Is the Tiger an Endangered Species?

Note: As I wrote this before Tiger Woods just made his announcement to back off from golf for awhile, I obviously agree with his decision. Here is what I wrote.

It’s hard to imagine the media feeding frenzy when he next shows up to play in an event. Can’t be something he is looking forward to.

So here’s an idea.

Even if Tiger Woods loses some endorsements, even if it turns out he has to split his fortune with Elin if she splits, even if he never plays in another tournament, there’s no question he doesn’t need to play golf to survive. Tiger is one wealthy man.

So let’s say Tiger announces he is dropping out of the golf scene, sends his caddie Steve Williams off with a nice retirement and devotes his time to getting his family life straightened out. Perhaps he agrees to doing some therapy. Or not.

Guess what sports fans. After a while the golf business will suffer. It will. Whether you like him or not, Tiger Woods is a huge draw to the PGA scene, a golfing phenomenon whose work on the course generates extraordinary excitement and cash flow to the industry.

If he takes himself out of the game, eventually promoters will come begging, offering him a ton of cash to play in this and that event. Lucrative new endorsements will follow.

Americans are historically forgiving and kind to their heroes. It’s just now things are pretty raw and photos of his beautiful wife and children are continually in our face. Everyone says he should come out and speak “honestly’ about what and why these things took place.

Why? Does he really owe the public any kind of explanation?

I say no. It’s really none of anyone’s business but Tiger’s and his family’s.

What may be more difficult for this incredible athlete is to drop out of the golf scene even for a while. Competitive golf has been his life his entire life. He loves to play.

I’m thinking however, that he will be back. If he wants it.