Breaking: Tiger Taking "Indefinite Break" from Professional Golf
by turnover on Dec 11, 2009 7:06 PM EST
125 comments
From his website, tigerwoods.com:
After much soul searching, I have decided to take an indefinite break from professional golf. I need to focus my attention on being a better husband, father, and person.
I can't really add much to this, but I thought it appropriate to post it here. Major media on it as well.
One would expect him to be back in time for the Masters, but there's no way of knowing.
FanPosts are written by Waggle Room members. Viewpoints expressed do not necessarily reflect those of WaggleRoom.com and its editor, Ryan Ballengee. The Waggle Room member whose byline appears with the FanPost is solely responsible for its content.
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He’s finally doing the right thing. Guess Rick Reilly was right. No reason why Elin can’t accompany Tiger with her own nanny. If Tiger never golfs again, he’ll still be considered one of the all-time greats of the game. But if he doesn’t change as a man, husband, and father, he will go down in history as one of the world’s biggest cads.
Shep Smith just pointed out that the statement was released on a Friday evening just after the major network newscasts were finished…LOL….even when Tiger does the “right” thing, he still has to listen to his PR pirahnas. He should fire all of them, and while he’s at it get rid of that thug Stevie Williams,,,,after all, he said he wanted to work on being a better person….hard to do that when you’re surrounded by evil.
Ugh.
Well, at least he waiting until after Glenn Beck’s show, ‘cause Beck would’ve likely called Tiger a socialist who’’s taking time off knowing that it will damage the PGA Tour’s ratings and sponsors. I mean, we all saw that photo of Tiger and Obama, right! Oh no!
Then Beck would’ve done another line of coke off the mirror behind his desk.
"...it is well to remember that to miss a putt is not a criminal offense and does not prevent a man from being an excellent husband, father, and citizen." - Bernard Darwin
by turnover on Dec 11, 2009 7:40 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Agree with you there, nibs. This seems like the right thing to do – hope he, Elin, and the kids get through this intact.
Now if we can get xxx Golf Channel to stop having the entire staff blather on, repeating each other ad nauseum…especially Rich Lerner and Kelly Tilghman, who have to chime in and repeat what was just said, then re-read Tiger’s statement.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
I'm just sitting around waiting...
…for xxx Golf Channel to go back to their scheduled programming, which was…wait for it…golf!
"...it is well to remember that to miss a putt is not a criminal offense and does not prevent a man from being an excellent husband, father, and citizen." - Bernard Darwin
He's doing the right thing...
I, like many, will miss seeing him play, but no doubt in my mind he’s doing the right thing. Hope we see him at Augusta, but trust he’ll wait until he’s fully ready. I wish him and his family the best.
tigerhead......I too think
he is doing the right thing. I also believe this statement was as sincere as a written statement can be and hopefully he will become a better husband, father and person. I could actually cheer for a guy like that.
I won’t be the slightest bit surprised if he misses the whole season. That will give the situation time to not be so fresh in people’s memories and will reduce the intensity of the circus that will surround his eventual return.
by Double Eagle on Dec 11, 2009 8:38 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Double E.....I don't
think him missing the whole season is a stretch. If he is serious about fixing his marriage, then a sacrifice of that magnitude may be in order. I really, really hope he will become a better person….at home and on the golf course.
Hard to imagine in some ways he would sit out the season, but it is indeed very possible. You know, I wonder how much these “problems” effected his play in 2009. Looking back on the year, it did seem that “something” was bothering him. The bad shots seemed to bother him more and the pressure seemed to effect him like never before. I assumed it was frustration over his game but perhaps this has been eating at him for a while.
Good point.
He said all year the knee was 100%. Perhaps that was totally true.
by handicapismyswing on Dec 12, 2009 12:02 AM EST up reply actions
I predict we will see him at Augusta. I can’t recall who posted a day or two ago, but I can quote it. “Winning cures everything!” The Tour, the sponsors, the venues, The Golf Channel, Nike… everybody needs Tiger to be back. A little cooling off period to let things settle out helps all of them, too. But they all need the dollars that Tiger generates for golf, and the history of Alex Rodriguez and Koby Bryant says that getting back in the game and winning is the straightest and shortest road to redemption. Not necessarily the smoothest, but…. The brand is damaged, but it is still the most name recognizeable brand in golf. Don’t look for him to be away too long. He is in his mid thirties, and realizes that the window to accomplish his ultimate goals won’t be open forever.
by handicapismyswing on Dec 12, 2009 12:27 AM EST up reply actions
Winning
Winning obviously didn’t cure him of infedelity the last 31 months. If one is to believe Tiger’s statement is sincere, he won’t give a damn about anything except trying to save his marrage. Money ? Golf will survive very well thank you, even if Tiger retires. This insecurity the tour seems to have if Tiger is absent smacks of pure greed. Winning does not cure everything and it can leave one in a very lonely place.
Smacks of pure greed...
Absolutely. All I’m saying is there is enormous pressure from all sides that will be pushing him back toward playing again, not the least of which is his almost lifelong goal of being the best, which he has said is measured against Jack’s 18 majors. On the home front, rebuilding trust can’t begin in earnest until some degree of normalcy returns to their lives, which I assume will be when he resumes his playing career. I don’t believe he will retire, and aside from that unlikely outcome, I don’t see a highly competitive and motivated athlete like him staying away from the game too long. The greed of others aside, even though it will be a factor, I’m not sure how long he CAN stay away from the game that has been such a huge part of his personal identity for so much of his life.
by handicapismyswing on Dec 12, 2009 2:48 AM EST up reply actions
Pressure
Agreed, beating Jacks records is something he sets on himself, and number 18 will never go away untill he gets 19. It’s the tour and the media I can’t stomach, when they all but say they will die if Tiger retires. Putting Tiger in everyones face just because it makes money…it’s almost legal prostitution. The pimps are Fincham and a few players who bemoan when Tiger can’t play. What happened to fellow players who want to win ? Tiger had become so dominate, it’s almost like they settle for the crumbs…because they still make millions finishing 2nd, they have become lazy to some extent. Ernie Els infuriates me…all that talent, he should be up there challenging week in, week out. Had he had the dedication of Faldo, he would have. Tiger has been amazing to watch, no doubt, but the real turn off is the way some seem to give up. And now, those same players are in a panic, in case thier cozy game won’t pay out if Tiger goes. Pathetic.
Hard to argue any of that.
I hope he gets things on track and gets back as soon as it’s OK for him. I hope also for his sake that is sooner than later. Be a shame to see him fall one or two short of his goal because of this.
by handicapismyswing on Dec 12, 2009 12:09 PM EST up reply actions
"A man is as faithful
as his options". Chris Rock
This was said before two weeks ago. It pertained to TW, me and you. Somebody actually called Tiger a cad.
Take a few minutes and remember a place you may have been recently where the most gorgeous female walked by and what would have happened if she propositioned YOU and you knew you could get away with it 100%. Then call Tiger a cad.
Puh-leez…..
...from the land of pleasant living, Baltimore. Stop by and visit us anytime at www.oneeyedgolfer.blogspot.com
by One-Eyed Golfer Guy on Dec 11, 2009 9:11 PM EST reply actions
1 eye.....What a stupid statement.
How’s this for you ……Tiger’s a CAD!!! Now that wasn’t so hard. We all have to make decisions all day long……right from wrong decisions….good versus evil. Tiger is not the only one tempted on a daily basis….we all are. So don’t give me that what would you do stuff…….I know exactly what I would do and it wouldn’t be what Tiger did, but I guess you would. Get a freakin’ clue.
He got it right.
Gut reaction? Good decision!! If he applies his legendary work ethic, attention to detal, tenacity, and commitment to excellence to his personal life, he’ll be back playing in no time. Good for him.
by handicapismyswing on Dec 11, 2009 10:23 PM EST reply actions
I’m enjoying the mini love-fest for Tiger here. It’s funny, I can feel the different tone in this thread, and that, to me, is an indication that Tiger is doing something right…because of course I think all of you guys are right all the time. :)
I’ve never been a huge fan of Tiger, but after this announcement, I’m definitely rooting for his family.
red tees...
Actually there was supposed to be a tinge of irony in my post, though I share in your best wishes for his family. I do think it’s the right decision, and a little calculated at that. Why not quit golf indefinitely while you aren’t playing? Gives things a chance to cool down, and if he’s serious and being honest about his reasons, give himself a little time to work on important things like his family. I hope all that’s true, and I wish him well. Also, I expect to see him resume his career in time for the Masters.
by handicapismyswing on Dec 11, 2009 11:31 PM EST reply actions
You can stay away as long as you can or need to Tiger...
But the circus, the carnival, and the freak show will be right there waiting when you decide to return. I guarantee it.
The 2009 Pregame Picks Winner and Iron Man of Halos Heaven.com
Over night phone records provided by the NSA under the Freedom of Information Act
Acct holder: R. Rielly
Call #1
Beep… Hey Rick, it’s Tiger,,,,saw your interview the other day, you’re right Man…Call me after the holiday, I want to thank you in person…
Call #2
RB: Hello, is this Mr. Reilly?
RR: Yeah, this is Rick, who’s this?
RB: This Ryan Ballangee, from waggleroom.com. I…
RR: That’s not a porn site is it?
RB: No sir, it’s a golf blog…anyway I just wanted to apologize for saying you’re a complete idi….. (click)
Call #3
Account holder: R.Fowler
SW: Hi Rickie, it’s Steve Williams
RF: Steve Williams?
SW: Yeah, Stevie…Tiger’s caddy…
RF: Oh THAT Steve Williams…
SW: Hey, I just found out I’m going to have a huge block of time available next season, I was wonderin’ if you need a caddy?
RF: I don’t know… After the Phil Mickelson (expletive deleted) thing and the camera thing, you’re sorta, like radioactive…..You wouldn’t have Fanny Sanderson’s number?
SW: It’s Sunneson….
RF: Whatever, she was Rick Faldo’s caddy, right?
SW: It’s Nick…
Rf: Whatever……
Christine Brennen of Golf.com (that’s the reputable one, isn’t it?) said Tiger’s indefinite hiatus is huge blow to the PGA Tour… We shall see?
Bad on so many levels...
Aside from the huge ratings hit and financial blow to the business of the game, Tiger’s absence casts a huge shadow on the game as a whole. For instance, Phil was really excited about his game as he finished his season. What if he ascends to the No. 1 ranking in the world while Tiger is gone? What if Kenny Perry gets that coveted Major, or someone else has a great year and really establishes some creds? Any of their accomplishments will carry a huge, permanent historical asterisk if Tiger is not competing. None of that is good for the game. I choose to believe that the top players, at least, are honestly and consistently competitive and want to compete with the very best and win. Anything that diminishes that is, IMHO, not good for golf in any way.
by handicapismyswing on Dec 12, 2009 2:35 PM EST reply actions
The Mickelnuts thought is interesting. He had half a season to take the top spot when Tiger blew out his knee, but made no progress and even got passed a couple of times. Does he have what it takes ? Personally, I don’t think so. It takes a Vijay Singh or David Duval…or maybe Paddy Harrington mentality to run down Woods.
Personally, I’m not going to begrudge anybody who collects wins while Tiger is away. I’ll take the Ivan Drago approach to Tiger’s record while he’s away…“If he dies…he dies”. (hey – it’s tougher sounding that calling out Doris Day and “Que Sera Sera”) :-D
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
Courtgolf
David Duval Mentality? Hmmm. He was much closer to the bottom than to the top at this year’s Q-School… Last time I saw Vijay his putting looked painful… Now Harrington? He’s a real wild card… Phil? He’s always a question mark… How does that little kids thing go? “When he’s good he’s very, very good but when he’s bad he’s horrid.” I need to Google “Ivan Drago”…..
Asterisk
Please. When someone gets injured in any sport, one cannot question the winner. The one who was injured broke down. Tiger, for some time, has been breaking down under the strain. His knee last year, and now his head. If one is not up to tounament golf, for whatever reason, he’s out. How can anyone call Tiger the best as he is now ? Move on.Loads of players get injured over the years of compitition. Look at Nedal with his knees. Does that mean Federer’s last 2 majors have an asterisk ? Of course not. Tiger’s shadow is diminishing with time faster than people realise. Jacks did, so will Tiger’s.
I think Mickelson might be poised for a run,
but I concede history holds no clues if that’s the case. I also agree with you that you can only compete against whoever shows up, and in my book a win is a win, as you say. I still can’t help but think the pundits will be observing regularly that Tiger’s absence weakens any field, and the thought will be floated that these events would have turned out differently if he was competing.
by handicapismyswing on Dec 12, 2009 2:52 PM EST reply actions
Adios El Tigre, LOL.
Does anybody seriously think this phony won’t be back before the Masters? This is all just “lip service” from the Woods camp ! If he was serious there’d be a press conference and he’d read a statement or whatever. Maybe take a few questions. He’s still hiding behind his “web-site”. He’ll be back before the Masters and play at least one and maybe two events to shake some of the rust off. He’s paid off Elin no doubt, and she’ll now stick around. He’s gonna wait for his “perfect storm” to weaken and then we’ll see him in the spring. His actions and motive are pretty transparent. A Tiger does not change his stripes, because they serve to camoflouge his image, just like Mr.Woods is doing today Just more of the same BS. Nothing’s changed from my view. I’d welcome a new Tiger back,….but I’m not holding my breath. It all sounds too eerily familiar. The game is better off without him at this point, waaaay better off ! Adios hombre………………………Z
you're still away,...choke on it !
Can't argue with most of that.
I predicted last night, as you have observed, that he would return in time for Augusta. I also observed that the perfect time to make this actually savvy move is now when he’s not playing anyway. He is letting the storm die down, and I expect him back pretty soon. And, I agree that it would be refreshingly different to see a changed man. This is good PR strategy. It remains to be seen if the verbal commitment he made to change is real, or just the right words at the right time.
by handicapismyswing on Dec 12, 2009 3:06 PM EST up reply actions
Some one said...
they read the first sentence of one of my comments and knew it was mine….They were not paying me a compliment. Now I see how that’s possible…. You’d better get in your licks pretty quickly because your whipping boy may be dropping out of sight for a while….And from what I’ve seen for quite some time, you’re a one trick pony……
Droppin outa sight !
I hope this phony TW, that had y’all fooled for soooo long disappears for good. Golf is better off with his tempestuous attitude. Should he come back a better man, and a “professional”, the game will be better for it. RIP TW version I,….I’ll not miss him at all. There are other players who have earned their respect, and I always acknowledge them as professionals. Woods was never one of them, so I’m not shedding any tears. He remains what I’ve always said about him,…“a great talent but phony to his core”. He’s a cheetah off the course, and I suspect on it as well. Drugs, booze and skank always travel in three’s. There’s more here, I’ve smelt it for years. Nobody does what he’s done without a little pharmaceutical help. IMO. Remember David Duval’s fall,….drug related. That’s first hand “eye-witness” fact……….Z.
you're still away,...choke on it !
Who the f**k are you....
…to have “first hand eyewitness fact.” You start spewing stuff like this, you need to be prepared to back that s**t up.
"...it is well to remember that to miss a putt is not a criminal offense and does not prevent a man from being an excellent husband, father, and citizen." - Bernard Darwin
Dem's da facts,....jack !
I competed in many Nike events (as did Duval) in ‘93 season. Saw it all, up close . He wasn’t the only guy gaining a pharmaceutical edge. Long before testing however…………….Z.
you're still away,...choke on it !
Not a professional
3Irons, you must be kidding to say the TW is not a professional. What he does off the course is none of your business. His actions off the course has nothing to do with his professionalism on the course… This is a private manner between him and his wife… I am sure your laying a lot of wood, with your skank, booze and drugs… as they say on the Howard Stern show… DOUCHE BAG – say what… your a TOOL…!!! FOUR..*&^%$
SVG2
That’s right "douche-bag. Tiger Woods is not a professional ! His behavior on and off the course has always been an embarassment. He plays well, so he’s a great player. But it takes a lot more than that to be a professional. Of course, I can appreciate all of this goes well over your head, but none the less it’s fact , and the facts are now coming to light about this phony flake who thinks he’s the 2nd coming of Nicklaus. What a joke,…turns out he’s the 2nd coming of Barry Bonds. He’s deserving of all the ridicule coming his way. He earned it !…………………..Z.
you're still away,...choke on it !
ping
I see 3irons took your advice.
by handicapismyswing on Dec 12, 2009 11:52 PM EST up reply actions
H=S
We’ve been down this road with 3irons so many times…. The more others push back at him the nastier he gets. I try to look at what he says in a broader context rather than the the angry ravings of one man. It’s difficult to separate the Tiger Woods the golfer from Tiger Woods the person. From what I can tell, none of golf’s greats were particularly warm friendly people. Like most of you, my first hand experience with professional golfers is very limited. I had watched Lee Trevino on TV for years when I followed him at one of the early Skins Games at PGA West. What I saw was a little off putting. When the camera was on him he was “The Merry Mex”, when it wasn’t, he was anything but. Johnny Miller told a story on TV about meeting Ben Hogan for the first time when he was an up and coming “superstar”. To say Ben was unfriendly is an understatement. Perhaps I have low standards. I only want to watch these guys play a game in a fashion I can only fantasize about. I don’t want to be one of hundreds of hands they are obliged to shake. I don’t want a signature. Contrary to 3irons view and according to the AP article I read this morning, many of his fellow pros acknowledge that Tiger’s absence from the Tour a very big deal. Greg Norman said he felt Woods had hurt THE GAME to some degree. Then there’s this: “It’s a scary vision. It’s a very scary vision,” Ryder Cup player Graeme McDowell said. “We’re under no illusions. We’re much more prosperous golfers for having Tiger Woods playing in our era.” So, who am I to believe, 3irons or the people that are making their living as pros today? Now…..I’d like to stake out the Open at St. Andrews for Tiger’s tournament return. While the British press may be the ugliest on the planet, I think the British galleries are some of the most knowledgeable. They want to see great golf and have a worthy winner. They’re not obsessed with Tiger’s private life. I know a couple of Brits post here… What say you?
British Tabloids
Agreed, Ping, they are the worst. You can count on one hand the Gold medal winners and top sports stars in Britain they haven’t had a go at. Anything to sell papers. If Tiger did wait untill the Open in July, they would wait untill the week before and start printing the dirt. Here, they have to get past Wimbledon first. I’ll bet if Andy Murray wins a major the press will do a Monty on him. As for Mc Dowell saying " we are much more properous in Tigers era" money yes…wins no. I think although pros work hard, they don’t work hard enough to try and take it to Tiger, IMO. Darren Clarke springs to mind. Did he ever work as hard as Harrington ? Poulter as Singh ? Mickleson and Els had much more talent, but didn’t work as hard either. Money in Tigers era has made many pros far too content. You can bet Trevino, Watson, Player in Jacks era worked a damn sight harder than these young millionairs do today.
Money, Money, Money
That’s what professional golf is all about. I think it was 87 or 88 that Curtis Strange became the first golfer to earn over $1 million in a season. Sure they like hoisting trophies but they like cashing checks more. Are players more complacent in the “Tiger Woods big money Era”? It’s all relative. I don’t understand how people can judge how hard the pros work. It’s folly to believe that if Clarke or Els or any one else worked harder they have beaten Woods more. I don’t think Woods has got to where he is because he out works his competitors, he’s a freak of nature..
Strange
It’s interesting you brought up Curtis Strange, the first man to win a million on tour. Jack Nicklaus said one of the main reasons Europe started winning the Ryder Cup, is that Americans had become “soft” because they won a lot of money finishing 2nd. At that time in Europe, they had to win to make moneyIn Jack’s day, winning was all. It is in Tiger’s, because he is driven to beat Jack’s records. Now, 20 years later, Europe too, makes millions finishing 2nd. Luke Donald is a good example. Very consistant, yet can’t win much. It’s human nature to settle for a grand lifestyle. Judging the work ethic of pro’s isn’t that hard, you can soon see the ones that are driven to suceeed and the ones that go along for the ride. It’s much, much harder staying on top of the mountain than getting there. The true greats, ie Snead, Hogan,Palmer. Player, Nicklaus, Trevino, Watson, Seve, Faldo and Tiger now have that desire. It’s more than just ability…Miller had it but it got too hot for him and he quit. The pro’s today who get rich quick as they did in the US 20 years ago settle for less. Now you look at Harrington, he will keep going no matter how rich he gets, because he wants to win bad. The Poulters of the world, want thier fashion lines out first.
Work ethic
Have to say I agree with ping on this and have said so before. I don’t think any amount of work would have made anyone else in golf the best for the last few years. Given last year’s fairly erratic results (for Tiger anyway), that could change. I don’t think anyone stays near or at the top echelon of players without hard work and an inherently competitive nature. Too many talented folks that want to win for slackers or plain losers to stay, say, top twenty for very long.
by handicapismyswing on Dec 13, 2009 10:13 AM EST up reply actions
Off the gas ?
I’m not saying pros don’t work hard, talent is never enough. What I mean is that some when they have a big win or two think they have made it and take thier foot off the gas a little. Thats enough to fall down the rankings. Perhaps work is the wrong word. Dedication and hunger is what makes one win. Some of this is lost on many once they make millions I always thought winning takes care of the rest…nowadays, top 10 finishes can do the same thing. Pros that play for money as thier main motivation do just that…earn money. Titles matter a whole lot more.
Top 10?
You’re being very generous! I took a look at the World Money list. 132 golfers earned over $1 million dollars this year. But bear in mind, David Duval, Shaun Micheel and Mark Brooks (all Past major winners) are not among them… Nor did they secure Tour Cards for 2010. Tough business…..
by pingforever on Dec 13, 2009 12:53 PM EST up reply actions
He's a feak all right !
But not of nature ! I think to do what he has done professionally, has required pharmaceudical help, but we’ll never know. What is certain, is he simply outworked everybody else, because he wanted it more. But given these recent developments, I would not be surprised if he bent a few rules along the way. His squeaky clean image was bogus, as I told you it was. Quotes from Tour players about Woods are obviously self serving to those quoted. His presence brings in more cash, but there is also the usual rock-star riff-raff associated with Woods. But he has also disgraced the game . Away from the media, I can attest to player’s having different feelings about Woods. At least from the majority of the fellas I know personally. Believe what you will, but he’s reinforced a lot of peoples negative views in the last few weeks. I’ll be kind, as it’s Christmas,…but his persona has been disingenuous to say the least. Facts are facts…………………………………Z.
you're still away,...choke on it !
What kind of “pharmaceutical help” can make a player come up with shots from out of the woods and touch shots around the greens ? He’s not the longest in the game anymore, but he’s up there. He rarely plays more than 2 weeks in a row, so fatigue is never a problem – mental or physical.
Remember Bobby Jones’ famous line, “there is golf and there is tournament golf.” Tiger wins more tournaments with his brain than his muscles.
If he is, as you contend, the biggest jerk and phony on the Tour, what difference does that make in getting to the winner’s circle as long as he doesn’t break the rules of the game ? What difference does it make what a few other players think about the guy ?
Can you name me one human endeavor where there aren’t people who do things against the spirit of the game ? There are cheaters in every game – and there are people who’s personal lives would be considered “embarrassments” to the game. You can’t even go to the church and tell me that it is beyond reproach.
I don’t care that you aren’t a fan of Woods – you’ve been more than clear on that, and it’s up to you – but you have thrown a lot of stones. If a person is a jerk, the only person they really end up hurting is themself. Tiger has let his character slip the last three years (that we know of), and he will have to deal with it and figure out how to put himself back together.
The game is still the game – the PGA Tour will go on and they may have to figure out how to deal with things without their marketing meal ticket for a while…but they will go on.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
The game is still the game...
and it will deal without marketing thier meal ticket, and go on. Thanks, court, for summing up what I’ve been trying to say for some time. Can you have a word with John Daly ?
He is not above suspicion anymore !
On the contrary,…Tiger being a “jerk” has hurt the game that I make a living at. He has insulted /embarassed everyone in the golf business to some degree. This is far more than just hurting himself. As for pharmaceudical help in golf,….apparently the suits thought it enough of a threat to the games integrity, that they imposed drug rules in 2008. Ask the suits at Ponte Vedre why they suspended Doug Barron. Guys on meds acquire the ability to pound hundreds of balls. Diggin’ it out of the dirt, if you will. Woods has been widely acclaimed as having outworked the competition. Med’s would be a great enabler in that scenario. It was more common than you might ever suspect prior to testing. I was exposed to it during my time on the Nike Tour, and yes,…they do give the edge to practice longer and recover quicker. The side effects were hell however, especially on one’s off course life. Nuff said I think……………….Z.
you're still away,...choke on it !
This is getting positively weird.....
I’m sure you have some unique insights into professional golf, insights we’d like to hear. Why you persist in this almost evangelical diatribe about Woods is bordering on the pathological. Do you want to be perceived as a raving maniac? Some times “telling is like it is” is no longer prudent. Everyone at TWO blogs knows how you feel… PLEASE try to “move on”……
lame comment!
3Irons… you really want a attention don’t you…. “the game is better off with out him”… if that were the case and why and the hell did the ratings take a major hit when he was on the IR?? If you think Golf can continue to sustains it’s current ratings without TW… you must be teeing up on a dirt road in Kentucky… you have no clue the financial impact his void will leave… get a clue.. leave the guy alone and allow him to work out his personal life with his wife…
Here's a clue
TV ratings do not enable pro golf’s survival. If that were the case the pro game would have vanished years before Woods ever arrived. Corp. America has always loved golf, but not because of the return on advertising $$$. That return has never been there. Pro golf has survived the exits of many great players and will continue to do so. People will continue to play and conduct business on the course. Presidents will still play, CEO’s will still play and colleges will still have golf teams. Kids will still dream whether or not TV’s ratings are impacted. The game is over 400 year old and is still thriving. People watch golf because most viewers play. It is different that way, from other sports. I should hope that having been in the game since I can remember, and having scraped out a living playing for 12 years that I do indeed have a clue . But, you’re entitled to your opinion. This is America after all…………..Z.
you're still away,...choke on it !
Here's another clue!
You don’t have a clue. If you think any corporation will allocate 3 to 10million dollars investement in a tournament and reap no returns, dude your stuck in a SAND trap! You have NO CLUE… Oh and you played on tour for 12 years? Your one of the meatballs that had no clue, it;s a business STUPID, not just a game! Boy I would love to see Elin use a 3Iron to work her magic as you berate her husband and the father of her children….FOUR $%$#$& … i’d pay to see that!
BTW… The PGA is not just about America …. Golf is seeing more revune growth in APAC… than any other market in the world….
It's a game first and formost...
Yes, money is involved. But this game will survive any economic mess. It’s played all over the world in some of the poorest places. In the deserts on sand, using a matt to hit the ball off of and oil on sand for a green. This paranoia that golf will take a dive of untold preportions if Tiger quit is crazy. Only in America with it’s “TV ratings” war worries about this. All the stinking money in the world awash in the game and that makes no difference over a 3 footer…it still must be holed. And it can miss. The money in the game has become obscene and to hear some commentator say "he just lost 70,000 dollars with that miss( he still won 200,000 ) is sick. Tiger has inflated prize money above it’s station, much like a barrel of oil last year when it was over 150 dollars a barrel. In fact, any sport with massive TV coverage and sponsorship has gone way too far. 1,000,000 dollars for a weeks work ? What a balenced world we live in.
That's Crazy
Yes, pro golf has survived the exit of many greats. But we’re not talking about a great, we’re talking about THE great. Current events aside, it’s a virtual certainty that he will go down as the greatest player ever, and if he never plays another tournament he will, at worst, be debated as the best or second best player ever.
The financial impact that Tiger Woods has had on pro golf is undeniable. Just look how much purses have surged since he came on the scene. Sponsors pay more because their logo is going to get plastered on TV for 4 days and during the pre- and post-tournament coverage. And when Tiger plays, those TV numbers are huge. Tiger results in more fans at the gates, too.
Pro golf won’t die, but I think you seriously underestimate how popular it has become with him leading the way. Even the number of recreational players surged, leading to more revenue for courses and equipment companies.
by Double Eagle on Dec 14, 2009 2:57 PM EST up reply actions
Overestimated
No one denys Tiger made golf more popular. I would argue, here in Europe, Seve had a far bigger impact on golf than Tiger ever did. Not only did he make the game popular with the fans, he made fellow pros here believe they could be the best in the world. And they did. The game here became huge with the Ryder cup and everything else. That was all down to Seve.Once someone takes up the game for real however, that survives far beyond anything Tiger does. Tiger is awesome, no doubt, but he was in the right place in the right time, when Americans were 2nd best, he stepped up and became a hero to them. And he came along in the great media age, when advertising went through the roof. check out all sprots, it’s not just golf, therefore, not all down to Tiger. One last point on Tiger’s impact…Seve loved the fans…Tiger only loves himself…certainly has no time for fans whatsoever.
who knows
Personally, I don’t beleive he will return this season at all, but thats just me. TGC had it’s top 2 groveling droolers ( Lerner & Tilghman ) as courtgolf said, repeating every statement over and over this morning…They must have read Tigers obviuosly PR scripted statement over and over at least 5 times each half hour. Kelly made sure to tell us all that she lives just a few yards outside of Isleworths Gates, while Adam Barr lives a couple of miles away. LOL I found that need to mention it to be odd as it didn’t really relate to what they were speaking about. TGC may have to thin the herd before to long as they had all that staff mostly dedicated to TW…anywho, the Saga continues and will for quite some time to come. I wish the Woods family well and hopefully tiger will appear a better person upon his return. Tiger Woods the brand will take a big hit no doubt…..jumpn/progolf
"pain is only weakness leaving the body"
Since I started posting here, I only watch GC when there is actual golf being played. If it comes down to listening to the commentators (polite, don’t you think?), I’m scanning the 700 or so channels I get for reruns of the Rockford Files!
by handicapismyswing on Dec 12, 2009 3:45 PM EST up reply actions
Season off
I too think he will miss the whole season, unless the marrage is over…if thats the case, he might as well be at Augusta.
I know this is cynical, but...
The marriage may not be over, even if the love affair is. There’s been talk of a “settlement” as it regards the prenup. I hate to think this is a possibility, but it has been widely reported/ speculated that financial arrangements might be made in the “interest of the children” (God knows how THAT works!) to keep the relationship together. In that scenario, nothing gets really fixed in his personal life, but he is cleared to say it is and resume his career. Horrible thought, really, but it might end up being the real solution they come up with. In that case, buy your tickets for Augusta NOW! They will be HOT!
by handicapismyswing on Dec 12, 2009 6:35 PM EST up reply actions
A Golden Opportunity - A Modest Proposal
Ryan: How about organizing a pool for the day of Tiger’s return? I don’t know how that can be accomplished on line, but it would be fun. Bloggers pick a tournament for Tiger’s return. Put me down for the third day of Quanza 2010…oh wait, no tournament…..never mind….
I’m giving the “exile” 4 months – Elin will get sick of having him around the house and will tell him to go play golf. Tiger tees it up in the Masters.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
I just hope we get
to see a “New and Improved” Tiger…. whenever he comes back. I think a couple of weeks prior to the Masters. Who Dat!
Is anybody writing this down?
Oooops… Let’s see here… CG – 2010 Masters
ProG – Memorial 2011… Interesting..
King Ping – British Open 2010
em66 – couple of weeks before the Masters (Would the Tour still be in the Florida Swing?)
Blast!
I wanted The Masters for the same reason as Court – Elin will be sick of the sight of him round the house by then (mooning around, helping (hindering) , etc.
BTW – in response to Ping/Easingwold earlier posts. You are right about our gutter press and unfortunately many people here are also obsessed with the private lives of celebrities. I may be wrong but I don’t think golfers (even TW) are on the same celebrity radar as say footballers or actors. However, it would only take ONE moron out of the thousands of genuine golf fans at St. Andrews to shout out some witless remark at TW.
If this were to happen, I’m pretty sure all those around this person would make their wrath clear irrespective of their private opinions of him. Now there is even MORE reason for anyone shouting out “U da Man” or that other equally idiotic (and now tasteless) encouragement to be hanged from Tower Bridge (oh OK, as it’s nearing Christmas – to have a spell in The Tower of London).
BTW – Our Open Champion is ALWAYS worthy, and I maintained that even before my beloved Stewart Cink won.
Also hope David Duval can make successful comeback. (I never held it against him that he didn’t/couldn’t suck up to the press, and he made one of the most gracious acceptance speeches I have heard).
And another thing………
I staked out the Masters first...
The night this broke. I also think he will play one or two events prior.
by handicapismyswing on Dec 14, 2009 1:07 PM EST up reply actions
Speech
Wendy, I too found that speech wonderful. If I’m not mistaken, was that about the shot he hit out of a gorse bush and got great applause from our British crowd ? Tiger could have learned a lot from that speech.
The POOL
I see no problem with more than one blogger selecting the same date. ee66: You seem to be waffling a bit. Earlier it was a couple weeks before the Masters, now it’s one competitive tournament before a major… H=S sounds like he’s going with that as well. But that’s OK… Incidently, over there in the old neighborhood this was the poll question. Currently 44% say 2011, so Progolf wasn’t as far off as I thought.. 38% agree with Wendy and Courtgolf, The Masters…
Easingwold going for a dark horse and the Chevron World Challenge in 2010. This of course assuming Chevon doesn’t bail on sponsorship… WendyUK – When I selected your Open I was thinking more about gallery reception than the British Press… Beloved Stewart Cink? Wow! That’s bold! One more thing: It’s likely this article will be archived soon along with its comments, so I did take the liberty of jotting down the dates selected. As new ones appear (if they appear) I’ll add them to the list. But be assured I’m not going to mentioning this in every comment I make…
King Ping.....Duh....
he could play a competitive tournament a couple of weeks before the Masters. No waffling there…..Tiger very rarely plays the week before a Major.
Got it....
Sorry there em66, so noted…. I had a thought, wouldn’t it be funny when Tiger does play if he carried his own bag….like the players do in college tournaments.
How?
Come Handi can have The Masters AND say TW will play one or two tournaments earlier. T’aint fair! (But I do agree with him that a win is a win – whoever tees up or doesn’t).
Ping – I did get your point about the gallery (thank you) but it only takes one moron, doesn’t it, to let the whole side down and taint the tournament? At 5’0" and a bit over 100lbs., I really really look up to Stewart :) The same could be said of Robert Karlsson, of course, but having seen Henrik in his designer skivvies, a girl has to make choices, shallow as they may seem . I’d like to think it says more about my moral fibre ( & golf fan credibility) that I really like Jim Furyk too.
Any thoughts on what Stevie W. will be up to during this break (or indeed after it)? Hey, what would Fluff have said? OK, OK, I’ll GO and get dinner on!
Wendy...
You can get in on my call any time… happy to share! Henrik seems to have made a rather lasting impression. Personally, I didn’t see much of interest there, but I guess it was in the eye of the beholder! BTW, what famous brand were the skivs, you know, for the record? Or were you maybe more focused in on, say, his “club selection”?
by handicapismyswing on Dec 14, 2009 3:49 PM EST up reply actions
LOL! Good one.
I was thinking it looked like an eight or maybe 9-iron. We should probably give him the BOTD and say it was really an 11-iron, but the water was just really, really cold!
by handicapismyswing on Dec 14, 2009 4:21 PM EST up reply actions
Steve Williams...
At 5’0", I’ll bet you don’t here, “Down in front”, very often…. I’m sure Stevie can take a sabatical. I doubt he’d carry another bag. He didn’t during Tiger’s knee rehab. I think he does some kind of auto racing in NZ. That would probably suit him. Rumor has it that Fluff said too much shortly after he started carrying Tiger’s bag and that sort of killed the goose that layed the golden egg. In this day and age with reality shows and call in voting, individual opinion is a commodity….i.e. blogs…not necessarily a valuable commodity. Now it smacks of “cover-up”, or lack of courage not to freely tell everything you think.
Thanks All
Handi – thanks for sharing, but I strenuously object to you having The Masters AND
“one or two events prior” (OK, perhaps not all that strenuously).
I see I have no option but to go back and scrutinise Henrik’s photo most carefully (again). I’m sure I made a note about the designer skivvies (obviously with the idea of purchasing such tasteful wear for my own husband) but failed to observe the other details you are so interested in. His consideration in not getting his outerwear dirty to save his wife some washing also impressed me.
Easingwold – I have tried in vain to get the transcript of David’s acceptance speech at The Open 2001. I know everyone has to thank the sponsors, groundstaff, volunteers, etc, but sometimes that seems to be all they say. I just remember that his speech was “delightfully modest and heartfelt” (British press no less!).
Just to prove that I can get back to the subject, (sort of) I have recently read an article which questioned sorrowfully whether TW had EVER felt the pure joy and wonderment that others had on winning The Open (or any other tournament). Justin Leonard (it said) went back to the 18th green after midnight with the Claret Jug and a glass of champagne and shed a few tears. And I just thought he was the bloke who had a tidy sock drawer and sank THAT putt.
that anyone else winning
Wendy,David Duval's speech was...
very humble indeed. I can’t ever remember Tiger being humble except when Sergio charged at him in the PGA in ’99 and he said he knew what Faldo meant when he said “he had to play the best 4 holes of his life” in closing out the championship. Aside from that, Tiger has usually said it was fun. Well for him, I guess it was. At St Andrews, most pros winning there are awestruck by it. I got the impression Tiger just saw it as another notch on his belt. ( no pun intended)
That’s usually how champions who are building their position in the game behave. You wan’t to put your foot on the throat of everybody who might want to take you down. The guys who give the “golly gosh – I’m just so lucky to be here” speeches are the guys who WERE that lucky to be there. They might be amazingly talented, but they don’t have the “killer instinct” that drives the people who get to the top and stay.
Nick Faldo was accused of being an unfeeling machine during his days on top – but now we see that isn’t true. Same thing with Greg Norman. Ok…Nicklaus can still be a jerk, but there are glimpses of him as a regular human being from time to time.
Tiger EXPECTS to win every time he tees it up. Not so with anybody else in the game. The rest of the field may think they have a chance on the first tee on Thursday, but more often than not, that thought is gone on Sunday.
Listen to Woods’ interviews this year. He was actually more humble than ever after coming back from surgery. Maybe he got a glimpse of his golfing “mortality” – maybe he was just letting down his guard for a little while until he is back to 100% – I have no idea, but the best of the best are rarely the “nice guy” type who are willing to let the rest of the field think they have a chance.
Look at the media the last 10 years – begging Mickelnuts to step up and challenge Tiger. Ernie Els…Sergio Garcia…any of these other guys who have the talent, but not the mental toughness to make it stand up. Vijay did it for a year – so did Duval – but neither of them could keep it up. We still haven’t seen anybody younger than Woods give any kind of serious challenge to the top spot.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
Don't disagree
although Tom Watson didn’t strike me as a killing machine.
I didn’t explain very well, but I was struck by the point in the article that TW was the loser in this one specific respect in that he had possibly never felt a pure joy and wonder in winning, rather than just the expectation.
Maybe it’s better not to feel such awe if you suspect that feeling can never be repeated (a la Duval). Obviously I’m now completely blase about all my aces;o)
Just because he never let us see it doesn’t mean it wasn’t there behind closed doors. There have been a number of stories of that Claret Jug being filled with all kinds of celebratory adult beverages. :-)
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
St Andrews
By in awe, I meant St Andrews. Augusta is huge, but most pros would say winning at St Andrews is the ultimate. It it true “killing macines” have a ruthless streak to beat everyone. Watson included. But one can show grace after it is over. Maybe Tiger is so single minded, he finds it easy to forget his opponents. i do remember him saying well done Thomas Bjorn and ernie Els after he bested them in the open, but he said it more like a politician than as if it came from the heart.
A couple of other things to remember – even the “gracious” speeches are mostly cliches…“I’d like to thank the sponsors and the tournament committee and the volunteers…and the fans for coming out….” yada yada yada.
And winning any professional tournament – especially a major – is hugely draining on all levels. Woods is such a competitor that he plays hard through the last putt. We’ve seen near misses from David Toms and Justin Leonard, who had HUGE leads on the back 9 on Sunday and nearly let them slip away. And then there is Greg Norman…
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
Grrr!
Now, you’re just being contrary, Court. I’ve listened to a lot of acceptance speeches, (OK I switch over for quite a few as well) and I made exactly the point about thanking sponsors, groundstaff, volunteers, etc, being a necessity, but boring if that’s practically all they say. I’m adamant (sound of v. small shoe being stamped – don’t tell the Taleban!) that David Duval’s speech was the most gracious I have ever heard and not a cliche therein.
I am now banging my teething ring & rattle (hope they are US terms as well) against the side of my pram to drown out any possible rebuttal.
Seve getting lifetime achievment award from BBC
Wendy, did you see it ? If not, it’s on the BBC sports website. A very emotional Ollie presenting Seve with the award. Damnit, pass me a tissue.
I've left Court's Cake Out In The Rain
Easingwold – I did see it – Oh Ollie, Oh Seve. There goes the stiff upper lip.
say it ain't so !!
I’m heartbroken….I don’t think that I can take it ’cause it took so long to bake it !! (lol)
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
Merry Christmas you Brits!
WendyUK – I’ve begun looking for your saucy comments….
I Deny
ever mentioning Worcestershire on this site. I’m a highly respectable gel from Hampshire, I’ll have you know!
Ok, Ok , weak attempt at a joke, but it’s not as though there is a subscription fee for this site. Anyway, I have never met a Yank yet who could pronounce that county name correctly so I just like it.
I’d say Merry Christmas , Y’all, Yo’’all, You’all, but I don’t know how to write the latter, let alone pronounce it. Time on my side……
And a Merry Christmas to..
Ping…even if I’m jealous hes off to Florida on Friday
3 irons…for imformative, if at times abrasive posts…and putting me onto those Burner 09’s !!
Progolf…the man of many names
Court…whom I haven’t seen a bad post yet
Ryan…because he owns this site…I do like it here btw
And Wendy…because she remembers Duvals heartwarming speech…and she wouldn’t waste one single malt !
Cheers, you lot !
In that case
Merry Christmas Y’all!. OK – that’s the spelling, but there is zero chance I could say it with an authentic US accent.
Is there an US northern equivalent ‘cos I wouldn’t like to be considered divisive?
em66 – xxxxxx – ‘cos it’s Christmas!
Maybe I shouldn’t have had that last glass of wine?
Will I regret this post in the morning?
Yup!
Wendy, I'm further south than Court, in what is called the "Deep South",
slap in the middle of red neck country. We say things like “might could” and “fixin”. But my favorite right now is WHO DAT!!!!…..which you probably don’t have a clue about, but that’s ok. Y’all have a Merry Christmas!!
I was beginning to think nobody wanted to be #100 on this thread ! good job you guys.
Does Cajun Louisiana count as the “deep south” ? I always thought you bayou types were a country all to yourselves. :-)
And yes – we Falcons are familiar with Who Dat this year. (lol)
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
Cajun Louisiana is a whole different
world, with their own language. My father lives 10 miles from Cajun country, which is 130 miles south of me…..Cajuns…… Very strange people.
.....And to all a good night!
Wendy – How’s the head this morning? I’ve made many a post I’ve regretted after a huge Martini… Seems like you all are peaking a bit soon. There’s another week left before Christmas.
This little “Howard Hughes” move Tiger is doing isn’t going to help him one bit. His approval rating is lower than Bush 43’s was when he left office….. We must begrudgingly note that like the John Edwards story, this one was spearheaded by The National Enquirer. I’m not sure what that says about golf journalists…Perhaps they don’t choose to sully their hands with such mattters..at least not until every other publication on the planet is writing about it. Then one by one they “weigh in”….. I heard a radio broadcast the other day say, “Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays, Happy Quanza AND Happy Solstice” …. What a world! I’m sitting here this morning wearing my NEW PING HAT! …. OK, it’s not like a new set of TM irons….But I’m doing my small part to keep the golf industry going… PG – I’ll forever (and I use the term loosely) be in your debt. Play nice while I’m away…. No roid rage 3irons…
Head Fine Thank You Ping
If only I practised my putting with the same diligence as my wine drinking.
Whew – the post was positively innocuous, thank goodness.
Have a great time in Fl.
OK, Em ( as long as it isn’t rude and/or make me feel a Charlie for asking) what’s WHO DAT all about? I’ll swap you a Cockney rhyming slang .
Wendy, it's not rude, but
I don’t think I can give a good explanation for it . Google “Who Dat” and you can find out it’s origins and today’s meaning…..Who Dat?
lol – “today’s meaning”
come on em – show some of that Saint’s pride ! Start with “who dat” = “who’s that” with a little cajun spice and work up to the rallying cry of the Saints fans (or LSU…..or TU-lane…though it doesn’t work quite as often for the green wave) :-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zx7KLI0m3eI&feature=related
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
Oh, well I guess I didn't understand......
I thought it was a given that Who Dat = Who’s That. I thought she was looking for how Who’s That became Who Dat…..
Cockney Rhyming Slang
It’s origin is quite rude (I’ll leave you to Google it), but nowadays it simply means “a right idiot”. I’ll have to come up with another rhyme for Em now!
Had my whistle and flute cleaned for Friday night...
Hope I don’t have too bad a hangover Saturday morning !
Party time
why, it’s a Christmas party…and i’m dressed up in my “whistle and flute”…Cockney rhyming slang for suit…thought I’d join in with Wendy’ s theme
I give up
Who Dat = Who’s That here too. I now know from Google that it may be some kind of rallying cry for New Orleans (Saints) football team, (hey, that’s my football – soccer – team too) but not why or how the phrase came to be associated with them?
You can’t blame me for being wary about asking for meanings. I once heard Tim MacDonald from Travel.Golf singing “I don’t care if it rains or freezes, as long as I have my plastic cheeses” and asked him (publicly!) what “plastic cheeses” were. I can still him hear laughing.
Hope Easingwold hasn’t forgotten his clean Dicky as well!
Shirt! Shirt! (Dickie Dirt)
My mother would soap your mouth out Easing;o)
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