I just read fellow Duke alum John Feinstein's article on Tiger Woods, and it was one of the best, most insightful articles I have ever read in your publication. I think that most recreational golfers (myself included) sometimes view the members of the press as faceless entities, without stories of their own, who are just putting their microphones and notebooks in front of the athletes that they cover. John's piece shows the other side of the interview, and the fine line that the interviewer has to balance when dealing with our public figures. John deserves alot of credit for reporting his observations honestly, without fear of repurcussion, especially when it comes to the Woods machine. While Tiger might not have gotten over his anger with Mr. Feinstein for what he wrote about Earl Woods, I want to echo what Tiger told John after their first interview, "Well good for you then." Mr. Feinstein's books are great, but this article about himself was an equal achievement.
The article by John Feinstein on his interactions with Tiger Woods, is the most narcissistic, self-indulgent whining I have ever read in your usually fine magazine. As a "Phil Guy" I usually look forward to a little Tiger bashing, but this was over the top. I have read and enjoyed all of Mr. Feinstein's sports books. I wish he had shown some of the same self-proclaimed courage he had with Tiger's agents and refused his editors request to write this article and book. It is beneath him and Golf Digest.
Dear Mr. Feinstein, I wanted to write to thank you for telling it like it is with Tiger Woods. I must also tell you that I am 71 years old, a life long golfer, and this is only the second time I have ever written a response to an article. The first and only other time was a response to a wonderful article in Sports Illustrated 20 years ago on Roger Maris. You had the courage to tell the truth about Tiger and his Dad. I'm reasonably sure that most writers and magazines have been discouraged to write anything disparaging about Tiger for the greater good of golf in America, etc., etc., etc. He's too good, too popular, wins too often, is a man of color, golf desperatley needs Tiger Woods. Your well written and very fair article expresses exactly what I have been saying for well over 10 years. Obviously, I was delighted to read it in my latest Golf Digest.
David Schoenfeld
Carrollton, GA
Edward Coan
Toms River,NJ
Ron Crowe
Campton, NH
Okay, then, it's settled. You agree to disagree about Tiger, his critics, our coverage of him. We agree only that he's one of the two or three best golfers ever. That's what he'd like us to focus on--which I suspect we will when he comes roaring back next year.
Bob Carney
Illustration by Edel Rodriguez
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