Tiger is returning to the PGA TOUR in a few weeks at the Masters at famed Augusta National, which I think is another calculated and strategic move by Tiger and his inner circle. The security within the gates of Augusta National is probably tighter than that at the White House. No one can crash that party!
Tiger's return isn't simply back to professional golf. It's about returning to society and to his millions of fans, on and off the golf course. I realize that many of his fans' feelings will run the gamut, from positive to negative. But let's remember one very important thing.... Tiger is human and he made a mistake. He didn't put himself up on this pedestal, we did. As he attempts to regain his life, we need to let him get on with it and start to regain what he has lost. Golf seems fairly inconsequential at this point but it is how he's going to get started again.
I'm excited to watch him swing the golf club, make putts and get into contention again. He is the type of player that invigorates everyone on the course....players, caddies, volunteers, officials and fans. It just seems like the picture is in High Definition when Tiger tees it up. I'm pulling for him.
At least that's my take...what's yours?
Got an opinion? Send me your take at PJGolf@peterjacobsensports.com. You might just see it posted here!
Dave - I agree. Tiger is human and made some very serious mistakes in his life that hurt a lot of people. Which one of us hasn't to one extent or another. Living in the past solves nothing, but learning from mistakes of the past is critical to living the rest of our lives as well as possible. I wish him well.
Lee -
Like everyone else, I have enjoyed watching Tiger Woods play golf...seeing him, in person, at the Match Play (Tucson), I truly saw, for the first time, that the hype was not overblown as he clearly is in his own league.
Last year, though, was a 'pivotal year' for me as a 'FAN'...as I was getting very tired of Tiger's antics. Witnessing the talent and grace of Tom Watson at The Open and comparing Tiger Woods (take $10 million to go to Australia) and throw his driver over a crowd of 10-deep spectators, with them passing the driver back over their heads to hand it back to Tiger on the tee...well, that was quite 'final straw' for me...especially embarrassing on 'foreign soil'! Interestingly, Tom Watson was the only one to speak out about Tiger's on course behavior...he did a great service to the game. Then, came November . . .
I wish Tiger well in fighting his demons. But, I will never be a golf 'FAN' of his, again, until he conducts himself - inside the ropes - like you, Tom Watson, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and so many of 'our' heros of the past that were better people (on and off the golf course) than they were golfers. You, and those mentioned, are considered 'Ambassadors of the Game'...right now, I can't imagine ever putting Tiger in that class...but, I hope I do someday...
As a final note, that I know you will heartily endorse...wishing you great golf and a win this year !
Disapointed Dad - I have mixed feelings on Tiger right now. While "we" (the media) jammed Tiger down our throats to make a buck, I have to figure out how to explain to my 9 year old daughter about tiger's actions. With fame both given and earned one must assume the responsibility as millions are watching. Tiger has brought us all to the top with him and now he is going to have to earn our respect again and this time it will be no cake walk.
Corey - Enjoyed your take on this. I too am very interested in seeing the crowd's reactions to Tiger, particularly in the "big" reception areas, 15, 16, 18. I can't imagine that the reception will be less than warm, but will it be the thunderous applause we have seen in previous years? I also agree that this was a very calculated re-entry point, the patrons will value their badges more than an opportunity to express displeasure. My question is more about Tiger's team. They seemed to have failed him during his rough patch, are they the ones to advise him through the recovery?
Always enjoy your perspective, keep up the good work.
Jeff - I agree with you. Tiger made mistakes and now he reenters society. I’m pulling for him to have a good Masters!
Bob - Can you think of a case history that even comes close to Tiger's? Talk about complicated. Sports hero. Less forthcoming publicly than a mute. A corporate endorsement nightmare. Socially, pond scum. Let's root for him to make a comeback. Let's give him a second chance. Most of all, let's give him space. But don't expect him to sit down for an extended spontaneous conversation in public. He ain't built that way. He's a robot. And finally, three strikes, Tiger, and you're out. Toast.
Richard - Since the day Tiger was born, he has been groomed for this by a man with a less than sterling moral character. No one was allow to dare make a suggestion. He was given privilege when there was none to be found at home. Now Tiger has to overcome the Legacy of Earl, and become his OWN Man. The controlled environment at ANG is the perfect place for each player that has something to say to seek him out and say his piece. Tiger will also state HIS piece....and by Friday...Ernie will have the green Jacket, and Tiger will have golf back in his life. His family has not departed in a huff, so there are possibilities on that front, however Tiger better not so much as look at a grass hopper's ass if he wants his family. THEN Tiger tells the inner circle to take a hike, and joins up with some quality Sunday time with Cink and his prayer group. The question is....HOW MUCH DOES HE WANT IT, and what is it that he wants?
Jim - Peter-you're 100% right, its inspiring to see TW attack a golf course. Here is the but; why don't I trust anything TW says, does or represents now?