Debatable. Arnie's army was mainly the white-collar crowd: well-to-do professionals who dabbled in the sport themselves.

Tiger is Everyman. In my opinion far more people can and do identify with Tiger than with the undeniably great Arnold Palmer.

Much of America, it seems.

There are those, in America as elsewhere, have expectations of sports heroes that transcend their roles. Tiger's fame rests on the fact that he is a Hall-of-Fame golfer. He's not being considered for sainthood.

Apparently, millions of people...

Tiger is "everyman"? Maybe once, a looong time ago...

Hole #1 - Is it too early to say the putt heard around the world ? Better than most !

Very true and Arnie did appear to have a higher moral code.

Just heard from someone watching that he can't even bend down enough to read his putts.

First round 71 (one under par, 3 strokes behind the current leader)... No visible "hitch in his git-along". Not bad for someone who "can't bend down"... :ohdear:

He just finished his round one under par and is currently in 9th place. That is absolutely amazing for a 46 year old playing his first competitive round since almost having his leg amputated over a year ago. Like him or hate him, his legend continues to grow.