Yes, Greg Norman is better known for finishing second in the 1996 Masters than Nick Faldo is for winning, but that is an outlier.

For the most part, the narrative in sport is about the winner and in golf from 1997 until 2009 that narrative had just one name: Tiger Woods.

Even when he wasn’t winning, Tiger was the story. In press conferences and interviews other players would be asked about him and regardless of score, TV cameras would follow his every shot.

"They fronted the media together Tuesday morning and of the 19 questions asked by the assembled scribes, 13 were directed at Tiger."

Meanwhile, in the background, one of the most talented swingers ever to grace the world’s fairways was relegated to a career of finishing too often second.

At St Andrews in 2000 when Tiger Woods was six shots ahead after 54 holes and Els was in a group eight behind, the South African was asked his thoughts on what would unfold the final day.

Els paid tribute to Tiger saying the game today wouldn't be where it was without. PHOTO: Getty Images.

He suggested that were he a spectator at home, watching on TV, he would expect Woods to win but that as a competitor he couldn’t think that way.

That he would be asked the question at all was telling about Woods’ standing in the game.

Fast forward 19 years and in some ways, Els is still playing second fiddle to Woods, even as the two face off as Captains at this week’s Presidents Cup.

They fronted the media together Tuesday morning and of the 19 questions asked by the assembled scribes, 13 were directed at Tiger.

“It's been a long ride. I've known Tiger since the early 90s when he was still a junior player, and we've shared a lot of moments together." – Ernie Els.

And of the six Els received? One was – almost inevitably – about his opposite number.

Asked his thoughts on facing his old adversary again Els had a wry grin.

“You know, he's not a bad golfer, you know what I mean,” he said, drawing laughter from the room.

“He's one of the best, the best of my generation. It was a privilege to compete against him. I know I would have had a couple more events under my belt, but still very proud to have played with and against Tiger, and after all these years, to be friends with him is another privilege.

“It's been a long ride. I've known Tiger since the early 90s when he was still a junior player, and we've shared a lot of moments together.

“A lot of tournaments come through my mind now where I've came close and lost to him, but there was a couple where I got him, you know, here and there.

“But it's been a real privilege to have played in his era. Where the game of golf has gone in the last 25 years is just remarkable, and it could not be where it is today if it wasn't for Tiger Woods.

“So with all that being said and done, you know, we'd like to kick their arses this week here at home.”

The final line drew plenty of laughs but on a serious note it would be fitting if Els was to hoist the trophy at the end of this week.

He has been a worthy adversary for Woods for many years, perhaps the best of his generation, and always dealt with the rivalry with dignity and grace.

Nobody – possibly not even Woods himself – could begrudge him one final triumph.