Ochoa's dominance merits Tigeresque attention

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But if I’m Lorena Ochoa, I don’t worry about popularity. I don’t dwell on the fact that endorsements haven’t come my way, while Tiger has more logos attached to him than can be seen in the entire field at the Daytona 500.

I just go out and play golf and try to become the greatest ever, which is what Tiger is doing.

That’s a tall order for Ochoa, but not so much for Tiger. He already has that distinction in the minds of many. If he passes Jack Nicklaus’ total of 18 majors, it will solidify his status.

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Ochoa has won the LPGA’s Player of the Year award the past two years. But before that Sorenstam had won it five times straight, and eight times overall. Ochoa is ripping up the fields these days. Yet she’s only 26, and only turned pro in 2002 after a highly successful two years as a college player at the University of Arizona. She’s still a pup.

Tiger is 32 and has been playing on the PGA Tour since 1996. He had an aura coming into the professional ranks after a blazing amateur record that included two years at Stanford. Now he also has the cachet of a superstar.

Ochoa has the talent to reach those same heights. But if she does, will anyone notice? Chances are while she embarks on a parallel career of excellence, Tiger will keep torching the men. Tiger will always be the No. 1 attraction in golf for as long as he plays.

But if fans crave some variety, if they’re tired of watching one man dominate the men’s tour, then perhaps it’s time to tune in and watch a junior Tiger do the same on the ladies’ circuit.

No hurry, though. She figures to be around for a while. Like Tiger.

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