Just what the world needs, another person moralizing about Tiger Woods and his personal travails.
I don't know Tiger Woods. Never met him. I followed him for a day at Doral last year. Here's what I learned. He's immcaulate. His posture, the way he carries himself, the way he golfs... precision personified. Oh, and he's good at golf.
I don't have a stake in Tiger Woods personally. As soon as he stops winning golf tournaments... as soon as he's off the golf course... he's of no use to me. Just another stranger a world of five billion others.
But I do have to say, I was disappointed in his decision to play Augusta. Not as a viewer. The ratings will be huge. It will be compelling television. I wouldn't be surprised if he won (he's already the favorite in Vegas).
That's not it. Here's what bothers me.
If this was a 'fall from grace,' how did he fall? What did he lose? The guy came out and apologized to me. And to you. What for? He didn't owe me an apology. The reason Tiger was able to pull of the lifestyle that he did, he was surrounded by enablers. He wasn't told no. Ever. It appears whatever he wanted to do.... or whoever he wanted to do... could happen, like that. There were no limitations on him. And now... He's totally disgraced, he's hit rock bottom, he goes into rehab.... But don't let that get in the way of his favorite tournament. This guy's life is so charmed... That his 'problems' and subsequent 'solution' happen to fall within the most convenient time-frame.
What has he given up? What has he sacrificed? The PGA, CBS, his fellow golfers... they're all going to kiss his backside from the minute he tees off at 1. Golf needs him something fierce. Make no mistake about it. Jim Nantz would do things to Tiger that are illegal in 15 states and will do so as soon as the broadcast starts. The bubble that he lived in, it's about to start all over again. He's once again to be coddled and protected. Good luck saying anything negative from a gallery.
He's going to sell himself as a changed person. That's what bothers me. I don't care what type of person you say you are. Want to prove something to me? Skip one major. Sacrifice something you truly love to show that your family matters more. Sad fact, it doesn't. I don't care either way what he and Elin decide to do. I really don't. If the geeky golf kid from Stanford isn't happy with his wife, not my concern. Just don't sell me on what a changed man you are. One might say, he's got a right to work. Sure.
Fine, go back to work. Win tournaments, endorse cars, enjoy your life.
Just don't sell me on this great American comeback story.
It's not a comeback: You never lost anything.
