everyone -- including the best player maybe thats ever lived in Tiger. "Hes got more than just his body to be fighting. Theres a lot of great players in the world now," McDowell said. "Its going to be harder for him to achieve Jacks record. But if anyone can do it, Im sure he can find a way because we all know how good he is." The field at Bay Hill is not as strong as usual, starting with the absence of Woods, the No. 1 player in the world and an eight-time winner of this event. Match Play champion Jason Day (No. 4 in the world) pulled out with recurring pain in his thumb, and Phil Mickelson (No. 5) is not playing this year. Not that it would change the dynamics of what already has been a peculiar season. With 18 tournaments in the books this season, Zach Johnson is the only player to win a PGA Tour event while ranked among the top 10 in the world. The Masters is three weeks away. Is it time for the stars to come out? "Hopefully, this one does," Masters champion Adam Scott said, pointing to himself with a laugh. "But as far as unexpected winners, it seems to me thats happening more and more in golf. There are more and more guys breaking through, putting in a lot of hard work and getting what they deserve. So I think weve seen a bit of a shift in the game over the last couple of years -- a lot less domination by top players." Jack Mayfield Jersey . 11 Ana Ivanovic and American Sloane Stephens, and former world No. Houston Astros Pro Shop . The ninth-seeded Safarova doused Swede Johanna Larsson 6-2, 6-3 on the green clay at Family Circle Tennis Center. The Czech player was a finalist here two years ago and captured back-to-back doubles titles in 2012 and last year. https://www.cheapastros.com/2423o-j-r-ri...astros.html.com) - Jahlil Okafor had 21 points, Tyus Jones scored 16 with 10 assists and No. Jose Cruz Jr. Jersey . Murray beat Sam Querrey 7-6 (5), 6-7 (3), 6-1, 6-3 to clinch Britains opening-round victory against the United States on Sunday at Petco Park. "Im proud of the way Im playing just now, because I had to do a lot of work to get back to where I want to be," Murray said after celebrating with his teammates on the red clay court in a temporary stadium in left field of the downtown home of baseballs San Diego Padres. Cesar Cedeno Jersey .com) - The Miami Heat will try to close out the Charlotte Bobcats Monday night in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference first round series.Italys heroics have been rewarded this week, and there were impressive performances from New Zealand, Ireland and Japan as well. Ireland were unable to recreate history with another win over the All Blacks after beating them 40-29 in Chicago, but both sides were full value in Dublin with the All Blacks managing a 21-9 win.Elsewhere, Italy stunned the Springboks in Florence and Japan pushed Wales right to the end in Cardiff. There were plenty of influential individual performances, but who had the biggest impact? Have your say in our vote below. 15. Luke Morahan (Australia) Luke Morahan of Australia makes a break against France Morahan has been pushing his case for a starting spot for some time and took his opportunity against France in just his second start for the Wallabies. There were some big runs from the Force full-back, who broke through the first-time Les Bleus tackles with ease. Sky Sports Rugby Podcast Will Greenwood reviews week three of the autumn internationals The 26-year-old was always looking to attack as well as putting in his tackles, while also dealing with the aerial assault from France.14. Semesa Rokoduguni (England) Semesa Rokoduguni and Jonathan Joseph analyse Englands convincing win over Fiji at Twickenham The Bath winger looked dangerous every time he got the ball, and from his first run against Fiji it looked like only a matter of time before he scored.And score he did - twice in fact. Rokoduguni was awarded man of the match for his contribution, putting himself in the frame for an outing against Argentina and Australia.13 Tevita Kuridrani (Australia) Tevita Kuridrani scored an incredible try against the French Kuridrani scored one of the tries of the season as Australia secured a 25-23 win over France in Paris. The try was reminiscent of Kevin Pennys wonder-score for Warrington in rugby league. The Brumbies centre somehow managed to get the ball down in mid-air and in touch while almost upside down.Besides his impressive dot-down, the 43-Test international also carried well and did his share of defensive work against the French.12. Wesley Fofana (France) Wesley Fofana scored a try that kept France in the game Contenders for this jersey were Italys Luke Mclean and Irelands Garry Ringrose, with the Irishman performing well out of his usual position when Robbie Henshaw left the field against the All Blacks.Fofana was superb for France, though, with some beautiful footwork and an eye for the gap. There were 14 carries from the Clermont man in Paris, racking up 74 metres, and his try brought France back into the game.11. Israel Dagg (New Zealand) Malakai Fekitoa celebrates his try with Israel Dagg (right) Elliot Daly pushed hard in an unfamiliar position on the wing, but its Dagg who gets the nod this week for his running and play-making contribution in Dublin.Dagg, a natural full-back, came onto the wing to counter Irelands aerial game which they used so well in Chicago - and handled everything they kicked at him and countered brilliantly.10. Beauden Barrett (New Zealand) Beauden Barrett scored a try after breaching the Irish line George Ford and Bernard Foley were considered, but the recently crowned World Rugby Player of the Year was instrumental for the All Blacks against Joe Schmidts men.His pace had Irelands defence stretched and his game management kept tacklers on the back foot. Plenty of defensive effort as well from the Hurricanes No 10 which, along with Brodie Retallick, kept the Irish at bay.9. Will Genia (Australia) Will Genias decision-making contributed to the undoing of France It was a smart game from Genia who kept France guessing with his awareness and decision-making. The Australian set up Bernard Foleys try with a quick tap and also made the break that resulted in Kuridranis try.A nod to Kendra Cocksedge, whose 20-point haul helped the Black Ferns produce a stunning comeback to beat England at the Stoop on Saturday.1. Lucas Noguera (Argentina) Lucas Noguera receives treatment The Argentine gave opposition prop Zander Fagerson a real lesson up-front and did the same to Moray Low when Scotlands replacement came on.ddddddddddddThe loosehead also made three carries and five tackles in Edinburgh.2. Jaba Bregvadze (Georgia) Ireland vs Australia November 26, 2016, 5:00pm Live on Get Sky Sports Get a Sky Sports pass Georgias forwards were impressive in their win over Samoa, and the Worcester hooker played a key part in proceedings.A 100 per cent record with his lineout throws was coupled with 12 tackles to complete a valuable shift in the front row.3. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland) Tadhg Furlong made 10 carries for Ireland One of the weekends star performances from the Irish prop who made his mark on the All Blacks defence. Furlong carried brilliantly, with Kieran Read and Brodie Retallick sent packing in their attempts to try to stop him.The Leinster man scrummed well and offered a few offloads from his carries on his way to beating three defenders.4. Brodie Retallick (New Zealand) Highlights of Irelands Autumn International clash against the All Blacks in Dublin The All Blacks promised an improved performance in Dublin and Retallick led the way in the forwards. The 2014 World Rugby Player of the Year contributed an enormous 17 tackles and also carried the ball seven times.His work ethic around the fringes at the rucks and mauls ensured Ireland struggled to attack from close range.5. Devin Toner (Ireland) Devin Toner (left) wins the ball despite attention from Kieran Read Toner was Irelands go-to man at the lineout, winning nine out of 17 throws at the Aviva Stadium while also making the most tackles out of all the forwards with nine hits.It was an influential performance from Toner who went up against the best second-row pairing in the world in the returning Retallick and Sam Whitelock.6. Josh van der Flier (Ireland) Josh van der Flier played 59 minutes against New Zealand after replacing CJ Stander Van der Flier replaced CJ Stander and played one of the games of his life - a huge effort from him with some big carries and even bigger tackles.Van der Fliers 51 metres was the most by any Irishman on the day - and also tied second overall in the game - and his 12 carries were impressive given his late introduction to the game in comparison with some of his team-mates.7. Simone Favaro (Italy) England vs Argentina November 26, 2016, 1:30pm Live on Get Sky Sports Get a Sky Sports pass Irelands Sean OBrien was immense against New Zealand - he did not stop carrying for 80 minutes - however, we have to recognise Favaros role in helping Italy beat the Springboks for the first time.The flanker carried well - making the most metres from the second-most carries in his team - but it was in defence he truly shone, making 12 tackles while effecting two crucial turnovers.8. Amanaki Mafi (Japan) Amanaki Mafi made 12 carries for Japan in Cardiff There were some huge performances from the likes of Jamie Heaslip, and Italy captain Sergio Parisse, but they are beaten to the No 8 jersey by Mafi.Another tireless display from the former Bath man who was inspirational against Wales. Mafi was second in Japans ranking for carries, but his 18 tackles were unmatched by any team-mate in Cardiff.Upgrade to Sky Sports now and get 12 months half price. Hurry, offer ends December 4th! Also See: Scotland move up in rankings WATCH: Greenwoods England analysis WATCH: Woodwards England XV Win England v Argentina tickets ' ' '