Yesterday I came across a story at The Huffington Post entitled, "Why Tiger Woods Is Bad for Golf," by Ron Galloway. Mr. Galloway argues that Mr. Woods vernacular at the Masters was not fit for the precious ears of junior golfers. He then takes Mr. Woods to task for being self-involved and not possessing the genteelness of Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. In the end, Mr. Galloway determines that Mr. Woods is bad for golf because he lacks, "responsible behavior."As someone who was disturbed by the lack of civility at the Masters by the overuse of GITH in the gallery, I feel a need to address Mr. Galloway's remarks. Let me start by saying, I was not at the Masters, so I didn't hear Mr. Woods say anything—good, or bad. RWG roving reporters Eeyore & Roo did not report on the matter either, but they did provide some stunning commentary on the tournament. That said, I think Mr. Galloway takes this issue way too far.
I am a mother. I am a golfer. And I am far from perfect. Further, I admit to having uttered a four letter word (or two) on the course from time to time. I am very restrained when playing with Golfing Son and Golfing Daughter, but I have "slipped" on occasion. Apparently, Mr. Galloway is a much more properly disciplined person than I am.
I actually remember an incident a couple years ago when Golfing Son missed a putt on an family golf outing. He threw his hat on the ground (coincidentally a Tiger Woods hat), stomped off the green and said, "Damn It!" I glared at Hubbie because I knew exactly where GS learned that stellar move. We had a little "chat" about proper behavior on the course, and I am proud to report the incident has not been repeated.
However, I do not believe Mr. Woods or any other golfer is responsible for GS's behavior. Sure it is a real honor for my kids to spend time with the likes of Kenny Perry, who sets an excellent example for sportsmanship. Heck, Mr. Perry sets an outstanding example period. But I do not believe that Mr. Woods sets a bad example for my children just because he has a potty mouth on the practice green.
It might be nice if all players could keep their emotions in check and never use a colorful word during a championship. However, I certainly can't ask something of the pros that I can't do myself. We all strive to set the best example we can for our kids, but mistakes happen. My kids are big enough to know that just because Mr. Woods (or mom) says something, doesn't mean it's OK for them to say it. I am not condoning the use of foul language anywhere, but I know my kids have heard far worse on the school bus than anything that would come out of the mouth of Mr. Woods. Still, I believe they know what is acceptable language and what is not.
Furthermore, to suggest that Mr. Woods is more crude and aloof than the rest of the golfers on tour is ridiculous. I highly doubt Mr. Nicklaus would have enjoyed being interrupted mid-round. There are few players that play for the crowd; most are playing to win. This is not an exhibition. To ask players to be devoid of emotions is unreasonable and ridiculous (and might I add, boring).
I love that golf is a civilized game and I think my kids have learned some important life lessons from playing golf. That said, golf is still a game of emotions and personalities. I enjoy seeing a variety of styles on the course from fashion to personal flare. Mr. Woods is intense. If you go to follow Mr. Woods you may see him toss a club, hear him drop the F-bomb, or watch his caddy toss a camera in the lake. You will also see an incredible competitor who has mastered this game in a way few will ever know.
If you don't want to hear this kind of language, follow Mr. Perry or Mr. Mize, and certainly cover your kids' ears when they walk through the grounds. Lord only knows what they might hear from an "uncivilized" gallery member. Definitely don't let them ride the bus to school.
In the end, Mr. Galloway suggests that the local crossing guard, neonatal nurse and Captain Sully are far more significant in this world than Mr. Woods. I agree that there are many unheralded heroes in this world, and Captain Sully is a hero in the truest sense of the word.
Has Mr. Woods saved lives? Honestly, I don't know. But he certainly isn't bad for golf, or my children, because he lets a few rip during a tournament.
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Another demonstration of why I am well served not wasting my time on the Puffington Host. Like most such diatribes, it's a world view with the facts jammed to fit, no matter how connected they are.
Firstly, the comparison to a glorified past is nonsense. When I followed Jack as a lad, he was as detached and intense as they come. His crowd interaction was no greater than Tiger. Chi Chi and Arnie were a different manner, but then again, so is your favorite, John Daly.
Secondly, I will be the first to agree that athletes are less important social characters than teachers, doctors, and hero airplane pilots. So what?
The civilized behavior that makes golf different has to do with the honesty of one's play, and deference to one's opponents. There's no taunting, no physical gamesmanship, and no cheating. That has nothing to do with social value, and pretending otherwise is silly.
Finally, Heather, you have it exactly right. Mr. Galloway casts his stone first, and he casts it at Tiger alone. I laughed at the story of your boy because it was honest and true. I believe you in a way that I can't believe Mr. Galloway.
I am told by reliable sources that when Augusta National finally let God join as a member in 2002, he got held up at the gate by Martha Burk and her protesters when he approached to follow Tiger on that Thursday. Naturally, God knew Tiger was going to win that year and wanted an autograph. Allegedly, he very loudly told Martha, "Listen you bitch, I did not wait millions of years to finally get accepted in this club to be blocked by the likes of you. Get the h*** out of the way or I will incinerate your ass." I swear to Him, I did not make this up...
Moral of the (true) story, EVERYBODY slips occasionally - RWG, GS and GOD.
No one emerged from The Masters unscathed this year.
The golf scribes didn't stick to slamming Sergio's anti-Augusta rant or JD's blatant, across-the-street tee shirt hawking.
Already Kenny Perry and Chad Campbell have been maligned for choking, Lefty "let a career defining moment slip away", and even Champion Angel Cabrerra was criticized because he didn't actually fight to win, but simply "backed into" the green jacket... Then proceeded to eat nine cheeseburgers.
It was only a matter of time before they'd take on Tiger for a percieved Trucker's Mouth.
Huffington Post needs to go to the entrance of a coal mine, then take a look at their rear ends and see if they can determine the difference between the two.
Tiger Woods' temper is probably more well known that other PGA pros simply because he is on television far more often.
Here is what a survey of the PGA Tour pros revealed when they were asked who had the worst temper on their tour:
Pat Perez: 28 percent
Woody Austin: 24 percent
Steve Flesch: 12 percent
Tell me, how many times do you recall Perez losing his cool? Rarely because Perez is rarely in contention.
That survey can be found at
sports.espn.go.com/golf/news/story?id=3890247
As for Huffington Post, they rarely are deeply knowledgeable in the subjects outside of politics they cover (and a lot of GOP members will tell you that they don't know squat about politics either.) Instead they use a given subject like Tiger Woods and use him out of context to make a political point they are fond of.
I think the first thing Captain Sully said was, "Oh sh!t".
Well Said!!
Obviously, everyone picks on Tiger because they have never heard my colorful language during a round of golf. I can make sailors AND truckers blush! Did I mention I only have what is referred to as *Temporary Golfer's Tourette's Syndrome*? I was under the impression it was the International Language of Golf.
If you've ever worked in a school, especially around kids playing sports (as I have, many times), then you will see just how remarkably strong the influence is when it comes from someone they see on TV, particularly athletes. And, the more publicity an athlete (or entertainer) has, the greater the influence.
In my experience, many(if not most) kids copy, as exactly as they can, actions, words, and phrases used by the most visible (or favorite) athletes or entertainers. I've seen this occur right through high school, on the field AND off. Yes, kids might hear/see things from other kids on the bus or at school, but when it's done by someone who's on TV, seen by millions, and is extremely popular, the effect/influence is MUCH stronger.
Whether they like it, agree to it, or not, these people ARE role models and have a responsibility, even in the "Heat of Battle", to conduct themselves in a respectful manner when the cameras are rolling. I think much more emphasis needs to be put on good "Sportsmanship" by Athletes, Announcers, and particularly, TV NETWORKS.
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