Tiger Did It - Now What?
I remember the first time I was interviewed for a major newspaper publication. The reporter asked questions for about 15 minutes and was going to write a story about how exercises for golf can benefit a golfer’s game.
I was so excited. It would likely mean that I would be positioned further as an expert in my field and maybe even sell a few more golf fitness memberships.
But, then I saw the actual story published and I saw a few quotes around comments that were attributed to me. I remember thinking that there is no way that I said one of the comments that they put quotes around.
It was not something I remember saying. Not something I even think is true. I even thought the comment with quotes around it made me look silly instead of like the expert I believed I was.
I wondered…’how did this happen’?
Did it happen because the writer was lazy and filled in his own interpretation of what I meant? Or was it that I was misunderstood?
In the end, it didn’t matter. The article was published in a paper and online and there was nothing I could do about it. It was in that moment that I realized that you need to be careful when you read about someone or something. Sometimes it comes out wrong. Sometimes the quote isn’t quite what the person said and so on. Now, I can see how easy it is to be misinterpreted.
This is why I chose not to follow all the gossip on the Tiger story.
In fact, I was getting mad because it was not only private information, but it was coming across as highly suspect. It was as though all these ‘gals’ were trying to get their 15 minutes of fame. I did not want any part of it.
Then, this morning, something changed. Tiger came out and admitted his ‘transgressions’. In fact, here is an actual excerpt from his own statement (not a gossip magazine).
‘”I have not been true to my values and the behavior my family deserves,” Woods said on his Web site. “I am not without faults and I am far short of perfect. I am dealing with my behavior and personal failings behind closed doors with my family. Those feelings should be shared by us alone.” “I will strive to be a better person and the husband and father that my family deserves,” Woods said. “For all of those who have supported me over the years, I offer my profound apology.”
That is when it hit me. For some reason, I was just really disappointed. But, I couldn’t figure out why.
I don’t personally know Tiger. I certainly don’t know his wife. And, frankly, it is none of my business.
I finally put my finger on it.
I started golfing before I ever heard the name Tiger Woods. Anybody remember those days? I was addicted, in fact. I practiced or played atleast 4 days a week after work.
But, once I started watching Tiger play, my game and my attitude changed.
I watched him stage dramatic comebacks and watched shots that are completely unexplainable when they go in the hole from some outlandish position on the course. He is the only golfer I can honestly say that I remember specific holes and what he did…like his shot in the hole on 16 at the Masters. I mean, who could forget that…
Then, of course, came the interviews…he was a master at this. He would give great speeches about patience, perserverance, his desire to succeed, his willingness to stay committed to each and every shot, and never ever let up.
Watching and listening to him, he made me believe that I could be a better golfer and even a better person. I started setting more aggressive goals with my game and practiced even harder. I started studying different facets of the game-technical, mental, physical.
So, I guess I wanted to believe he was ’super human’. I wanted to know that there are people out there in the world that can ‘have it all’ or atleast work towards their opinion of perfection.
Now, I guess he is just another human being to me. He will always be a great golfer…but will we ever see him as a whole person again?
What do you think? Do you have any different opinion of Tiger now that he has told us the truth about his imperfections as a man?
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Comment by Glen Osborne on 2 December 2009:
Excellent post. Tiger & family need reassurance. Since none of us are perfect we all can grow by rallying behind Tiger, Elin, & children to help them rebuild for whatever destinies they pursue.
Let’s, as golfers and goodly people, turn this towards a great positive outcome that rests before our eyes if we care to look.
Glen
Comment by Percy Hall on 2 December 2009:
I agree I also looked at Tiger as a super human, but he is human and we do make mistakes.I think that this is between him and his family and them only. He’s doing the right thing dealing with his family and I am not sure of his faith but that’s between him, his family and God. Thanks
Comment by Ron on 2 December 2009:
We place these athletes and celebrities on too high of a pedestal. They have the same temptations we all do. When you have that much power,money and are treated like a God, you feel that you can do anything you want. It is sad, but he will overcome this. The most important thing is how the children fare in all of this.
Comment by David H on 2 December 2009:
Well, when you are grounded in God’s truth and put your trust and faith in Him, you already know that we all are imperfect and fall short of the Glory of God. I think it is a mistake for anyone to get so caught up in individual athletes or teams. I mean, we can enjoy them in what they do but we always need to keep things in perspective and keep our eyes focused on God. I pray that he and his family will use this as an opportunity to find what God’s purpose is for them and how relying on His strength can get them through this difficult time. Hopefully, he will learn to stop taking the Lord’s name in vain and give praise and glory to God for blessing him with the gifts and talents that GOD HAS GIVEN HIM! That’s what I hope comes out of this.
Comment by Daniel Cudak on 2 December 2009:
I think everybody should just leave Tiger alone. It’s none of our business, let him and Ellie work things out if they can. It’s not like he was selling drugs or committed a crime. He is the still the best golfer and athlete of our lifetime. Let him be!!!Thats the problem with the media.
Comment by DD on 2 December 2009:
Yes, this is a private matter between Tiger and Elin. But, Tiger also has put himself out there as a role model for a lot children and young adults. I see Tiger also having a responsibility to those fans who have supported him and have looked up to him for many years as an exceptional athlete and strong individual which is a rare commodity in today’s world. The book shelves are no longer only filled with swing instruction books, they are well stocked with books on the mental game and of course fitness; subjects which can arguably be credited in part to Tiger. Like it or not, he has been put up on a pedistal, which I feel is not only what he wanted, but what everyone wanted. His talent, commitment (to the game) and strengths are unequaled, I think Jack has even made the same comment. To that end, with that seat on the high pedistal comes a butt load of responsibilities; first obviously to his wife and family; and second to the game and his fans. He screwed up on both accounts in a very big way. I’m sure he will own up and take responsibility and he will eventually come out shinning once again. But, recovery or not, Tiger will have to live with his poor choices every day for the rest of his life, as will the people he deeply hurt and disappointed.
Comment by paul camilleri on 2 December 2009:
I agree that tiger should not be held to the cross
but he shd not be given a free pass either
what he did was commit adultery on multiple occasions with more then one women
while his wife was pregnant with his child
he did not get pushed off his mountain
he jumped
so he is a flawed man
a great golfer who is cheating on his wife
Comment by Keith on 2 December 2009:
If all is true that we are hearing - my thoughts about Tiger will never be the same - I think it’s a cop out to say we aren’t perfect. I’m not perfect eitehr but I don’t cheat on my wife. Tiger needs to get a grip - I have been cheated on and I know it hurts beyound words can express. One can forgive someone for what they have done - forgot probably not - the worst is can Elin truely ever totally trust him again. Once trust is gone - really what else is there?
Comment by chris peacock on 2 December 2009:
What on earth has God got to do with it. He is just a human. Now we know. What a relief. chris p australia
Comment by eh on 2 December 2009:
I will agree that none of us will ever know the whole story of what went on in Tiger’s house last week. Only those wives who have been betrayed by their husbands because of their “testosterone acts” can really even begin to know the great pain that has gone inside the heart of Tiger’s wife.
To those of us who love the game of golf, when you get down to it life is not about scores, what kind of equipment you have in your bag, why type shoes or clothes you wear to the course, what kind of GPS you have, why name brand balls you play, what courses you have walked on and played, etc. In the end, life is about relationships. Some will say, “But you probably don’t make a living playing golf like Tiger.” You are right. I do not. But one thing I do know for sure. A day will come when all of us will not be able to take on this game like we enjoy doing now. And when that time comes, scores, equipment, travel, etc. will not be what gets us through. In the end, life is about relationships. That is why we have to do everything within our power to protect ourselves daily from making unwise decisions that would bring hurt, mistrust and grief to those we are now related to.
When you look back over Tiger’s last tournaments and his behavior in public–i.e. throwing clubs, ranting and raving on the course, having to listen to his continual Niagra Falls of profanity anytime a shot does not go his way, and the refusal to even crack a smile or even acknowledge a child in the crowd when his name is called, it makes you wonder what life is really like where he lives privately when the cameras and microphones are not on. Something was building on the inside of his life through his actions that the public could see. We just did not know what was churning within. Then, in this last week, it all came to the surface. The difficulty is no one knows when this runaway train is going to stop.
I will be the first to admit that I have never witnessed anyone with the physical abilities of Tiger on the golf course. He definitely has caused real golfers to want to take their game to the next level. Yet, it is the side of his life we are now seeing that causes us to grimace in pain for this guy and everything he is now having to swallow.
My question is, “What if the wreck never happened? What if his wife had never found his phone and seen the list of those he had been calling? What if the women had never come forward with their stories of his extra-marital affairs with them? What if the text messages had never become public?”
As long as any of us think we can never get caught, we will normally continue down the path in life that if we are not careful will one day come back to bite us. The bottom line is you never know when that day will come. I learned a long time ago that we can do whatever we want to try and conceal those things in our life that we hope no one will ever discover about us. However, living like that–living life on the edge like that–will forever mean that you will always have to live life looking over your shoulder or in the rear view mirror.
I am not going to cast stones at this guy. The Lord knows Tiger already has a mountain range of stones on top of him now. Personally, it is a wake-up call for all of us. What we do in the dark will eventually be brought to light. What we try to do in secret will one day be shouted from the housetop. What we quietly try to conceal will finally be revealed. We just don’t know by whom or when.
What can we learn from this situation?
Just because the grass looks greener on the other side does not mean we have to go over and cut it. There is not a guy on this earth that has not been in deed or thought where Tiger now finds himself. Moral issues for a man are the greatest threat to him every day. The smartest thing for all of us to do is count the cost before we make that call, text that message or make that trip thinking no one will ever find out.
I am not so much interested in Tiger’s golf scores any more. I am more concerned as to what kind of husband he will now become and what type father he will now be. Words on his website or from his spokesmen are one thing. But the way he is going through within his heart is something you nor I will ever see in print.
I pray we will all learn throughout this situation what is intended for each of our lives. May we each continue on in our journeys in life, and do whatever we can each day to make decisions where we will not have to look back with regrets. Life is just too short! Hopefully for all of us our best days are just ahead.
Comment by Loyd Bell on 2 December 2009:
We all put are faith in man and man will let you down every time .
Tigger is just a man with a great talant.I will look at him as I allways have A great golfer. Let him who has not sinned cast the first stone. We have allready starting to forget what he has done for the kids and golf. It’s hard to be a god in the eyes of most people but tigger is not a god but just a man. Let him and his wife
work it out and what will happen will happen.
Comment by ted on 2 December 2009:
I have like tens of thousands across the world held Tiger Woods as an icon beyond comparatives. . His deameanor, prowess, incredible athletic capabilities exceeded by none. This is a tragic event that ends his holy grace as a person and a super athlete. In the past, I would watch a golf event on sunday even if Tiger was 8 shots back thinking , hoping for another miracle. Because of his image, his life is not private. My life is private as is yours. His character has now been relegated to the scum imperfections of the Kobe types. I no longer hold this person in awe. He has now proven himself as a back ally tomcat , no more a tiger. What a disgrace.!!!
Comment by Lori on 2 December 2009:
I don’t think Tiger ever claimed to be someone who could do no wrong. There is a section of the public which seems to like to build people in the limelight up into something other than human, just to judge when they happen to prove they are only that.
He’s just a guy who made a mistake, who among us can say they haven’t … unfortunately he has the whole world looking on.
I don’t condone what he did but do respect his right to deal with this in private … Lord knows it will not be easy.
Comment by Kenneth Kahn on 2 December 2009:
He is after all just a Man…a man who can play THE HELL OUT OF SOME GOLF…But still just a man like the rest of us…He made a big mistake and I’m sure is going to pay for it for a long time…I’m over it…Tiger tee it up
Comment by Bob Oblinger on 2 December 2009:
We all should be fortunate enough to have someone who inspires us to be better than we are or thought we could be. we learn an even more vauable lesson and are more blessed when that someone proves to be as human as we. That lesson teaches us to “judge not”. I believe Tiger will be a better person, husband, father and citizen as a result of his “transgressions”. Those who turn away from him because of his daring to make a mistake are the real losers. Lets treat him as we would like to be treated and let him and his family deal with this in private.
Comment by Ed Schmookler on 2 December 2009:
I really like eh’s comment.
I like the thoughtfulness of the article and of all the comments.
I’ve seen Tiger hit some wild shots and then pull off amazing recoveries.
Wonder if he’ll do it this time too….
Comment by susan hill on 2 December 2009:
Great insights and comments here. Thanks for sharing.
Comment by DANIEL BROWN on 3 December 2009:
REMEMBER WHAT THE GOOD LORD SAID. PEOPLE IN GLASS HOUSES, LET THEM CAST THE FIRST STONE. WE ARE ALL FLESH AND BLOOD.
SECONDLY, GREAT GOLFERS LIKE JOHNNY MILLER WHO MUST HAVE BROKEN EVERY GOLF COURSE RECORD EVERYTIME HE TEED IT UP, PLUS DAVID DUVAL WNET INTO GYMS AND STARTED WEIGT LIFTING. THEY WERE NEVER THE SAME GOLFERS EVER AGAIN. FITNESS YES, LIGHT WEIGHTS YES. WEIGHT LIFTING TO THE DEGREE THEY WENT TO NO WAY. BE CAREFUL GOING TO THE GYM STRETCHING IS MORE BENEFICIAL. DANIEL.
Comment by James on 3 December 2009:
I take my hat off to Tiger for telling the truth and not trying to hide away.I try to live my life according to the
Rotary 4 way test.
1.Is it the Truth?.
2.Will it be fair to all concerned?.
3.Will it build Goodwill and Better friendships?
4.Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
All I can say to Tiger is.Your passed is not your future.It is where you go from here is what is important.The choice is yours make the right choice and you will rise above this moment in your life and be a better person for it.God Bless you and your family.
Comment by susan hill on 3 December 2009:
I just listened to this interview with Tiger’s long time friend and fellow PGA Tour player-Notah Begay. Thought this might echo a few of your sentiments as well…
http://www.thegolfchannel.com/golf-videos/notahs-take-13409/?ref=26000&cid=twitter_notahsTakeTigerVID_12309
Comment by Mike on 3 December 2009:
What a timely e-mail from Susan Hill! Thank you very much!
After reading some drivel and refusing to read more…I received your perspectives, which I believe to be truly thought-provoking and inspiring. They have spawned dozens of comments which have restored my faith in others. I feel as if I have been re-centered and directed back on to the high road.
It seems as though we may all, including Tiger and his family and true friends, actually benefit from his mistakes. I will certainly make certain this website is passed along to all my true friends…and others!
Comment by susan hill on 3 December 2009:
Mike…sincerely appreciate your remarks. Thank you.
Comment by Craig J on 3 December 2009:
Provocative article Susan…..thanks!!!
About Tiger being super human and if he will ever be a whole person again?…..he is more human and more whole now than before. Beneath all the camouflage and ‘personas’ that celebs (and all of us) create there is always a human being at the center of it all. We are all susceptible to some temptations and make poor choices on occasion ………that is part of what makes us human. It is compassion not acts of indiscretion or transgressions that separates some humans from others.
We all have our faults and we all make mistakes. It is only the medias microscope that feeds the publics demand for dirt that allows the rest of the world to view and judge as the voyeurs that we are. Tiger and other celebs are not the only ones to commit such “transgressions”. Who should be throwing stones? No one!!!…unless they are god.
It is somehow reassuring to know that even Tiger is human.
No one gets out of life without a few challenges. Everyone comes down to earth sooner or late.Tiger seems to lure pressure and challenge into his cage so he can devour it like candy in his personal candy cage (store). Don’t worry Tiger faithfuls…his teeth won’t rot and he will come out of this being a better human being, a better golfer and a better person without so much camouflage.
Until that happens try showing a little compassion for the guy……..he is just human after all.
Comment by Doug S on 3 December 2009:
Well said Susan. Huge disappointment for a guy we thought was the ultimate family man. Earl’s probably turning over in his grave right now!!
Comment by Tim Flaherty on 4 December 2009:
I did a major newspaper interview in college and they printed all kinds of things that I never said. I finally got a retraction on one of the last pages two months later in fine print. If you trust the mainstream media for any shread of truth-you are nuts.
Comment by Nihilissis on 6 December 2009:
The short answer is this NO I don’t care what Tiger did in his private life. He is still a great golfer and why should the world hold him up as a perfect humanbeing I can’t understand” It’s all bullshit
Comment by Doobdoob on 6 December 2009:
He should have just come out from the beginning and bore his soul. Tiger is not like the rest of us who can do something idiotic and only have a few people find out. He’s a media icon; a headline; and fodder for numerous tabloids.
I do support him and have never held him in any higher regard than just a fantastic golfer. He, like Michael Jordan, has been blessed with phenomenal talent. That, however, doesn’t provide them the same ability to remain immune from the temptations men, and men of means especially, are faced on a daily basis.
Lesson taught…come clean immediately and save yourself the embarrassment and humiliation of retracting a concocted story and then having to throw yourself on your sword later when it’s discovered to be BS.
Concentrate on remaining the number one golfer in the world Tiger. Leave the “strange” skirt chasing to the rest of us male dogs who no one could give two cents to know anything more about.
Comment by gw on 7 December 2009:
I revered Tiger Woods not only for his golfing ability, but primarily because I thought his behaviour, reputation, youth and success, was a wonderful inspiration to every kid in the world.
Pity- to trade it all for what!
Comment by Anonymous on 15 January 2010:
I understand feeling that someone is super human . . . superman, really . . . then realizing that he isn’t. Or maybe he is, but he just doesn’t know it. I still think he is . . .
Comment by Higgins24Carly on 19 August 2010:
Have no a lot of money to buy a building? You not have to worry, because that’s available to take the personal loans to resolve all the problems. Hence get a financial loan to buy all you want.