Aug
17
Has Tiger Woods lost his mind? Sunday fly home from PGA Championship makes one wonder
Apparently, Tiger Woods believes in Phil Mickelson’s nerves more than anyone else in golf. Including Mickelson himself, who joked about the agony of having to sleep on the lead for yet another additional night at the delayed PGA Championship even after he finally won it Monday.
Tiger must think Phil Mickelson is Jack Nicklaus, rather than just some red-light-loving dork who taps on the Nicklaus plaque because he knows the cameras are watching.
How else can you explain Woods’ bizarre admission today that he flew home to Isleworth on Sunday night even though he was the clubhouse leader. Yes, if there had been a playoff on Monday at Baltusrol, Tiger would have likely been DQed from his recliner in Florida.
Huh?
Is this the stupidest thing you ever heard of in major championship golf or what? Suddenly, even Terrell Owens looks like a master travel agent by comparison. What was Shaq throwing a great block party Sunday night that Tiger couldn’t miss?
Look, I’ve lived in New Jersey. I can understand someone wanting to get away from New Jersey. But to not be able to stick it out for one night with your 11th major potentially on the line is almost unfathomable.
Maybe, Tiger had the Gulfstream idling. Maybe, the pushovers at the PGA of America would have conveniently pushed back the playoff start in time for Tiger to roll in. But still a little crazy, no? This isn’t like waiting to the last minute to see if you can make it in time for Uncle Leo’s wedding.
Some of the other pros bring up the great point that Tiger’s mere presence on the practice range could have sent those nerves jangling even more Monday morning.
“I thought he’d be hitting balls Monday morning at the golf course, because it’s a tough course to finish on and it’s a major championship,” Stewart Cink told the Associated Press today. “If anything, just him being there at the clubhouse and being seen might have affected the way they played on Monday.”
Now, Tiger has to be reminded he’s intimidating!
What was Tiger thinking?
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29 comments
Comment from: Wei [Visitor]
We get it, everyone is stupid or a jerk or overhyped or smells bad or...
2005-08-17 @ 21:36
Hale Irwin and a two-inch putt--that's stupid. Doug Sanders and a three feet putt--that's stupid. Roberto DiVicenzo--oh what a stupid. Two birdieable par five holes--that's not stupid. Plus, you know how Tiger's watching his money these days. Rearranging a flight costs some scratch these days. I'd go with silly, with a dash of tomfoolery, but I don't know about that leap to stupid.
2005-08-18 @ 07:01
Comment from: mamboking [Visitor]
If you believe in Golf mythology, you should know that Tiger has a direct line to the golfing gods. They told him that the Master 2006 will be his 11th major.
Seriously, was Tiger thinking about Phil? Maybe he was thinking more along the lines of Elkington not backing down, but even if he was thinking about Phil he knew that Phil was 4 under on the last 2 par 5s for the first 3 days. It doesn't take a mathematical genius to figure the odds on that one.
Seriously, was Tiger thinking about Phil? Maybe he was thinking more along the lines of Elkington not backing down, but even if he was thinking about Phil he knew that Phil was 4 under on the last 2 par 5s for the first 3 days. It doesn't take a mathematical genius to figure the odds on that one.
2005-08-18 @ 08:52
Comment from: Shanks [Visitor]
Ron Mon said it but it bears repeating: the last 2 holes were birdie-able par 5s ... the easiest 2 holes on the course! C'mon guys, we're talking about several world class players who were ahead by a shot playing softened-by-rain par 5s. They make their living by dominating par 5s. And you think they were ALL going to bogey those? Puh-lease. Anybody who thought Tiger had even the slightest chance of a playoff is a serious Tiger fan. One of Tiger's greatest strengths is his willingness to see the honest truth. He did ... and he left. End of story.
2005-08-18 @ 10:13
Comment from: Bill VP [Visitor]
You are assuming that Tiger didn't think the PGA would wait for him (in case of a playoff) to get on his plane and fly back. Given the countless ways in which Tiger is treated with kid gloves by CBS and tour leadership, I don't think he made that assumption. And IF there had been a playoff and IF Tiger had been DQed, the stench on the default winner (someone would have had to suffer a major collapse for there to be a playoff) and on the tournament and CBS would be greater than on Tiger. I think they would have called Tifer on the phone, asked him how soon he could get back to Baltrusol, and then announce the starting time for the playoff after that....
2005-08-18 @ 11:16
Sure seems crazy that he'd leave like that, but in the end he was right!
2005-08-20 @ 08:18
Comment from: L. Frances [Visitor]
I'm a MAJOR Tiger fan. I was at Baltusrol on Wed and walked 18 holes with Tiger on Sat. Had there been a playoff, the sport would have been greatly embarrassed. He should have stayed.
2005-08-21 @ 15:14
Yes, the PGA Championship would have looked even less like a Major had that happened. Tiger didn't care. He knows he will win many, many more titles.
2005-08-22 @ 03:07
Comment from: brad bush [Visitor]
Dude...he is young, wealthy and black; what do you expect?! to still kiss our behinds? i think not! i surely wouldn't. Listen, he's a god to the golf world just like Jordan to the basketball world; they can do whatever they please as long as keep doing the amazing things they do.
2005-08-22 @ 09:50
Comment from: Hoyt Decker [Visitor]
Tiger Woods is black!? I thought he was Thai.
2005-08-22 @ 10:12
Comment from: Sliceman [Visitor]
Just another of the many, many juvinile, arrogant stunts that Woods pulls when he thinks that things may not go his way. He could not get on the course to throw a club, curse, or pound the green so he gets on his jet and makes a great public display of blowing off the NEC and Phil. Just another of the performances that we have learned to expect from T. Woods. A great golf player, maybe, but a champion to the people, never.
2005-08-22 @ 10:23
Comment from: Mike B. [Visitor]
I can't believe how much air time this has gotten. When Bjorn finished at -2 did he head to the range to stay loose for a playoff? NO! Why has the media not mentioned this? Because the media is in "all Tiger all the time" mode. I'm no Tiger fan and I actually root against him to be knocked off the top for competition's sake. But we're talking about some of the best players in the world with two par 5's (even the longest par 5 is unlikely a bogey hole) to play and already 1 or 2 shots ahead of Tiger. Talk of Tiger's arrogance, him dishonoring the game of golf, him being a prima dona with only majors on his mind, his plane waiting, (some points with merit on occasion in Tiger's career) is just BS in this case. Like Tiger, I think there was no way they all come back to him. Yeah, it was possible but not likely. Had everyone come back to him and had he missed a playoff it would have been a mistake. There was no playoff, he lost by 2 shots and by the way he won the WGC NEC the next week. Maybe he did the right thing by keeping his schedule and not staying in NJ until Monday afternoon. Give him the break you would have given anyone else that did the same thing had they been in Tiger's shoes.
2005-08-23 @ 09:37
Comment from: Ivory [Visitor]
Bill VP : What documentation do you have of "kid gloves" treatment of Tiger by the PGA? Sliceman, I have heard Fred Couples, John Daly, Craig Stadler, and even Mr. Palmer utter miss-timed profanities on network TV. Does that mean the "juvenile" label should be attached to them? Probably not, on both questions. You two should be careful...your double standard for this man may reveal your issues being based primarily on his ethnicity. And, being married to a super-model blonde...I bet that really rubs your neck red!!!
2005-08-23 @ 12:05
Comment from: Jack Dandrufflake [Visitor]
Hey, Chris
Not sure where you now live, but we who are doomed to live in the "Garden State" are not exactly mourning your leaving...nothing personal mind you.
Regarding Tiger, his premature departure just further demonstrates his ability to live above the law. This jerk has no respect for the game, his fellow pros, or his misguided fawning legion of sycophants. That aside, he's a real sweetheart of a guy! Just ask Steve 'Thug' Williams.
Not sure where you now live, but we who are doomed to live in the "Garden State" are not exactly mourning your leaving...nothing personal mind you.
Regarding Tiger, his premature departure just further demonstrates his ability to live above the law. This jerk has no respect for the game, his fellow pros, or his misguided fawning legion of sycophants. That aside, he's a real sweetheart of a guy! Just ask Steve 'Thug' Williams.
2005-08-23 @ 16:33
Comment from: Greg Pinelli [Visitor]
You're the man Ivory...you managed to take an already low level discussion to the final depths...Woods should have stayed, and needs to be severely spanked for not doing so. Or whatever you do to someone who is far and away the leading light of his profession...call him Tigger for a month?
Flying away from a Major while still in contention hardly equates with a profanity...unless of course one is hypersensitive about defending their ethnicity.
Flying away from a Major while still in contention hardly equates with a profanity...unless of course one is hypersensitive about defending their ethnicity.
2005-08-23 @ 22:43
Comment from: Ivory [Visitor]
Greg: No, you're the man. You assume the position of telling a 29 year old, at the height of his profession, what he should or should not have done. And to your credit(?), you continue with your denouncement(he should be severly spanked/reprimanded) even when his decision turn out to be correct. That is arrogance personified. Also, low level discussions should be taken to their very depths and buried forever. However, there are those who persist in bringing that level of discussion to our attention at every available opportunity. You are free to choose how you deal with it, and so am I. My ethnicity does not have to be defended. There is dignity, honor, and pride in my heritage...as there is in Italian heritage. I will continue to speak out against what I perceive to be discriminatory actions and comments directed against any individual or group, subtle or overt. Certainly, everyone who comments here does not do so with racism as their motivation. But, to assume that it is not a motivating factor for of some is blatantly naive.
2005-08-24 @ 12:19
Comment from: Riddick [Visitor]
Oh my! I just stumbled upon this web site and I am certainly going to commit it to memory for those times I have nothing of consequence to talk about or do...
Bottom line, Tiger should have stayed for a number of reasons, and he probably left for a number of self serving reasons. None of which merit all this talk and degradation of his character. He is not selling the countries secrets or soul, he is not selling drugs or killing people, and he is not stealing peoples retirement money. He is playing golf, and simply decided not to show up for work one day. Not a hanging offense, not a stop the presses news event, and certainly not a direct insult to anyone who lives in the real world.
Bottom line, Tiger should have stayed for a number of reasons, and he probably left for a number of self serving reasons. None of which merit all this talk and degradation of his character. He is not selling the countries secrets or soul, he is not selling drugs or killing people, and he is not stealing peoples retirement money. He is playing golf, and simply decided not to show up for work one day. Not a hanging offense, not a stop the presses news event, and certainly not a direct insult to anyone who lives in the real world.
2005-08-24 @ 12:34
Comment from: Ivory [Visitor]
Jack, I am a huge Tiger Woods fan. But, I don't want to support/root for a "jerk" and law-breaker. Could you please indicate the laws he has disregarded, or PGA regulations he has violated? Can you also indicate what he has done that demonstrates disrespect for the game and his fellow professionals? The reason I ask is, Mr. Nicklaus, Mr. Palmer, Johnny Miller, and others of their stature speak highly of Tiger's professionalism and respect for the history and tradition of the game; Tiger himself speaks glowingly about the proficiency of Phil, Vijay, Ernie and other; and, the high level of competitiveness of player like Chris DiMarco. Obviously, you have documentation that seemingly has been missed by Tiger's fellow professionals, golf writers, and true fans. And the help your response would be to poor Mark O'Meara. Obviously, he is very flawed in how he selects his best friends. So, help all of us misguided fawning sycophants, and give us the real 411.
2005-08-24 @ 12:54
Comment from: Ivory [Visitor]
Riddick,
I should have taken the time to read you comments. I would have saved myself a lot of time and kept my sometimes zealous temperment, and blood pressure, at acceptable levels. You are right on point about the focus of prior comments, including mine. However, his decision could have resulted in his embarassment...therefore, it was his choice. And it turn out to be correct. Thank you for your insightfulness.
I should have taken the time to read you comments. I would have saved myself a lot of time and kept my sometimes zealous temperment, and blood pressure, at acceptable levels. You are right on point about the focus of prior comments, including mine. However, his decision could have resulted in his embarassment...therefore, it was his choice. And it turn out to be correct. Thank you for your insightfulness.
2005-08-24 @ 13:11
Comment from: Jack Dandrufflake [Visitor]
Ivory,
Just about every time that I see Tiger on TV, he does something that I consider distasteful, immature and unbecoming of a professional of any kind. He and his goon of a caddy regularly disrespect his fans and fellow pros by displays of vulgarity, rudeness and sheer disregard of anyone elses feelings. Tiger does not seem to care that he is on camera when he spits on the greens, occasionally damages them, tosses and bangs clubs on the ground, and curses consistently. (Believe it or not, the PGA does fine him occasionally for his outbursts but monetary fines are ridiculously inconsequential to him and offer no deterrence whatsoever). This type of behavior goes against the 'laws' of human decency. His fans seem to be blessed with blinders that don't allow them to see him for the phony, egotistical brat that he truly is. He needs some serious mentoring but I don't see such a colossal ego as his ever entertaining any constructive advice. I believe that he is doomed to perpetual adolescence. And that's such a shame considering his immense talent and worldwide influence. And he's probably really not even to blame...you can guess the rest.
Just about every time that I see Tiger on TV, he does something that I consider distasteful, immature and unbecoming of a professional of any kind. He and his goon of a caddy regularly disrespect his fans and fellow pros by displays of vulgarity, rudeness and sheer disregard of anyone elses feelings. Tiger does not seem to care that he is on camera when he spits on the greens, occasionally damages them, tosses and bangs clubs on the ground, and curses consistently. (Believe it or not, the PGA does fine him occasionally for his outbursts but monetary fines are ridiculously inconsequential to him and offer no deterrence whatsoever). This type of behavior goes against the 'laws' of human decency. His fans seem to be blessed with blinders that don't allow them to see him for the phony, egotistical brat that he truly is. He needs some serious mentoring but I don't see such a colossal ego as his ever entertaining any constructive advice. I believe that he is doomed to perpetual adolescence. And that's such a shame considering his immense talent and worldwide influence. And he's probably really not even to blame...you can guess the rest.
2005-08-24 @ 20:35
Comment from: Greg Pinelli [Visitor]
Ivory..Grow up. Respect for the game dictates what a player should do. This may come as a surprise to you but golf is the most self regulated game of personal integrity extant. It is disrespectful to the organizers, the volunteers, fans and fellow competitiors to hit the road before appropriate.
If you had even a rudimentary knowledge of golf history you'd know how many times fields have come back to players who've posted scores early in Majors. The notion that he had to prepare for the next event is lame excuse making.
You're defending Tiger not because he did the right thing...but because of his skin color. It's interesting...if this had been Ernie Els leaving I would bet that every respondent who has criticized Woods would be criticizing him. Race would have nothing to do with the issue. It only seems to be a sore point with you.
It isn't a question of violating a particular rule. It is a matter of common sense. Talk is talk....what Woods does is far more important than what he says.
If you had even a rudimentary knowledge of golf history you'd know how many times fields have come back to players who've posted scores early in Majors. The notion that he had to prepare for the next event is lame excuse making.
You're defending Tiger not because he did the right thing...but because of his skin color. It's interesting...if this had been Ernie Els leaving I would bet that every respondent who has criticized Woods would be criticizing him. Race would have nothing to do with the issue. It only seems to be a sore point with you.
It isn't a question of violating a particular rule. It is a matter of common sense. Talk is talk....what Woods does is far more important than what he says.
2005-08-24 @ 22:11
Comment from: Riddick [Visitor]
Greg; Actually the rules (which there are many) dictate what a player should do. Respect for self and the game is why the game is "self regulated" so often. Neither of which have anything to do with Tiger making a personal choice to leave. If he violated any rules by leaving we could all stand in line to slap his wrist, but he didn't. I don't think he should have left either, so Tiger and I just agree to disagree (just kidding). You talk about right and wrong and defense of Tiger because of his skin color, and how Ernie would have been ridiculed in similar fashion, but I don't see that as completely accurate. I don't see Ernie or any other golfer leaving a Major tournement under similar circumstances generating this much media talk or debate. I don't necessarily think its because of his skin color as much as it is because of his dominating (annoying to some) position at the top. If Tiger admittedly played drunk during a tournament or slapped golf balls while they were still moving or did any of the things John Daly does from time to time we could definitely spend all this time talking about it, but we don't with Daly. By the way I am a big John Daly fan. I am sure there is a huge list of things other golfers currently do that you don't care about or aren't aware of because Tiger hasn't done it yet. There is special treatment for all of the golf millionaires, and Tiger being the richest will probably recieve a little more. But with that treatment also comes a lot of resentment and riddicules expectations to not do what he thinks is best for him, but for him to do what you think is best for you or golf. The truth is it doesn't matter what decisions he makes about anything, you or any other person who is not a fan will find reason to knock him down, since it can't be done on the course. I felt the same way about Notre Dame when the beat up on Michigan for a few years in a row, but at least I recognized it for what it was.
2005-08-25 @ 16:14
Comment from: Riddick [Visitor]
Jack; Do you honestly think all of the 149 out of 150 players are not spitting on the course? Do you think they are not cursing when they miss a putt or hit one in the trees or hazard? Perhaps the reason you see his fans or any other players fans disregarding curses, spit, club tossing, or anything else you deem against the laws of human decency is because its happening all over the course at any given time by any given player. The fact is the television is on Tiger all the time (I know how this troubles you), it troubles me when they show him eating or going to the bathroom when I could be watching someone else make a great golf shot. My suggestion to you is to stop watching the golf tournaments that Tiger plays. As a matter of fact you should seperate yourself from Tiger in all ways before you make yourself sick. Of course that would mean giving up golf all together.
2005-08-25 @ 16:31
Comment from: Jack Dandrufflake [Visitor]
Hey, Riddick
Thanks for your suggestion, but if I stopped watching Tiger on TV, it would deprive me of that rare pleasure of seeing his gut-wrenching losses. I will admit that I love it when he is in contention, but ultimately can't close the deal! The one positive thing about Tiger is that he has brought much-needed excitement to the game.
I have watched Jack, Arnie, Gary, Tom, Johnny, Ben and most of the other top pros for many years and I can honestly say that I have never seen any of them throw a club, spit or curse on the golf course. If they had behaved that way on national TV , it would have not have gone unnoticed and would have disappointed me immensely. The distinction is this...they all have class..Tiger does not and never will. We have come to expect this childish behavior from him and it appears that it has become acceptable to the masses. While you are certainly entitled to admire and defend him, I have chosen not to. I see him as a poor role model for today's youth. He puts wealth, winning, and success above human decency and that does not impress me. I can only hope that he soon matures a bit, and with that he will become more aware of all the young lives that his poor behavior influences. Unfortunately, it appears that his ego is so great that an exemplary manner is not likely to ever develop. I seriously hope that he will prove me wrong. But until I see a dramatic change in him, I will continue to call 'em as I see 'em.
Thanks for your suggestion, but if I stopped watching Tiger on TV, it would deprive me of that rare pleasure of seeing his gut-wrenching losses. I will admit that I love it when he is in contention, but ultimately can't close the deal! The one positive thing about Tiger is that he has brought much-needed excitement to the game.
I have watched Jack, Arnie, Gary, Tom, Johnny, Ben and most of the other top pros for many years and I can honestly say that I have never seen any of them throw a club, spit or curse on the golf course. If they had behaved that way on national TV , it would have not have gone unnoticed and would have disappointed me immensely. The distinction is this...they all have class..Tiger does not and never will. We have come to expect this childish behavior from him and it appears that it has become acceptable to the masses. While you are certainly entitled to admire and defend him, I have chosen not to. I see him as a poor role model for today's youth. He puts wealth, winning, and success above human decency and that does not impress me. I can only hope that he soon matures a bit, and with that he will become more aware of all the young lives that his poor behavior influences. Unfortunately, it appears that his ego is so great that an exemplary manner is not likely to ever develop. I seriously hope that he will prove me wrong. But until I see a dramatic change in him, I will continue to call 'em as I see 'em.
2005-08-25 @ 22:00
Comment from: Shanks [Visitor]
Just because a few of the other golfers behave boorishly doesn't mean Tiger shouldn't work on improving his behavior. A little-known fact (reported by the great golf writer John Feinstein) is that Tiger is the most-fined player on Tour by a wide margin. Perhaps if the Tour fully accepted it's responsibility to curb this behavior, it would improve. Inconsequential fines with no publicity aren't much of a deterrent.
2005-08-29 @ 10:51
Comment from: Greg Pinelli [Visitor]
Riddick...We are not talking about the rules of the game...We're discussing common sense and respect for a Major Tournament and all that implies. Of course, Tiger doesn't HAVE to stay. In fact, even if a player is tied with another coming down the 18th fairway...nothing prevents him from leaving except a true golf ethic. The real problem with fans of any golfer is that they stop being credible observors or commentators on the game.
This has nothing to do with liking or not liking Woods...that premise misses the point from the beginning. Golf is NOT Notre Dame-Michigan...where Coaches and players stretch the rules at every opportunity and only feel regret when caught. Golf is nothing if not self regulating....it simply is better than other sports.
Tiger was wrong and disrespectful..period. Ivory can ride the racial pony around the block all day...and you can ride the "it's not an official rules violation" excuse until it drops....and neither will be closwer to the spirit of the game that when they started. It was low class and it would not have been done by any of the previous mentioned.
This has nothing to do with liking or not liking Woods...that premise misses the point from the beginning. Golf is NOT Notre Dame-Michigan...where Coaches and players stretch the rules at every opportunity and only feel regret when caught. Golf is nothing if not self regulating....it simply is better than other sports.
Tiger was wrong and disrespectful..period. Ivory can ride the racial pony around the block all day...and you can ride the "it's not an official rules violation" excuse until it drops....and neither will be closwer to the spirit of the game that when they started. It was low class and it would not have been done by any of the previous mentioned.
2005-08-29 @ 21:35
Comment from: Shiloh [Visitor]
Dear Jack,
I have only a few words for you. Google in "The Tiger Woods Foundation".
I have only a few words for you. Google in "The Tiger Woods Foundation".
2006-01-30 @ 00:41
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