Wow, what a Masters! Mr. Mickelson showed incredible skill, daring-do and even patience, and it was a win for a good man. Now for Tiger: Dear Tiger: I am a golfer and I do lose my temper and say some words, now and then, that shouldn't be uttered in polite company. However I'm also not on world-wide TV and an icon of the sport as you are. I hear that you're trying to get closer to your Buddhist beliefs but that doesn't give you the right to use Jesus' name in the manner you do. Slamming a club--I get it, that's passion. And another thing, you told is in your interviews that you don't show up unless you think you can win and you didn't putt, drive, chip, whatever - how about a heart-felt (even faked) shout-out to Phil on his spectacular play. If you mentioned it I didn't hear it and that's a lesson you should have learned from Mr. Nicklaus, the most gracious of losers (and winners). To me I don't give a damn (oops!) about your off course dalliances except when they reflect on the game poorly. Of course you have a lot at stake in future financial dealings but far, far more in your reputation. It's a tough deal for a Tiger to change is stripes. Work on it. Dear CBS: Tiger is a man, not a God, please stop sucking up so much.
Ken Campbell, Fremont, CA
I want to thank Billy Payne for his spot-on comments about Woods and his shameful behavior. And thanks, too, to John Feinstein for putting into words many of my thoughts about the situation. It pained me to see so many women clapping for this man. My daughter, who is a baseball fan, not a golf fan, was surprised to see Woods playing when she visited during Sunday's play. "Shouldn't he be suspended, or something?" she asked. Now there's a thought.
Peg Wentworth, Lancaster, PA
It is no surprise that Tiger Woods continues to show the world what a self-centered jerk he really is. In the interview after the Masters all he talked about was how bad he played (even though he finished high on the leader board). He didn't mention how good it was to be back or how receptive the fans were or anything else positive. When asked when he would play again, he said that he was going to take time off and re-evaluate. I am willing to bet he won't miss any major tournaments this year. One of these days he will wake up and realize that the game of golf is much bigger then he ever will be.
Ron Celano, Highland, Mi
But a few writers, one here who reacts to John Feinstein's latest couple of columns about Tiger in Golf World, says 'hang on just a minute.' Feinstein, the writer begins, is a "long time Tiger hater," and the rush to condemn the man many used to idolize is absurd.
If just about all of the golfers I know is any indication, most of us couldn't care less about this media circus. Of course we sympathize with Mrs. Woods and the extended Woods family, but beyond that, none of this is any of our business. All this nonsense about whether Woods' apologies are sincere and whether he has been as forthcoming to the media as he should be? Please! Let go and let the man play golf. The behavior of most of the fans at Augusta seem to be in line with everyone else with whom I've spoken.
Robert Monroe, Tampa, Florida
Point well taken. More than one writer, including Mr. Campbell above, has nailed the media for treating Tiger for too long as a god. Now, as lava rushes to the other end of the lamp, it might be wise to remember that he's not the devil, either.
--Bob Carney
Rating
Comments
Post A Comment