Fred Couples: The Tiger Woods of the Champions Tour?

And no, I am not referring to Tiger Woods' recent drama about marital infidelity. With Fred Couples transition to the Champions Tour (he says he will be full time on the over-50 circuit next year), he quite possibly could be the player that makes the tour significant again in terms of popularity.

Freddie has always had a large following on tour, even in recent years when his play has fallen off slightly. With his good looks, laid back personality, and a super smooth swing, Couples is probably one of the most popular players on tour, only behind players like Phil and Tiger. He is able to command a large crowd regardless of where he plays. I have seen that from personal experience.

I went to first round action at the 2008 AT&T National on site with a friend and checked out the driving range where the players were warming up. Now, I saw players that were very highly recognized at the time: Trevor Immelman, who was the recent Masters champion, and Rocco Mediate, who pushed Tiger Woods to 91 holes in that year's U.S. Open.

Neither player had that many people observing. My friend and I were able to find a spot directly behind Trevor's spot to see his swing up close, and we were even able to have an actual (albeit short) conversation with Rocco. Actually the driving range was fairly empty.

But then Freddie arrived. A slew of people rushed onto the driving range, and me and my friend were very nearly run over as we wanted to take a look at Freddie as well. The crowd around Freddie was easily four or five people deep, gargantuan in comparison to the other players on the range.

And once he left to tee off, the crowd went off following with many spectators screaming for an autograph. He was the only player that I saw who needed security to be escorted to the first tee. The whole scene was quite incredible (now granted, I haven't had the chance to see a Tiger or Phil crowd, but Fred's following was huge). That's the kind of buzz Couples can generate.

Now, although the Champions Tour has a very solid following and quality players, its popularity is not nearly as great as the PGA Tour's, due to obvious reasons. But in recent years, I feel that the Champions Tour has fallen a bit more into obscurity, due to the fact that the marquee players that people want to see are not winning many tournaments (the exception being Tom Watson).

But with Freddie, they now have their "new" star, judging by his play so far in the events. Couples has already posted a win and a second place finish in his two events out on the tour this season, and certainly will draw more people who are looking for a big name to follow.

If Fred Couples continues this success, he will provide just that. People love seeing players dominate, which is a big reason why Tiger is so popular; and if Freddie keeps this kind of play coming, he will cause a resurgence in the Champions Tour that will make it relevant in the golfing world.