The monotony of the Tiger Woods saga over the last few months has grown increasingly frustrating with each passing day. Media personnel are still camping out outside of his Florida home, and most recently outside the rehabilitation center where he is receiving treatment for a supposed sex addiction. I have refused to read any articles pertaining to Tiger Woods for about two weeks now, but this morning I stumbled upon the comments made by Tom Watson, one of the most respected men in golf. “Tiger has to take ownership of what he has done. He must get his personal life in order. And when he comes back he has to show some humility to the public I feel that he has not carried the same stature that other great players that have come along like Jack [Nicklaus], Arnold [Palmer], Byron Nelson, the Hogans”(Watson). Its not so much Watson’s comments that bother me, although I disagree, but it is however the media’s onslaught of questions regarding Tiger’s personal life to everyone but Tiger Woods.
I am outraged that I can still wake up each morning and find a new article pertaining to Tiger Woods personal life. The accident happened just a little over two months ago, how long before the daily updates perish? He was in an accident, he admitted to numerous transgressions, and is seeking help, what else do you want from the greatest golfer of all time? I’m not writing this to give my opinion on what Tiger should or shouldn’t have done, but simply to express my extreme displeasure with the media. Is it really necessary to ask every professional golfer their thoughts on Tiger Woods personal life? Tiger has the same right to privacy as you, me, or any other American citizen in this country. The PGA Tour is just as much to blame as the media. They continue to allow players to express their opinion on a very “personal” situation involving their greatest asset, Tiger Woods. I’m not saying the media shouldn’t be allowed to ask the question, but do we need EVERY golfer on the tours opinion 2 months after the incident. Someone needs to step in and say enough is enough.
The media has created such a negative image of Tiger Woods through the opinion of seemingly every sports figure in America that it will be virtually impossible for him to restore it. No matter how many tournaments Tiger will eventually win, or how many PGA records he shatters, he will always be remembered as the man who cheated on his wife in one of the biggest sex scandals of all time. Unfair? Absolutely! My biggest argument pertaining to the defamation of Tiger Woods as a human being and as a golfer is expressed in Mr. Watson’s comments yesterday. “I feel that he has not carried the same stature that other great players that have come along like Jack [Nicklaus], Arnold [Palmer].” Why now? Where was the constant barrage of negativity towards Woods on and off the course before the accident? I understand these incidents have triggered a lot of the negativity, but it just seems like there all taking their shots while Tiger remains in seclusion.
I am truly sick of everyone weighing in on Tiger other than Tiger. How long will it take before we associate Tiger Woods with the game of golf, and not sex, escorts, and rehab? Tiger is an exceptional athlete and in my opinion the greatest golfer of all time. He has many years of dominance ahead of him, and I truly believe Tiger Woods will be stronger than ever when he makes his return to the game of golf. I send out a warning to Tigers colleagues on the Tour who have yet to give their opinion on his personal life. Choose your words carefully, although we may not be able to see Tiger, he can see you, he can hear you, and he will certainly remember your face when he makes his return to the game of golf.