Fizzling Four, we need you!

What now?

Tiger Woods' methodical domination of last week's British Open harkened thoughts back to 2000 when the Chosen One dismantled Tour fields, sending his fellow competitors to curl in fetal positions while sucking their thumbs.

If you're a fan of Big Cat supremacy, then good times are once again abundant in golf land. Yet more questions arise than answers.

For starters, what does the public truly want?

Television ratings indicate fans want Woods to win. The Open numbers were the highest since Woods' last rout at St. Andrews five years ago. In fact, the last nine holes were merely a coronation for Tiger, bereft of intrigue or drama as the faltering competitors only mustered a tepid charge for second place.

When Woods rallied from eight back at last month's U.S. Open before struggling late, ratings were lower than expected. NBC had to be tapping their Neilson meters or wondering if someone turned off the power.

Does this mean golf fans want Tiger to obliterate an event instead of stalking the leaders? His wobbly playoff win at this year's Masters drew large ratings to belie that assumption, although the possible end to his major non-victory streak of 10 was surely compelling for his starved supporters.

Maybe it means the public wants to anticipate and savor a Woods' victory. He's golf's Secretariat, never relinquishing a final-stretch 54-hole lead in all 10 major wins, giving fans a whole night to prepare for his Sunday triumph. Viewers gravitate to transcending athletes in the midst of accomplishing something special.

Then again, what's wrong with lurking? Don't people want to see Tiger overcome inhuman obstacles, dastardly course setups and unrelenting opponents? Surely, the hunt is more compelling than a cakewalk.

Isn't it?