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It appears the Big Five talk is more wishful thinking these days. Garcia is very close to Els and actually has a better record in the majors since 2005. Based on average major finishes, both are well behind the others (except for Mickelson's 21st). Goosen owns a worthy finish record, putting himself in excellent position to win, but most remember his final-round 81 meltdown at Pinehurst.

Singh is the curious player here. Admirably, he always seems to contend in the big events, but the impatient media and fans focus on victories, especially since Woods and Mickelson have two each. Singh's winless streak in all events is now 17 -- his longest drought since 2002. But another major win would silence the whispers that his famous work regime is wearing him down.

While the World Ranking gives us a clue to two-year performances, the current list is pretty indicative of current play. Only Woods (17.98) and Mickelson (10.07) are in double figures. Yet even though both have two major wins, Tiger has contended much more consistently than Phil, hence the sizable lead.

Mickelson's Achilles' heel is the British Open; he has just two top 10 finishes there in 13 attempts. If he wins the U.S. Open in June for his third straight major, everyone will fret over that dubious record across the pond.

However, the next major could bring any of the Following Four into more spirited rivalry debates. If Singh, Goosen, Els or even Garcia wins the U.S. Open at Winged Foot, talk will immediately arise that his game is back on track. Sure, any one of the noted players could win a couple of Tour events before the Open, but lofty expectations demand major victories these days.

If any of the Following Four had taken the Masters, new rumblings of a present-day Jack Nicklaus?Arnold Palmer?Gary Player trinity likely would have ensued. However, whoever doesn't win falls further down the expectation meter. Even now, Singh's 2004 PGA Championship and Goosen's '04 U.S. Open wins are slowly fading from memory. Els hasn't won a major since the '02 British Open, and Garcia is still looking for his first.

And whether you agree or not, close finishes no longer count; they only produce additional media harangues.

Right now, these are frustrating times for the Following Four, who are merely the supporting cast for the Woods & Mickelson show. With three majors remaining this year, the understudies can enjoy top billing with a victory. However, failing to do so will solidify their names in smaller lettering.

Then again, there's always 2007.

Rick Arnett is the vice president of AVIDGOLFER Magazine distributed statewide in Texas and Georgia. He's also hosted the Teebox Golf Show on Sportsradio 1310, The Ticket in Dallas for the last 12 years. You can e-mail Rick at rick@avidgolferonline.com