Grouching Tiger...

Tiger Woods was fending off reports Tuesday that the PGA Tour fined him for expressing rare candidness – he criticized a decision to force faster play Sunday and said it contributed to Padraig Harrington’s meltdown at the Bridgestone Invitational.

While the debate continued, apparently the punishment didn’t happen.

“An erroneous report,” Tiger said with a smile.

No word on whether Tiger, in turn, fined the Tour for even contemplating it.

After Woods’ last major tournament, July’s British Open, he was ripped by the same establishment and its press corps for being too demonstrative (slamming clubs, cursing) after poor shots.

“Either behave or get off the course,” ESPN’s Rick Reilly wrote.

Easy there, Judge Smails.

Tiger enters the final major of the year Thursday, the PGA Championship at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Minnesota, and he’s embroiled in what passes for him as a cloud of controversy.

Namely, he occasionally dares to be a human. Perhaps even worse for those whose shorts are too tight in the seat, he (gasp) won’t even apologize for it.

“It is what it is,” Tiger said Tuesday, shrugging it off in a you-scratched-my-anchor-sort of way. “Unfortunately, I do make mistakes and I hit bad shots and I say bad things at times. I don’t mean to; it just comes out. It’s not something that I try and do. It just happens.”

That it “just happens” is every reason to embrace this behavior, not threaten to fine or banish him from the game. Nothing else Tiger does “just happens.”

The guy is 33. He’s been on television since he was 2. And yet the public, despite being desperate for any and all insight, knows almost nothing about him that wasn’t sculpted or scripted.

Tiger post errant shot or annoyed at a rule-book stickler are about the only glimpses into his true personality. They may not reveal his most becoming side, but this is what we have to work with – the only parts left which IMG and Nike haven’t scrubbed clean.

Some want him to be a good little Tiger and rigidly accept all rules and rulings of authority, even ridiculous ones such as Sunday. Harrington and Woods may have been playing “slow” but since they were the final group, locked in a duel for the tournament, who gave a whit?

Woods offering an honest opinion and sticking up for a guy he just defeated is endearing, not fine-worthy.

And, sure, it would be great if Woods was a perfect gentleman out there, never frazzled under pressure, never veered from the old guard’s idea of course conduct. It’d be better for the kids and all of that stuff, proof he stood for goodness, not badness – or something like that.

Good isn’t best, though. It certainly isn’t for everyone seeking a peek at the hidden Tiger.

If you need just one reason to savor his harmless outbursts, it’s this: If they could, Nike officials would send their henchmen out to steal all the tapes of him slamming clubs and officials. This is what they don’t want you to know.

Other than this, Tiger says virtually nothing of interest in his abbreviated media appearances. He steers all answers away from personal matters to professional concerns. The quickest way out of his inner circle is to talk out of turn to the media. He is fiercely apolitical. He’s never penned an autobiography, filmed an MTV Cribs-style tour of his home or done an emotive one-on-one interview.

He rarely even smiles at, let alone talks to, fans out on the course.

“When I’m playing, I just kind of like to get in my own little world and do my thing,” he said.

His friends say he has a wicked sense of humor, but he hasn’t publicly cracked more than a lame PG-rated joke in years. He certainly appears to be a good family man, but it’s not like he invites us into that dynamic. He has his own charity, but it seems he does most of that work quietly. There are whispers of various feuds with people, but they rarely become public. In a strange twist of softness, he still has stuffed animal-club covers in his bag, but no explanation why.

No one is really sure what he does with his free time – only that he never, ever gets in any trouble. These days, that ought to earn him a free pass for swearing like he hauls stuff up The Dalton.

He says he plays with his two kids a lot. He owns a big boat. On occasion, he attends Orlando Magic games, but to say he’s a real fan is a stretch. He wouldn’t pick a side when they met the Los Angeles Lakers, his childhood team, in June’s NBA Finals.

“Hopefully, it will be a great series,” he cheerily wrote on his website.

Although he lives in Windermere, in Central Florida, the Orlando Sentinel once failed to find one local restaurant he regularly frequented and few which had ever served him at all.

The more the public wants, the less it gets. No detail is too absurd. Last week, the Internet was awash in investigations over whether Woods engaged in some on-course flatulence while winning the Buick Open (the verdict: it wasn’t him).

Essentially, we know nothing. Everything is kept hidden, which isn’t just his right but a brilliant career move as well. Forbes estimated he earned $110 million last year – a mere $65 million more than second-place athlete breadwinners Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan.

For that kind of cash, it’s not why would he say anything different; it’s why would he say anything at all?

Every once in a while, though, he can’t help himself. The competitive fire that powers his outrageous success bubbles over and his inner Tiger emerges. He swears at his two iron. He hits his driver out of anger. He rolls his eyes and acts out, for an instant, in frustration. He calls a dumb ruling a dumb ruling.

It’s Tiger Woods. For one fleeting, fantastic second, it’s the real Tiger Woods.

These horrifying outbursts of humanity don’t tell me he’s a poor sport or anti-authority. It tells me he might, on some level, actually be normal.

Perhaps late at night, when he sits at his 48-person dining-room table and looks over his monthly statement, he sees that his bank hit him with some absurdly high and unnecessary “maintenance fee.” And even though he can afford it, on principle, he calls someone up and complains about it.

Perhaps when he sits down in front of his 3,000-inch HD television, he discovers that one of his kids hit an obscure series of keys that secretly disabled the Blu-Ray. After 15 minutes of failed reversal attempts – complete with some plugging and unplugging of colored cords – he swears and chucks the remote across the room.

See, he’s just like us.

It isn’t much, but it’s all we have. And it’s more than his marketing suits would like us to get.

More than his critics would allow too. You’d ask what they want from the guy but that’s pretty obvious – any shred of imperfection they can find to denounce him.

"The more the public wants, the less it gets. No detail is too absurd. Last week, the Internet was awash in investigations over whether Woods engaged in some on-course flatulence while winning the Buick Open (the verdict: it wasn’t him)."

I heard that fart on the TV. It was outrageously loud and appeared to come from the gallery. Williams and Tiger looked round like a gun had gone off and TW said something like, "Dude, you've got to get help" and then they both cracked up. You could see TW trying to get his focus back before he played the shot.

littlepingman, thanks pasting the blog...good read. As much of a good read as it was, I think the cliff notes version should read, "It's his right to act the way he does."

My thoughts FWIW. He is human just like the author states and if the Tiger haters out there don't like it, then stop supporting him. Turn the channel when he is on TV, stop wearing his clothes, don't play his clubs, and stop playing with his balls (pun intended). Sure, he is THE face of golf; however, let him play! Enjoy the amazing shots that he can create and accept the fact that he is human and a tremendous competitor and learn from him. Watch his swing and watch is body language when the pressure is on. More importantly, watch how he handles himself when he has a six shot lead and there is "no pressure" and he knows he is going to win...he doesn't let up. IMHO, there is a lot to learn from him inspite of his "faults".

+1

im not a fan of his swing... but his mental aspect of the game is off the charts.... yeah tiger may slam a club and curse a few words... but who hasnt to get the stress of a bad shot off their chest.... the dudes mental focus is just unreal when it comes down to having a shot that will make or break a tournament

Tiger is lucky that slugs like us watch him on TV driving commercial sales, root for him or the other guy, spend money on tournaments and equipment that he does or does not endorse and love the game.

WE are lucky to be alive during his reign and watch golfing history....which in and of itself means very little outside of our circle......entertainment at its finest

One of the best articles from a sports writer I have read in a while. A refreshing look at Tiger being his own person, and I think that is something we can all relate to. Thanks for the post!!

I think the issues of Tiger critiquing the rules issue, and him slamming clubs are quite different aspects of humanity, and we are entitled to react to them differently without an idiotic Pavlovian response of 'hater'.

I applaud Tiger for his comments about the rules question, and I wish he would speak out more to the media. Much of his press is rather dull.

+1 from me as well. Thats a great article and thanks for sharing.

My dad thinks he's GAY

Tell your Dad not to be such a d***. Hopefully it is not hereditary.

let's assume a fine occurs.....this would be a case of right, right, right and right.


officials were right to put the group on the clock

paddy was right for the graceful and classy way he chose to accept what happened rather than making excuses

tiger was right to have paddy's back by giving context to paddy's unfortunate triple bogey

and the tour would be right for fining tiger for publically criticizing officiating - a no no in any professional sport i can think of.

all "rights" in my opinion. all of the actors in this equation made the correct choice.

finally, of all the choices that could have been made, the biggest potential "wrong" would have been for event officials to ignore the application of the rule. golf is a game where rules get applied period, end of story - no matter how ridiculously unfair or unwarranted their application may seemingly be. there is no prosecutorial discretion regarding their application.......where those charged with enforcing the rules, from the players who self police to rules officials, get to say i really don't think i should enforce the rule here because of x, y or z.

[note: i might revise my view on the application of the "on the clock" rule if somebody can show me there is some gray area in it, but as of the moment i don't understand that to be the case].

The grey area exists in the different attitudes between the Tours to applying the rules, particularly that one. Brad Faxon said he was very surprised they were put on the clock on the 16th hole with the match poised as it was and said a US Tour official would not have done it.

Tiger's responses more than likely come from getting burned for anything you do or say to the media. Why subject yourself to getting hammered for taking a stand for or against something? Anything someone does is immediately up for scrutiny today. You don't have to rely on a newspaper anymore to get your news. Within minutes of a misstep (or attempt to embarrass) is posted on the web by some yahoo looking to make a name for himself. Who makes a decision of whether something is newsworthy? Rick Reilly looked to cause buzz without ever really getting to know why Tiger does what he does. Wetzel seemingly pays attention and determines that Tiger is somehow mortal and makes mistakes and gets lost in the moment of a bad shot during competition. Any NFL QB does the exact same thing. Canned answers because you're the face of the team. Don't say anything stupid to cause a fuss. You'll hurt the franchise if you're totally honest.

So who are we to judge. I've thrown an F-Bomb or two on the course. Heck, I've done it in front of my kid by mistake. Does that make me a bad dad? Should CPS be called? So now, Tiger takes a stand to defend a competitor and a friend. What happens? Much of the same on both sides. Rules are great until they apply to you directly.

I hate the term "hater" but I use it. Why? You have many people looking for ANY reason to slam Tiger. Everything is on show. Did he curse? Spit out pflegm? Wipe his butt? He's evil and must be destroyed for "the good of the game." Bull. He's the face of the tour whether anyone likes it or not. Even people who have ZERO idea who Brad Faxon is knows who Tiger is. This weekend was a great example. My wife knew that shot was significant and said he won before Paddy even hit his 3rd shot. I see all of this as he's golf's equivilent of the Dallas Cowboys, or the Yankees or Red Sox. They're good and talented, but you hate them and rationalize why and bash them every chance you get. Everyone does it, but it doesn't make it right.

I too liked the fact Tiger spoke out on how he felt. It made National news because it's Tiger and doesn't speak to anyone about anything controversial. Why put yourself up for scrutiny? I hope he keeps it up and continues to loosen up. Maybe being a dad is teaching him to enjoy the moments more.

The problem is that fans of Tiger say that he is constantly on TV and can't escape scrutiny. That is true, but to some extent is part of the way his brand has been managed. All of the image and marketing effort have created a product.

Mostly his press is utterly dull. Responses after he does not win are usually of the "I didn't make enough putts" variety, probably arising from media training. Gee, you think? I wish he would speak out more. I bet he has better uideas than Tim Finchem.

Tiger is clearly special and does not play golf like any other human, nor has he the lifestyle of almost any other. Yet every time he swears or throws a club, we get "But he is only human". Can't have it both ways.

Anyway I disagree that his reactions just show his intense desire to win. Others have or have had the same intense desire, although not the tools to deliver it, and did not react in the same way.

Because he doesn't have a mullet??

I like Tiger. I hate the press. I've always had a problem with people who make their living trying to tell the public about the personal lives of people who aren't in government. I understand there is a demand, but hate that anyone can make a profit from reporting about a celebrity. I thought the press was supposed to be there to keep the people informed on the real issues.

I'd be interested to know how Tiger spends his days, but don't feel like it's my right.

I'd bet that he's a pretty regular guy. I hear nothing but good things about him when any of his friends comment on him.

I want to make sure I understand what you're saying here: because Tiger is better at golf and makes more money he should be held to a higher standard? how does the phrase "he's only human" not always apply? Does money and fame take you to another level beyond human?

Is this that Scientology stuff I keep hearing about?

So Tiger is a grump because he doesn't want the world to know about his personal life.

Get real!

Seems the best way to make a name for yourself as a writer is to write a negative article about Tiger Woods.

Meanwhile, he'll keep winning...and winning...and winning.

Scientology is a complete pile of steaming horse s***.

I am simply saying that those who use the media must expect to get more scrutiny. Tiger and his management have used the media to promote the brand, and must expect the other side of attention and can't complain about media intrusion when they encourage it. Same goes for many politicians.

As for his personal life, he has used aspects of his personal life to promote and develop his brand.

Too many so-called celebs (often non-enetities) exploit the media right up to the point when something comes out that they dislike and then they scream intrusion. Tough, they unleashed that beast themselves.

You've been explained why.......

For any of you who want to see a different side of Tiger check out this youtube video called the "Tiger Trap". .

It's a Buick commercial where they are giving away a Buick if the player hits the ball inside of Tiger's shot. I'm sure some of you may have already seen it but pay attention to how relaxed he is and how he likes to joke with the players on the type of shot they hit.

Tiger has an on/off switch like no other player when it comes to playing golf and dealing with the media, instances like this commercial and other rumors that he is a jokester in the locker room just go to show the he has two sides. A public one and a private one.

I don't know. I don't think it fair to say that a guy who makes appearances for companies and has press confrences must expect guys with telephoto lenses climbing their fences trying to fire a photo of anything out of the ordinary to make a payday for themselves. There's a point to where we, as the people the media "serves", need to understand just how much of someone's private life we "need" to know about.

I don't condone it, but any celeb who doesn't know it will happen is naive.

But Tiger does a lot more than just make a few corporate outings and commercials, including the one cited above which is supposed to show the "real" Tiger, when he is working for a sponsor. That is fake realness, of course.

The media image of Tiger included the initial crafting of his image, the role of his parents, his fathers illness including the bizarre Nike commercial/tribute after he died, his charity/tax stuff, and so on. All of this grows an image, and one which casts a picture that is suitable for the product. Sponsors are chosen the same way, to make Mr Buick driver feel he can connect with Tiger.

Many celebs do it, some with greater or less control, but sometimes the image cracks and then the celeb gets all upset and calls privacy.

Well I guess what I'm trying to say is that we drive the media as a people and that the media goes too far to make a profit. I believe guys like Tiger would be more open and personable if the threat of public scrutiny wasn't always looming right in front of their faces.

very good article, gives a lot of perspective

to respond to the "use of media to promote your brand" = "unleashing the beast"... i think this has a lot of relevance in the entertainment (actors, singers, etc) and the political worlds, and of course there's a fair bit of it in the sports world but to a much lesser extent, especially in golf (this is not WWF wrestling).

and when it comes to TW, he certainly doesn't "invite" or "court" it (the media) unlike some others (chasing their 15 minutes of reality TV fame)...also, he generally makes apolitical statements (i'm not telling you who i'm going to vote for president), bland statements ("i'm just focused on my game" while probably thinking "i've got that phil, casey, els, vj, etc by the nuts") and he most importantly, he lives a "clean" life (doesn't smoke, drinks socially but doesn't get hammered or smoke a bong (phelps), doesn't engage in dog fights (vicks), doesn't throw parties with hookers (italian PM !!!), etc, etc, etc.

And hence, if all they can get him for is spitting, swearing, throwing a club during a round ...then woe are the media dogs; and i hate the "sensationalist" media with a vengence.

btw, someone should do the % calculations here - how many club throws to shots hit, how many F-bombs per minute per round, etc...and you will see just how a "small" thing gets blown out of proportion. The way people go on about it, i was thinking that every second word out of Tiger's mouth was FCUK.

milo -that's not a gray area in the rule. that's somebody making a subjective call as to whether to apply a rule that apparently, according to its text, should be applied.

i say "apparently" because - again - there may be some wiggle room in the express language of the rule that would make the whether to apply it or not arguments more valid to me.

Most of the time when we read an article about a celebrity's personal life, it's because that celebrity's agent called reporters asking them to write an article about the celebrity's personal life.

Maybe you're talking about celebrity gossip, but if it were a product no one wanted, no one would be trying to sell it.

That article really hit the point for me, I've never been able to jump on the bandwagon because he's never really given anything of himself back out to people. I just can't relate to him on any level. Supposedly he's a 'guy you can have a beer with', but I'll never know. Now I don't want to know every single detail of his personal life, but his interviews are boring, he looks strange away from the course (ie Obama speech), and he plays a type of golf that I'll never touch while rarely explaining anything about it. I actually hope he gets to 19 asap because I think once he beats the record he'll have a 'Faldo' moment and show people he's human.

Good article. He has done a superb job of keeping his private life hidden away. Something that is very good to learn when you are a major sports figure. Once you open that door once, it is all downhill from there. Tiger is a smart man.

+1

I would much rather hear nothing about his private life, or what he does outside of golf, then have to hear about him binge drinking at a Hollywood club, or snorting cocaine off of a strippers arse, checking into rehab for the 7th time, etc...(I AM IN NO WAY SAYING THAT HE HAS DONE OR DOES ANY DRUGS JUST AN EXAMPLE). Frankly, it's no ones business what he does and should he choose to let us know where he vacationed or his favorite movie of all time, then that is his decision. No athlete/celebrity should be scrutinized for not "opening up" to the public...

You mean like drugs? People want those so other people sell them. I guess there was a big demand to see that ESPN reporter naked so somebody got that for them too. I can think of a few out there that will take publicity anyway they can get it (Latoya Jackson comes to mind) but most are happy without camaras flashing at them in the grocery store.

Just because a lot of people want something doesn't make it right.

Brad's probably right, because the PGA is the most lax of any of the Professional Golf Associations when it comes
to slow play and the rules that apply to it. Both players were put on the clock, Tiger says it affected Harrington,
why didn't it affect both.

Thanks for the article. I put things in a different perspective.

I must say this is the best blog post I have ever read!

Good article. I enjoyed it and agree with it.

mjtoal, after the Scientology remark, you can probably expect their "Auditors" to arrive at your home within the next day or two.

that fart video was hilarious. right when someone ripped one (very loud!), Tiger lifted his right foot at the exact same time making it look like he ripped one. hilarious!

Attention comes. No one thinks it's a good thing, but if the brand is that big, like "TigerCo", then the flip side is the unrelenting media attention. I love that he's been speaking up lately. I love that he's completely apolitical. The $$ would be cut in half if he was out there advocating or campaigning for anyone in politics. I love that his kids and his wife are rarely seen. The $$ is so big, the potential to do great things charitably is so high that the $$ is worth the scrutiny.

Good article.

Also the slow play issue which got him speaking up lately, is important. RULES ARE RULES. Slow play is a problem endemic to the whole sport. You should apply the rule fairly... 10th hole or 70th hole, Tiger or #144 in the world...doesn't matter right? Generally yes. BUT!!

Only ONE person has said the thing that I think MATTERS MOST.

ERNIE ELS was asked by Jim Grey about it, reminded Jim that the gallery around Tiger on the last day, in the last group, is huge, moving around, and noisy. It inevitably slows you down. If it starts on the first hole...waiting for 10,000 people to settle down...is it hard to believe they were 18 minutes late standing on the 16th tee??

The Tiger factor...his galleries...slow everything down. It should be why the rules official said nothing to 2 major winners, on 16, who had no other contenders.

The attention and scrutiny are always there. Officials should think a bit. They finished a 6:03! ...and that's after the 8 Paddy had on 16.