The current circus that is Tiger Woods is not based upon his quality of play or good golf, it’s all about waiting for him to resume his normal position (whatever you believe that to be).
The Pro Tiger fans want to be vindicated by seeing Tiger cut a clear path through the field to take up what they consider his right place. No matter what sins or crime their hero may have been associated with.
The Anti Tiger fans want to be vindicated by seeing Tiger revert back to is normal mode pre his mating with the Fire Hydrant. No matter what excuse is made re Tigers performance they just want to see the guy get what they believe he is due (whatever that may mean).
The semi silent Golfing Fans, care not for personalities, seeking the pure entertainment from the performance of the Golfer on the course. They hate the strutting cockerels, or the mating dance of the Birds of Paradise all of which seem to mesmerise the majority of the Golfing Public. They love the fast quick action of addressing the problem and prompt executing of the move, then the advance to the next objective. None of this Anzio caution but clear clean cut precise action to get the job done. The entertainment remaining on the course for all to witness.
However we are very seldom presented with a Super Hero, in fact do they really exist except in the mind of little boys. Our hero’s are usually flawed if not in the beginning then by the general publicity, the harassment of the public via the newspapers and magazines, we get what we help create. The imperfect hero that allows us to take our positions, yet ignoring the fundamental aspect of the game not to mention what originally brought this individual to our attention in the first place
The Road to Immortality is paved with many who never noticed their flame burning bright before being extinguished by disappointed fans they never knew. The movement from Zero to Hero dissipating due to willingness of some fans to prostrate themselves, in the hope of being touched by the hand of a (none to reluctant) Hero.
Now we come to the simple facts of the case. First and only is the performance of Tiger on the golf course relating to his poor language through to his club throwing antics, all let’s not forget, undertaken while being televised and broadcast to the general public at large.
There is no excuse, there are no mitigating circumstances. We are discussing the top most professional people in their line of business, not just making ends meet but creating unbelievable amounts of money while endorsing many products persuading loyal fans to purchase. A very successful golfing professional now raised to a highly prominent marketing icon earning more money in a year that a few dozen of their fans put together. The line has been crossed, the marketing man is now in the public domain, he has done so to gain financial reward, so he can no longer shout I am a private man, he has sold his privacy for ‘loads of money’ , never forgetting that was his decision alone, he sold himself to the public, he reaps the world wind of a of a fickle public.
This problem has been Tigers alone, he made the decisions to use poor language, to throw clubs, no one else. He knows the different from right and wrong, he knew he was at very best compromising the Course Etiquette Rules and not showing any courtesy to his fellow golfers or those on the course. There was no quick retraction or apology for his outburst, no watering down the incident, yet they progressively increased in number and severity. Some may ask where are the officials, why was he not warned or even fined? Why was it allowed it to be televised, is this the way the Governing Bodies really want the Game of Golf portrayed worldwide?
Tiger saw that no one was going to cause him any problems so continued. I would say at this point that Tiger is not alone in poor course behaviour, but his club throwing is certainly the most dangerous I have seen and IMHO needs to be halted before some poor innocent individual is hurt. His off course activities has also affected the game, they show our No1. rated Guy as a piece of S@*t, a man that would cheat for any advantage, on this occasion it would appear the payment may have been sex. He cared not for himself, his wife or family, it was not just the hurt but potential of passing on some infection to his wife. Did he stop, no he continued and built up a menagerie worldwide. To many, Tigers only guilty of being caught, to others who seem to do more than just play golf, who care for the game feel that he has brought the Game into disrepute, certainly for his language and club throwing alone.
Whatever our positions are regards Tiger we still need a clean and exciting open game of golf to entertaining and attract new golfers and worldwide TV coverage, but for the right reasons ‘The Golf’. Thus allowing it to be watched by the family at large including grandchildren. If we want Golf to shine and be enjoyed to maximise its real potential, then we must stand up for our convictions. The game needs to send out a message that poor behaviour is not acceptable, not forgetting that we already have a code, its called ‘Course Etiquette’
If you are not interested, can’t be bothered, or the current behaviour levels are acceptable to you, then you have no need to comment or voice an opinion. Your regards for the game is already clear and defined.
If you feel behaviour on course is important and currently what we see is rather poor then you should voice your opinion as it’s the only way to gauge the feeling of this site. After all we are meant to live in a democracy where we value the right to our freedom of speech.
Do you fit into any of the above modes or do you have another which you are willing to share.
Melvyn