While golf freaks sit and drool over the announcement that Tiger Woods will come out of his self inflicted non–golf hole to play in the Masters, where he can continue to keep himself relatively safe from questions that might prove embarrassing, real sporting news happens in Alaska that hardly anyone "down here" notices. I'm referring to musher Lance Mackey winning his forth consecutive Iditarod Sled Dog Race—over 1000 miles of pure hell on earth, with an arrival time in Nome from Anchorage (Willow) in just under nine days.
Thirty below zero temps, whiteout conditions at times, dangerous trails, little sleep, constant demands to take care of the real heroes (the dogs) and personal displays of fortitude seen in few places in the sporting world, are just a few of the characteristics that make the race so special. What Mackey accomplished four years in a row is incredible—a first for the race. And, few in the media take note other than in Alaska and the more northern media hubs in the US.
If you conclude by my snide comments above pertaining to Woods, that I am no fan of both him and the game he plays, then you are correct. I was once an avid golfer, but the way the sports media has grown so enamored with what Tiger Woods is doing week in and week out, overlooking most others playing the game, has soured my enthusiasm. To compare him with legends like Nicklaus and Palmer is ludicrous, no matter his skill.
Woods may be able to play golf better than most today, but he has zero character. Unlike Lance Mackey and his wonderful dog team.
