On Tiger Woods...
Yesterday Tiger Woods earned his first PGA Tour victory in almost three years. And his game appears poised for another run of dominance. I couldn't help feeling satisfied by his win-- indeed, throughout the entire public scandal, I've always found myself rooting for Tiger. Why?
His personal failings are immense; he clearly lacks character and integrity in his personal life. But don't his achievements in the game reflect character? I think so. Not every principle of moral conduct is an absolute. I see deep meaning in Tiger's pursuit of excellence. A man who seeks to build value by honing his craft commits a moral act, and Tiger has achieved great beauty in his craft.
I don't buy this notion that we have to condemn Tiger in order to assert our own moral position. One can appreciate and value true excellence when it is achieved, even if it is achieved by a man who has lied, cheated, and hurt his family. One cultivates personal character by respecting what they value, not by judging others' personal failings.
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Dec '10
Re: On Tiger Woods...
Well stated Paul. I too have been pulling for Tiger to regain his mojo. I also hope he can make his way down the road less traveled in making amends to his family and fans. He is prime for redemption.
Jun '11
Re: On Tiger Woods...
Ever since I was a little girl I have watched and rooted for Tiger and that hasn't changed. His personal life is his personal life and 924 days later, Tiger showed the world that he is still the same ol' Tiger we rooted for back in the day. His smile was genuine, he had good manners and he wore his traditional red shirt. That's all I care about.
I hope Tiger dominates at the Masters!
Jul '10
Re: On Tiger Woods...
What happened to My comment?
Jun '11
Re: On Tiger Woods...
I first saw Tiger at the US Open in New Jersey. Not sure what year but he was still at Stanford. All the buzz in the gallery that day was about his drives.
He played great for a while. I thought he was special as a person and a golfer.
But now I guess he's just a decent pro golfer.
Edited on March 27, 2012 at 3:47amMay '11
Re: On Tiger Woods...
I am pretty sure I would have cheered for Ty Cobb if he had been on my team and I am not sure that Ty Cobb was a better or worse person than Tiger Woods. When I was in Australia last year, I saw a brothel in Melborne or Sydney that had a sign: Tiger was here! I think he earned his shame the good old fashioned way. I also pull for him to restablish his athletic greatness but he deserves shame.
Edited on March 27, 2012 at 4:23amJan '11
Re: On Tiger Woods...
My golf score is about the same as my bowling score. No brag - just fact. John Daly is the only golfer I root for more than Tiger woods. I am more interested in golf when Tiger is in contention.
Perhaps I prefer John Daly because he trolls the Hooters, Tiger scopes out the ladies of Dennys.
Dec '11
Re: On Tiger Woods...
I see deep meaning in Tiger's pursuit of excellence.
Yes! Perhaps some of us (Tiger fans) can finally come out of the closet...
May '10
Re: On Tiger Woods...
Police: Mrs. Woods, how many times did you hit your husband with the golf club?
Elin: Oh, just put me down for a five...
Jun '11
Re: On Tiger Woods...
Someone just told me this joke and immediately thought of Tiger. Kudos.
EJHill:Police: Mrs. Woods, how many times did you hit your husband with the golf club?
Elin:Oh, just put me down for a five... ยท 9 hours ago
Feb '11
Re: On Tiger Woods...
What has struck me about Tiger Woods is that while he may have personal failings (and who doesn't), he tries to keep them private. He tries to live his public life well and doesn't make excuses for his private (or professional) failings. Nor does he act the vulgarian or hypocrite, trying to innoculate his problems by pushing them out in front and being "proud" of them. He's long struck me as a good example of how even the great and gifted have feet of clay, and that we should admire where they shine, but not deify them.
Edited on March 27, 2012 at 5:26pmAug '10
Re: On Tiger Woods...
Paul Norman
I see deep meaning in Tiger's pursuit of excellence.
Well, I don't. But then, I'm not a golfer. And I don't begrudge those who do.
Nov '10
Re: On Tiger Woods...
First of all, story is the essential beauty in sports. I tend to follow the story more than the box scores. And Tiger's story was supposed to be different than how its turned out.
The story of Tiger was not supposed to be that even the most gifted among us are human. It was supposed to be that greatness and immortality is available to those who find ways to transcend their humanity.
And let us not forget how other worldly Tiger's initial run was. He won not just because of his prowess, but because of his will. His concentration was unparalleled. His focus unmatched. Players who were on the tour before his arrival simply could not compete, because they had never experienced a force of nature like him.
People did not beat him, he simply failed to win. He could point to the error in his game. A physical ailment or a tweak in his swing. But not his focus. Or his concentration. On the course, he was a perfect storm of talent and desire. Nothing could stop him.
Except himself.
Its a great story. But his fall was so great that he will never regain what he had. We know Tiger as a man now. And he is a weak and poor man at that. As big example of what not to be in our personal life as he was an example to follow on the course.
That was not supposed to be his legacy. And his story is far less interesting as a result.
Nov '10
Re: On Tiger Woods...
More on my thoughts above. One point I forgot to mention. His fall from glory destroyed the facade he had been maintaining. His will and concentration have both deteriorated with age, an eventuality that shows up in one's putting first among ALL golfers, as well as with the helping of humble pie he took. Worst of all for him, all those kids who grew up wanting to be Tiger Woods are now emulating his game, concentration and training. They are far from intimidated. They never were in the first place.
I am glad Tiger won this past weekend. As someone who volunteered on a PGA steering committee for a number of years, everything about the game is better when he is competitive. But his march to destiny has more to do with Majors than regular tour stops. And everyone brings their A game to them. Especially all those baby tigers out there.
May '10
Re: On Tiger Woods...
Character is the pursuit of excellence in ALL aspects of life; physical, mental, emotional, relational, and spiritual. Tiger clearly has pursued excellence in a skill that can win him admiration, adulation, and lots of money. But it remains a very small, shallow, superficial aspect of a full and complete life. And it is an abysmal substitute for real character. Tiger has a skill. Tiger is a very long way from having developed character. But God is gracious and, if he has any potential, Tiger may yet develop character .... if he recognizes its value.
Mar '12
Re: On Tiger Woods...
I too cheered Tiger on. I always felt that he should have gutted it out from the start, admitting his error, but keeping in the game. Fessing up is hard, but it is the right thing.
And now, back to golf.
May '11
Re: On Tiger Woods...
Tigers recent struggles with his golf game have been physical not moral or psychological. He's had 4 knee surgeries and a fractured leg in the last 4 years. Throw in him changing his swing to put less pressure on hig fragile knees and of course he's going to struggle a little. As far as Tigers indiscretions with the ladies. Michael Jordan, Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle and many other famous athletes weren't exactly faithful to their wives. I don't see why Tigers' indiscretions should damper his legacy.
Mar '11
Re: On Tiger Woods...
Paul, I've often had the same puzzling reflection. For some reason I find myself rooting for him every time he plays despite his moral failings. It's not just his marital infidelities that bug me but his swearing on the course, all the while knowing the camera must be catching it and his lack of camaraderie with his fellow player. Perhaps the last is because of focusing but I suspect he's simply trying to intimidate his opponent. Not unusual in sports but a bit unseemly in golf. Despite all that I rarely watch golf unless he's in contention. I guess I just want to see him do the impossible shot and break the unbreakable records.
Dec '11
Re: On Tiger Woods...
Geez, I'm not interested in his "full" life; just his golf score.
The only athletes I would censure are those who commit federal crimes (see: Michael Vick and Ron Artest).
Aug '10
Re: On Tiger Woods...
EThompson
The only athletes I would censure are those who commit federal crimes (see: Michael Vick and Ron Artest).
OK. Censure is severe or official disapproval. Would you be OK with people who express milder, more informal disapproval of athletes whose behavior sets a bad example?
If not, why not?
I don't put much stock in the whole athletes-as-role-models thing, either. But I also don't believe in exempting public figures from ordinary criticism.
A famous jerk is still a jerk. And I'd hope to have the charity to be as forgiving of ordinary peoples' foibles as of celebrities'.
Edited on March 28, 2012 at 12:13amDec '11
Re: On Tiger Woods...
Midget Faded Rattlesnake
EThompson
The only athletes I would censure are those who commit federal crimes (see: Michael Vick and Ron Artest).
Would you be OK with people who express more informal disapproval of athletes whose behavior sets a bad example?
Individuals have a right to express disapproval of anybody.
As an individual and unabashed admirer of athletes, I simply want to enjoy the stats/records, the talent and the score. For the most part (and exceptions were mentioned in my previous post), finely-honed competition brings me great satisfaction.
Edited on March 28, 2012 at 12:19am