Long considered one of golf's elite players, the 1997 PGA champ has struggled with putting and confidence, though that wasn't readily apparent scanning his record. Since 1994, his worst finish on the money list is 11th, which means he's usually in the hunt. Closing the deal has been a problem. Though it might not show, Love is an emotional player and has higher expectations than anyone. The man who once tutored Michael Jordan at North Carolina about the finer points in the game is hard on himself, probably too hard, sometimes getting in his own way.
Love is also candid and accepts responsibility.
Earlier in the year, he was blasted in some quarters for saying Woods was intimidating and nearly impossible to beat when he was playing well. That Woods had raised his game to a higher level. He was right, too. After winning eight times in 1999, Woods won nine times in 2000, including three major championships. As it turned out, Love's comments were right on the money.