Was Tiger’s assist from Stricker a bad move?

I love a good rivalry — hey they are part of what makes competing fun and entertaining.

Think Syracuse-Georgetown or Bears-Green Bay. Competition can be intensely hot and even bitter or good-natured and fun.

Sometimes the animosity carries over to everyday life, and sometimes rivals even become friends. For instance some people back in the day considered Mancow Muller and Mike North or the Monsters of the Midday (Jiggetts and North) rivals. We all did radio, but really it was up to the listeners to determine who they would tune in to hear.

So when agent Steve Mandel asked me if I would like to join Mancow on his TV show a couple of mornings a week on WPWR Ch. 50, I said sure — why not?

I’m having a blast doing it, and we seem to have pretty good chemistry without a trace of resentment.

Now that’s much different from what happened this past weekend when Steve Stricker, a PGA Tour member, gave Tiger Woods a putting lesson. For folks who don’t know, Stricker is considered the best putter on the tour. Tiger came to Stricker and said he needed some help with his putting. The two longtime friends and Ryder Cup playing partners have competed against each other for many years.

Is it right that Stricker helped Tiger with his game?

I guarantee there are some members of the tour unhappy about the “lesson.”

In football, baseball, basketball, as well as in radio and television, there contracts, but if you don’t play well on the PGA Tour you don’t cash in. There are no contracts, so was it right to help a fellow competitor, even if it’s a friend, like Stricker did with Tiger?

In my world, it was the wrong thing to do.

Hey, Tiger made $1.5 million this past weekend at Doral while his teacher, Stricker, collected $800,000 because he came in second. If he doesn’t give Tiger the putting tips, does Tiger make 44 of 46 putts from 10 feet in or less the first three days of the tournament?

Maybe not, and Stricker might have won or someone else. All I know is that Tiger said it definitely helped him.

Wow, I thought NASCAR was bad with teammates blocking for their buddies, but at least they drive for the same owner.

What’s next, Justin Verlander showing Big Papi how to tee up his fastball, or professional bowler Pete Weber telling Parker Bone III he isn’t following through?

Stricker can do what he wants, but he should work on his own game so he can win a major, and let Tiger fend for himself.

Reader responses:My Friday question was #147;how much do you care about the Hawks streak?#148; Don Kuntz said the NHL should thank the Hawks #151; he watched a little but still is not a big fan. Ken Jacobson wrote that it was great and the Hawks played every game like it was the playoffs. Richard Markiewicz said it#146;s exciting, but means nothing without the Cup! Thanks to all who answered.Program note:Watch me on Mancow#146;s show on WPWR Ch. 50 at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, Friday and next Monday. Ÿ Mike North#146;s column appears each Tuesday and Friday in the Daily Herald, and his video commentary can be found Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at dailyherald.com. For more, visit northtonorth.com.GLF33852401Former Ryder Cup partners Tiger Woods, right, and Steve Stricker finished first and second, respectively, at the Cadillac Championship golf tournament. Woods credited Stricker with helping him work on his putting.Associated PressGLF