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Should
Tiger Woods tone down his intensity in off-season events? The Issue Last week, Tiger Woods got so annoyed at an amateur photographer in the gallery at the Skins Game that he spoke sharply to him while his caddie Steve Williams confiscated the man's camera and threw it into the nearby lake. Sunday at his own Target World Challenge Woods refused to speak with NBC commentators after hitting a poor approach shot at the 18th and losing to Padraig Harrington by two shots. Do you admire Tiger's intensity no matter what is on the line, or should he tone it down for these unofficial, "Silly Season" events? Your Responses If Woods would smile a wee bit more, the fans would love him a big bit more. Golf is a game for ladies and gentlemen--not everybody. B.
Swanson While it is agreed that anyone who snaps a photo while a player is making is rude and crude and that person should be removed, it is also seen that Tiger et al are way too intense. I don't care how much money they are playing for or whether it's the US Open or the Target Open, that "intense attitude" catches on with the young golfers we need for Tiger and the others to impress. Tiger, his caddy, and the gang are ruining the spirit of the game! D. Itasca You have to laugh....everything Tiger does gets magnified and examined like a new bug in the lab. Give me a break.... First, he didn't win the Target tournament, so why should he take air time away from the winner....he couldn't have been too happy about that last approach shot, and if he knows it takes time to calm down before speaking to the media..and that time wasn't available..then he should be cut some slack. Let Harrington enjoy the limelight...how many times did he win on Tour this year? Oh yeah, not too many... As for the bonehead who took a shot during his backswing which clearly broke his concentration (by his own admission, he almost missed the shot)...and you gotta love Steve's devotion to Tiger and what I consider a perfect move..chuck the camera..and the offending picture in the water...especially if it was a throw-a-way camera...which I am guessing it was...or we would already see a lawsuit filed by the jerk how lost it. Too bad, that scene didn't make it on to TV, it might serve as a warning to others. Go Tiger! C.B. Maxwell Whether it be the Masters or a "Silly Season" event, the intensity is basically the same. Haven't you ever heard of "You play like you practice!" This is practice. You don't concentrate or play your best here, you won't when it matters. While sometimes it appears if Tiger's not doing well, the distractions bother him more - guess what - welcome to the human race. Any person reacts the same way - if you're having a bad day at work, your co-workers nuances bother you more than if everything is going well. If he didn't take every event seriously, then I'd have to tell Tiger to stay out of that event. I don't know of any competitor who loses graciously. I know I don't. Even though the media and everyone want all the top golfers to be above human, grow up and cut the guys some slack. J. Kahn Intensity has nothing to do with acting like an overpaid spoiled brat. Tiger is following in the footsteps of too many of his fellow athletes in other sports. They all seem to forget what they would be worth without the support of the fans. As for the theft of the camera By Steve Williams, I hope the man whose camera was stolen, presses robbery and assault charges against him. J.
Hutchinson As a professional photographer who used to cover the tour, I believe the reaction to the camera noise is something players never get used to and the coverage by these people unaccustomed to dealing with the coverage of golf should be refused access to golf events. The reaction by Steve and Woods is just that-a reaction born out of frustration from their spotlight in the various media. I feel for them on this subject. As far the TV coverage, an interview once play is completed, should be the responsibility of the players. We all hate to lose, but as a role model, Woods has great opportunities in these circumstance to provide the ideals of sportsmanship for the young and old players of the audience. Golf is supposed to reflect life's tough lessons, as the sport's most talented player- he can only be the 'best' by being remarkable in these situations. L.
Lambrecht My opinion does matter it's the opinion of ALL THE WRITERS IN THE WORLD TO STOP, PLEASE STOP, writing about everything he does. Yes, he great, but I really believe there is more to write about, all you hear is Tiger. Even he doesn't play, you talk about him. Give it a break, Please.!!!!!!! K. Grubb Golf when played at the level of the golf pros IS an intense game. When there is $1,000,000 and a reputation on the line a guy is entitled to a little intensity. B. Giddings Tiger Woods is the number one player due in large part because of his intensity. This is a part of his makeup so I say leave the man alone. He is a joy to watch and I would hate to see him alter his ways for the benefit of always being politically correct. B. Calzavara The media makes such a big deal out of every thing he says and does that its starting to be sicking. I agree he is the best golfer in the world but let the man be. After all he is human,and has faults like everyone of us. But come on leave the man alone. There are others playing in the tour beside Tiger. R. Hamilton I feel Tiger is only damaging his own public image and golf game by employing these ridiculous tactics. Ý It won't take much longer and his fan base will not only stop growing, but is going to significantly drop off. Ý If Tiger wishes to be the best golfer of all time, he needs a serious attitude adjustment!Ý He isn't any better a person than anyone else on this planet, and if the media would stop fawning all over him, maybe people would open their eyes and see that he is only acting like a selfish little two year old. Ý It is the fans and the media that make his "job" and his paycheck possible. R.E. Buchanan The camera did not belong at the skins game. The guy got what he deserved. I think Tiger is a sore loser, he owes it to the public to be interviewed after the tournament. His only defense is the stupid questions that sometimes get asked. C. Seip No, I do not "admire" Tiger's attitude. I admire his skill and his uncompromising commitment to excellence. I admire his record, and I consider myself one of his biggest fans. I love watching him play, and I love watching him win. I would enjoy nothing more than to see him rewrite golf's record book. I do not think these amateur (or otherwise) photographers should be allowed to keep their camera if they don't have the good sense to "click" when it won't disturb players. They deserve whatever reprimand they have coming. That said, Tiger holds himself up as a "role model" for youngsters, and his language and defiant behavior toward fans - while perhaps justified - does not set a good example. He would be far better served to let the marshals and other security people deal with these people. The better question is, how did these goons get through the gates with cameras anyway, when the tickets clearly state that they're not allowed? What are the security people doing? R. Brown I am quite sure that "Tiger" Woods probably doesn't really care what I think, but if he is committed to surpassing Jack's golf records and truly being the "Golfer of the Ages", he would be wise to match the golf etiquette and persona of Bobby Jones, Sam Snead, Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Lee Trevino, Lee Elder and Jack Nicklaus. Long after Tiger is through playing, people and certainly golfers, will remember some of his greater golfing exploits, but I guarantee that golfers and non-golfers alike, will remember how he deported himself as a person. I witnessed his 1st Master's win in person and was struck by his potential for leadership of not just minority youth, but all youth and constantly running through my mind since that time was the silent prayer that he continue to comport himself in such a manner that no-one could criticize his actions on and off the courses. He is certainly under incredible pressure to be "perfect" but that is what other great athletes, and specifically great golfers labor under. The "Bad News" is that he must do it under much brighter lights and in front of many more observers, some hoping that he fail, but the "Good News" is that he has been raised by his parents to handle it. So he will disappoint us sometimes because he is only human, but all in all I hope that he succeeds in making us all proud of him and in fact I expect he will. N. McCallum Tiger Woods needs to learn how to act like an adult. He is representative of a time honored sport steeped in tradition and class and he should start acting as such. Not to mention the fans that are there who pay a large sum of money to be able to walk the course with him, the sponsors who pay him ridiculous amounts of money to represent their product and the folks who would just like to watch a golf game without his silly little frat boy antics. If I want to see that kind of childish display of behavior on the golf course, I'll go rent Happy Gilmore. J.
Thetford Tiger's intensity toward his game regardless of what is on the line is not at all complimentary to his image. If he could relax and express his enjoyment of the game once in a while, I sure would get a whole lot more enjoyment out of watching him. In the two events you mentioned his behavior made him look spoiled rotten. That's not fun to watch. Would someone please put the ice skating on? L.
Talbot No cameras should be allowed to CLIC when a golfer is ready to hit the ball. J.
D'Amours I was a fan when he first came on tour. But the way he acts when he hits a bad shot has turned my off on watching him. I also feel the TV networks give him way too much TV time when others that are winning received much less TV Time. I don't need to see a Pro Golfer with his bad attitude. Give the rest of the tour members equal time. C. McDermott If you play golf you know what outside noise does to you when you are trying to hit a shot. I give Tiger a lot of credit for putting up with some of the crap that he puts up with, it is not right that people pester of the players. Money is not the reason. I believe that Tiger has the dream of beating Jacks record, I hope he does. R.
Riblett I concur with the action taken by Tiger's caddie, about time spectators to the golf tournaments should know that the protocol required both for the players and spectators to enjoy. Why upset the players who are making a living same time providing entertainment. Briefly the spectator should be 'shot' is my fair judgement. P. Ho In my opinion Tiger should loosen-up. I trust the golf fan was reimbursed by Tiger or his caddy to replace the camera. E.
Diberto Tone it down, Tiger. I know that picture taking was stupid, but isn't taking the camera and throwing it in the lake assault? J.
Hartley Regarding Tiger Wood's "arrogance" for on-the-course interviews during this week-end's event... Let's just put it plain and simple, Tiger is just a spoiled brat. You folks with the press have certainly had a huge hand in helping him achieve this status! Tiger achieved success at such an early stage in his career, that he has no concept of what it is like to be on the "soup line." He has a passion to "beat the hell" out of the rest of field, but he has no compassion. I'll be fair and say that Tiger probably has not forgotten "where" he came from. He has just never been taught or really understood the sacrifices that were made by his mom and dad as well as countless others to put him in the position in life that he is today. You guys with the press seem to enjoy his "beat the hell" out of the rest of the field attitude he possesses and so readily demonstrates. Yes, you guys with the press, as well as the mighty Tiger have lost reality with the fact that golf is a GENTLEMAN'S game. The football/basketball attitude that ushered in with the "Tiger era" really is not appreciated by many of the legions of fans who have grown to love and appreciate the game over the years. You expect to hear players swearing when you tune in to a pro football or basketball game, but not a golf tournament or exhibition. And, you guys with the press have made a little golf god out of Tiger. You all seem to worship every move he makes. He is, however, a young guy with a tremendous amount of talent who has been raised up to excel at the game of golf. Most everybody is in awe of his talent. Yet, fewer are not so approving of his arrogant attitude. Tiger is not a star without the rest of the PGA Tour. Most of the golf fans throughout the world already do understand that. Tiger and you guys with the press need to get on the band wagon and understand that as well. Tiger ain't no Arnold. Tiger ain't no Jack. That's a real fact! R. Swygert The guys needs to get a life! M. Flores I thought it was very poor taste for someone to reject a interview, especially when it was his tournament. I think he is very childish and needs to grow up. He granted is a great golfer but some of us would like to see and hear about what the others are doing. He is no Nicklaus, Palmer, Trevino, Zoeller or Player or any of the other big names and won't be if he don't grow up. If Steve would have thrown my camera in the lake, he would have become quite wet and then some. J. Olsen I think there is nothing wrong with being intense and if a player wants to make something of himself, I see no other way to really do so. I think golf is a game that is strongly one of a thought process and should be followed accordingly. P.
Cohen Intensity is hardly the word to describe his behavior. Self centered or immature would be more appropriate. Why does the media remove cameras and mikes from his immediate presence when he hits a shot not to his expectations?????because they don't want the viewers to see how he reacts and his foul mouth?????or because they are afraid of the consequences?????I was in attendance at two of his west coast outings and was totally embarrassed for all around because of his childish behavior. Trust me, he is not the ambassador of golf he is made out to be. B.
Puckett Do Not belittle a Great Win by Padraig Harrington calling it a "silly season" event. I would like to have heard your comments had Tiger won it once again ! C.K. Collins What does Tiger know about humility? And grace under pressure? What would he be without his fans? Simply a world class player ignored by the masses? Tiger's behavior in these recent situations is embarrassing - not just to him, but to golf instructors and parents worldwide. To play in a sport that carries such honor and dignity, Tiger rarely displays the attributes that are appropriate for this game. Often seen (or worse yet - heard) grumbling expletives after a bad shot, chastising bystanders for moving or talking, or for the ill-timed camera click, Tiger is known for his lack of etiquette toward fans and his propensity for foul language. We were graced by Tiger and his entourage a few years back at our resort course in the Caribbean. Celebrities are standard fare here, however, as former President Clinton had made it his favorite Christmas getaway two years in a row. Tiger's visit was an anti-event, if that. After jumping around the course to empty holes, he stopped in the pro shop before leaving. When asked to take a group photograph with our 5 or 6 starters (all West Indian boys, who were at the time avid Tiger fans), Tiger and his friends declined, saying that they needed a back door to get away from the crowds (there wasn't anyone else besides our staff of starters). The disappointment in their eyes was memorable. From that day on, this group shunned Tiger from their allegiance and cheered for anyone "except Tiger", because "Tiger didn't know how to have gratitude". As a golf instructor for underserved children in an extremely impoverished area, I use golf and it's moral lessons to help children step forward in their lives with strong values and ethics such as honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, patience and self-discipline. Did Tiger show sportsmanship when watching the bystander's camera being thrown in the water? Did he show self-discipline or patience at the 18th green when he should have waited for the winner to be interviewed, and then to be interviewed himself as the host and 2nd place finisher? Watching Tiger punish a bystander for his blunder is a sad display of his and his caddies immaturity and ignorance. Worse, watching Tiger bustle off the green, barely listening to Padraig Harrington's words of thanks while they shook hands, and declining to be interviewed at his own event was deplorable. I try to imagine what could be going through his head at that time, but I can only think it was about him not being number one. There can't be room in his head for thinking about what is the honorable or the right thing to do...he has paid people for those jobs. And unfortunately, the one closest to him doesn't have the common sense or class to understand these concepts either, as his caddy Steve is perhaps equally as offensive and arrogant as is Tiger. For someone who regularly uses Tiger as a teaching example about his intensity and focus and style, I regret seeing his behavior represent immaturity and arrogance. I haven't lost faith in him, as I continue to see him grow into a well-rounded individual, I simply shudder at his insolence and narcissism. L.
Schmid Tiger is the prime example of the young people of today. They are good as long as everything is going there way but let them have a disappointment on their way and they blow up or pout. Tiger's language is one of the things I don't like. He is the idol of many kids and should start acting like an adult. Kid's see how he performs and they act the same way. Sure you can be disappointed in a shot but get over it throwing a club, slamming a club or cursing is not going to bring the shot back. Tiger is spoiled and needs to grow up. I pulled for him ever since college but his ego has me rooting for the other guy who every it might be. R. Lang I think what is silly is how the media feels it is important or news worthy as to how a player, whether its Tiger Woods or Joe Shoe's intensity level.Ý How can anyone expect a player to handle performing poorly.Ý To tell a world class athlete to tone down his intensity level at an event because it's the silly season is ridiculous.Ý I know they weren't playing for charities like the skins format, which is why you see the players at ease and a little carefree on the course.Ý Also keep in mind that this was Tiger's own tourney and he was the defending champion. G. Buell The guy needs to chill out a bit, it is still just a game. Some role model. S. Nilson Tiger needs to lightened up. His stature is enhanced by golf fans worldwide. Tossing a camera in the lake displayed childish behavior - especially from a "team" that won more than $6 mil this year on the PGA TOUR alone. Granted, I respect his intensity and desire to win every event he plays. But for all anyone knows, that camera could have contained cherished personal pictures taken somewhere other than at the tournament. M. Palm This whole thing with the camera is a joke. The man (Tiger) makes a gazillion dollars playing a game and he can't handle a camera? Throwing the person's camera in the lake is rude and uncalled for. All other athletes play their sports with people screaming and yelling but this prima donna can't handle a click of a camera? Please....he is all class when he WINS but let him lose and you see the true person, arrogant and obnoxious. He could never be Phil Mickelson and go thru those interviews when he places second. He swears all the time, remember when he hit the ball in the water at Pebble on 18? He shouted every obscenity in the book and no one called him on his behavior, that is not intensity that is rude. A friend of mine runs a large inner city golf program and took his kids to see Tiger, this event he lost to David Duval and came off the 18th green swearing and carrying on forgetting that he had promised the kids autographs. He never fulfilled his obligation but Tom Lehman and Vijay Singh came over when they realized what had happened and signed and emptied out their bags giving the kids all their golf balls etc. To quote those kids "he's nothing but a punk pro-he couldn't even be on our team the way he swears." He couldn't be interviewed after Padraig beat him? He's nothing but a punk!! Is the guy a phenomenal golfer? Absolutely!! Is he a great guy that kids need to emulate? Absolutely not!! Anybody can be gracious when they win it is the mark of a true champion to see how they behave when they don't. I hope one day Tiger can show that he is a true champion. K. Macken Tiger has so much media pressure for him to win that it gets rather nerve racking to be human. He can hit a bad shot and shouldn't have to justify not being perfect. Give him the credit he deserves to always try to win regardless, if he comes up short it hurts him. What about the other guys who didn't even get close to cutting the large lead. Tiger is human. R.
Ruonavaara Tiger has the option to speak to who he wants when he wants under the circumstance mentioned! Spectators should know by now to not take pictures in anyone's back swing.....WOULD THEY LIKE IT! I wouldn't. I often go against Tiger. Go underdogs! C. Boland Way to go, Steve-O! He should have chunked the photographer into the pond along with the camera. After all, it could have been looped around his neck . . . there should be some sort of regulation for this, considering the abuse that has been manifested by the jerk paparazzi who do this. Cameras should be registered for access with agreements signed by holders for obeying strict rules for when they can be used; a non-registered camera discovery should result in confiscation and a hefty fine; all registered cameras found to have been use illegally shall result in a hefty fine equally shared by all registered camera holders. Regarding the NBC crew after Tiger's shot on the 18th, the poor taste and bad form they displayed should have resulted in similar treatment - Tiger went easy on them, if you ask me. They should be registered also, and agree to observing proper time/space approach zones that force them to afford civil treatment to competitors, with - you guessed it - hefty fines shared by all regardless of the infractor. Let's get some organization in the gallery and press corps here, and start holding some of these bozos responsible for their actions. 'Want another opinion on this? Ask the Shark Guy, huh? G.
Mitchell As a golfer who enjoys watching the pros perform on TV, I think any idiot that takes a picture with a camera that makes a noise (my digital is silent) before the ball is struck deserves to be ejected from the course. If all that happens to them is their camera is thrown into a lake, they get off lucky. The pros or their caddies should not have to take any action - the tournament officials should deal with these situations harshly and immediately. I am not a media fan. If athletes are willing to be interviewed before, during, or after an event, that's fine. However, I do not believe that athletes should feel obligated to always submit to the media's questions. There are days when I leave work that I am in no mood to answer any questions about how I performed, especially if millions of people were watching/listening. Athletes should be allowed to have their "off" days as well. D.
Lilly Tiger really showed his ass -he's no Nicklaus! R. Bragg I don't think that this discussion should be focused on characterizing Tiger's attitude. Instead it should be focused on where the line should exist regarding legitimate intrusion and illegitimate intrusion into the personal zone of world class athletes in the heat of battle. Everyone has this opinion, or so it seems, that an athlete of great stature has forfeited his or her right to compete without being recorded, badgered, imposed upon, and or otherwise inhibited from doing their job at the highest level possible. Journalists, fans, and other mercenary agencies, feel that their self serving personal goals should prevail over the personal rights of an athlete trying to perform simply because that person's fame has abrogated these rights to the public domain. I strongly dis-agree with this commonly held notion. Great athletes deserve respect, and the space to perform when doing their jobs. There is a time and a place for everything, and it appears that the lines of this distinction have become so blurry that common sense can no longer be found. If respect and common sense cannot be regulated by some interested agency, then it unfortunately falls upon the athletes themselves to try to convey what is acceptable and what is not. Tiger Woods becomes a target of editorial commentary if he scratches his head with the wrong hand. This is not a Tiger Woods issue, it is an issue of human nature, and the ready and willing attitude of many to not merely be content with viewing or recording an event, but to thrust themselves into the event in an inappropriate way. Tiger Woods has a right to do his job to the best of his ability without being handicapped by rude unaware people. G.
Stewart are you annoyed when people you're playing with stand behind on your line of putt when you putting? How about when you're trying to make a chip shot from the fringe and players in your group stand directly in your line from across the green? Yeah I would become annoyed, and probably say something smartass to the person who does not apply golf etiquette on and around the green/fairways. No I don't think No.1 golfer in the world should tone his style of playing. That's what people pay money to see. P. Allas When there is money on the line, no matter how much, there no such thing as a "Silly Season" event. I think all of us would have the intensity to win money if it's there to win and we have a chance to win it. Don't you think? B. Kenney Tiger's behavior at the Skins game is again, more like a prima donna than a seasoned sports professional. Sunday, I also watched Walter Ray Williams III essentially lose his PBA championship match in one shot because a fan snapped a flash camera in his face at the precise moment of his ball delivery. That caused him to miss his aim enough to lose the match but, he behaved like a professional with a little self control. During the 10th frame of this match, when he had no chance to win, Walter said to the crowd "Now take your pictures" with a smile as he finished bowling. Class. The Skins game is supposed to be a "fun" event where we can watch 4 of our favorite professionals play most every shot for all 18 holes while enjoying some comraderie and bantering. Who wants to watch a temper tantrum? I have kids for that. And based on his behavior last weekend, Tiger has shown he has some growing up to do. The media, to a fault, has put so much attention on Tiger that his every move is on camera. He knows this. He can show his intensity at next year's Masters where it's more appropriate. D.
Thompson His attitude on
Sunday at his OWN invitational in refusing to be interviewed showed: I liked the way the caddie threw the camera into the lake - three cheers for the caddie!! M. Hobbs I think Tiger Woods is and acts like a spoiled brat. It is a shame that he has such a great golf game and that he is of such poor character. The PGA tour should, if they have any backbone, fine him for his conduct and especially his continued use of profanity in prime time T-V. I can remember the LPGA fining one of their stars for her use of profanity on camera a few years ago. I do not appreciate him taking my Lord's name in vane. The PGA may not take any judgement against him; but there will be a day of judgement for him as well as each of us. I think that he should give a refund to Target Stores for any money he received from them for doing a commercial representing himself as a good role model for children. I personally will not purchase anything that he gets paid for endorsing. H.
Tracy Silly season or not, there is a lot of money on the line, Tiger's team lost the Ryder Cup to Padraig's team and he probably thought he should have made the shot (which cost him a lot). If the average working person were to blow a task that cost he or she a significant amount of income, a large number would react in a the same way. Lastly, like it or not, that desire to win and disdain for losing is what makes him great. Besides, he is on his best behavior most of the time. M.
Zinga Tiger really has no on golf personality,like Arnie. Jack did not have one either. But I think he does a great job for all the distraction he gets in a round of golf. He is still very young and his desire to win is tremendous and that is what makes him great. He will tone it down when he longer has that hot desire to win and lets hope that is a long time from now. Because when he plays we love to watch and see if he can be beat. J. Carney When will people realize that Tiger is only human and just because he has extraordinary golfing talent he is not the answer to the problems of the world. To be in the spotlight almost every day and for people to expect perfection in every thing he does is just unrealistic. Now, for his actions in the "silly games", he needs to back off the "intensity" needed for the majors and treat them more as a round with friends but keeping in mind the needs of the sponsors. Not an easy task but better than trying to be perfect in word and deed. J.
Pudvin In my opinion Tiger should tone it down on all the events he enters. There is no doubt as to his golfing ability. He gives me the impression he thinks he is super human and should never,never make any mistakes. When he does make a mistake, you'd think his world has come to an end. His reaction to the press at HIS tournament shows just what kind of an egotistical A.H. he is. L. Silver As a professional photographer on the PGA Tour, I have to say that I find Steve's (Tiger caddy) response to the fan in the gallery the height of arrogance. Since when is it acceptable to destroy someone's property with no repercussions. Yell at the guy, fine. Have him removed or arrested, fine, but do not destroy his equipment. Perhaps the tournament officials should be held resposible for allowing a fan to enter the tournament carrying a camera in the first place. While I am not excusing the fan for a bonehead move, it is still not acceptable that the the behavior that Tiger and Steve exhibited be allowed or condoned. If this incident had occured with any other player and caddie you can bet that the end result would have been different. Are there two sets of rules that govern behavior at professional golf events? Tiger rules and everyone else's? M. Feldman I liked Jack Nicklaus' approach to help him focus with distractions around him. Take some children with you and play golf. This business of focus and concentration I think is going a bit too far as well as the distractions being too much. If your concentration is broken with a rather quiet click I think you need to work on that part of your game. We all have something that distracts us to some degree but having to have absolute silence is a bit ridiculous. Of course there is the other side too. Where do you cut it off. The people present watching the pros know the rules and should suffer the consequences when they violate them. Throwing the camera in the lake was a bit much but if they do not suffer a big enough penalty then they will do it again. They don't have any scruples about it the first time they won't have any the next time. Look at our courts and prison system. Maybe that is on another level but it is the same human being with the same traits. B. Adams Tiger may be golf's greatest ambassador "ever". His frequent outbursts of profanity seem to be overlooked by the media. We remember Curtis Strange was one to challenge his gallery with icy stares and he still made Ryder Cup captain. I wish Tiger could be a little less demonstrative especially at a made for T.V. event. The caddies are gettting a little carried away with their importance, now taking over from marshalls and acting as bodyguards. M.
Hays Let the man be who he is. Theses tournaments are important to all the players and some folks in the gallery need to learn the proper etiquette of a spectator. As for the reporter, sometimes it's better to say nothing when upset than it is to speak. Just ask your wife. D.
Stickle Tiger Woods is an intense golfer. That is his nature and it helps him win whether it is a post season affair or a major in-season event. It seems to me that if an onlooker is so disrespectful of a professional golfer's concentration as to click a camera mid swing or a stupid reporter asking innocuous questions, either get what they deserve. If Tiger wants to loosen up, he will do it on his own time, not at the urging of the media, or anyone else for that matter. Tiger has so many excellent qualities that it is a shame to dwell on these matters. B.
Shreiner I admire Tiger's intensity to a point. While a passion to win is laudable in a professional athlete, there is no excuse for throwing a photographer's camera in the water. Tiger is scrutinized as no other golfer, and no other athlete in general, in the world. With that scrutiny comes pressure to perform. While nearly everyone expects Tiger to play well week in and week out, the weight of those expectations doesn't compare to the pressure he puts on himself. While cameras can be distracting to a player, especially when he is in the middle of his swing, there was no excuse for Tiger and his caddie's actions at the Skins Game. Being such a white-hot center of attention, Tiger should know better. At the very least, I would hope he plans to replace the photographer's camera. D. Rice Oh, poor baby...... durn, someone snapped a picture in the middle of his backswing. He should play in our group. At least we know how to have fun and enjoy life.............. Oh, yeah, let Mr. Caddy Man throw my camera in the lake......... He'd be able to find it quickly........... or drown trying. What a poor excuse for a professional. B. Owens I personally didn't see the examples mentioned in the column, but a couple of wrongs don't make something right. But, why didn't the tournament official ensure there weren't cameras in the gallery? The players have the right to feel comfortable that an irritant camera won't be snapped. On the interview issue with NBC. Why not ask Tiger these questions, now. I am sure there is tremendous pressure during these matches, and he, and his colleagues are human. Albeit, they are also entertainers -- if nobody came to the event, there wouldn't be an event. I personally know of another tour pro who was so focused and intense, that when he played in a Tuesday pro-am he didn't speak to the amateurs the entire round. Is that being professional? Maybe instead of challenging these young pros on their knee-jerk responses, the Tour should develop a short course on how to handle situations like these. Major corporations train their up and coming executives. Why not institute this type of process for our players. Make it happen! J.
Simon Golf is Tiger Woods' life: his livelihood; his job, his passion. How can one expect a person to "tone down" his passion just because the event isn't major? It's like asking a man to forgo foreplay because it's not his anniversary. J.
Clapper Players automatically adjust to the level of the game. Competitors maintain the same level of intensity for the National Open or a $2 Nassau. Being able to maintain that level of intensity is the intangible that separates Tiger from "all the rest." J.
Myrick Tiger was totally in the right.Ý You can't expect a competitor at his level to "kind-of" compete, he is the best in the world for that reason. N. Arce Tiger needs to be more of a gentleman on the course and treat people the way he obviously likes to be treated, as something special. W.
Spiker Never saw Arnie
do it! Enough said. B.
Marshall Tiger Woods' intensity is one of the things that makes him great. If he "tones it down" to please other people (the media, the public, etc.), he will be changing his core personality and it will have counterproductive results. Perhaps the type of reaction he displays could be moderated, but if he ever stops being upset about that sort of thing, we will all lose. R. Garland I am really surprised how well these professional athletes remain as calm as they do, when so many clueless fans pull some of the rudest, thoughtless, self-aggrandizing, stupid stunts with no thought of the situation or gravity their actions affect the play of the pros. I am a golfer, not a very good one, but a golfer and I resent any noise, movement or commotion of any manner when I am trying to execute any kind of stroke. The only thing I find wrong with Steve's action is that I would have thrown the spectator in the lake and kept the camera. K. Broadaway I think Mr. Woods was totally within his rights scolding the spectator who ignored the rules of courtesy at the Skins match. Not speaking with the NBC commentators is another matter entirely. He knew the deal going in and what was expected of him given the prize money he was playing for. A simple I hit a bad shot, it happens would have sufficed. D.
Starr I like all that Tiger is doing for the game and if he ignores a few reporters, so be it. The game of golf requires enormous concentration, even for a gifted player like Tiger. It is all a part of the emotion of the game and the reporters and fans need to lighten up a little and enjoy his remarkable talent. He is the face of golf today and we need to accept this fantastic "face" even if it gets a blemish every now and again. J.
Singerling the amateur (and professional) camera clicking is a major distraction and really can force a bad shot -- I don't blame him for being angry -- you don't need a picture of his swing - get a picture of his face as he heads to or leaves the tee and be happy.... Intensity is what builds major monsters who win. E. Parker It is a shame that someone would click a camera in the back swing of a golfer but I do believe that if a golfer's concentration is good enough he/she should not hear the camera or not be bothered. As a golfer when I set up to hit a shot I can block out noise around me. To throw the camera into the water was as bad as the person taking the picture. Mr. Woods needs to remember if it were not for the gallery there would not be the big prize money and maybe no pro golf on TV. P.
Bentley The pros should remember that it's the masses, the ticket-buying, often inconsiderate fans, and photographers who've plastered their faces across the world who've given them the opportunity to be where they ARE, (limelight) silly season or not. Lighten up a bit and try to appear as if you're enjoying your good fortune, Tiger. S.
Morse At the time of Tiger's shot three players were depending on his shot for a piece of the pot. I can only surmise that signs stating no Cell Phones nor Cameras allowed during play. Those two items should have been taken away from the picture taker. I thought Tiger was very cool compared to several other tour pros who blow up if a leave falls during their shot. As far as media is concerned, Tiger sidestepped answering some silly mundane quibble by leaving before the questions could start. A.
Serna For Tiger Woods to react in such a way towards amateur photographers, NBC announcers, et al., it just shows how immature and unprofessional a spoiled, conceited millionaire golfer can act. There is no excuse for insulting behavior towards anyone when they have the 'title' of Tiger Woods. I actually hope the public treats him in the same way they respected 'Monty' when he played here, he made 'comments' to the media. Tiger, with his 'actions' deserves more. R.G. Harrison Tell any professional athlete not to be intense and he or she won't be a winner. So maybe they should have yellow penalty flags in prof. golf now. I think not! There's bad fans in every sport. Bad golf fans are on the playing fields with the players. If Tiger Woods started taking pictures on the floor of an NBA game he'd get thrown out. Tiger Woods is a very heady professional athlete. He deserves his space and his moods just like all the rest of the professional athletes. P. Nefouse Professional golfers are independent contractors. They get no salaries like most other professional athletes. Their livelihood depends on their performance on the course. Do poorly, and you don't eat and may have to re-qualify for the tour at the end of the season. Marshals and fans don't seem to grasp this fact. "You da man's", cameras and other distractions are threats to a professional golfers' livelihood. Granted, a golf course is not a library, but fans should display some common sense. If the fans don't, some action should be taken. Ignore the offenders or slap them on the wrist, and they are encouraged to be even bolder the next time. I don't approve of players and caddies getting involved with fans, but when they are not supported, sometimes you have to make a point. Tiger, pay the guy for his camera, pay the fine and make your beef with the PGA to operate these tournaments better. G.
Cozine Anyone that has played competitive sports knows that "Intensity" is not a selective emotion. If the year end events are "Silly Season" events and only produced for the almighty dollar, then maybe only the "Silly" golfers should play. Tiger Woods is probably just as intense for a $5 bet with his buddy Mark O'Meara as he is in an official Tour event. If you want a plastic, non-emotional player then go get David Duval for your event. That is not to say that David isn't an excellent player but he demonstrates his emotions in a different way. The bottom line is, Tiger Woods is who he is and he can not change his emotional makeup. If you don't like his demeanor - too bad! Until they start penalizing Tour players for being too "Intense", leave Tiger alone! He will need all the "Intensity" he can generate to catch the greatest of them all - Mr. Jack Nicklaus! D.Z. I think Tiger is over reacting to fan behavior. He is good enough to be greater than that. G.
Simmons
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