One year after probably the worst moments of his life, Tiger is starting to speak out. Based on this article, it seems Tiger has spent the last year taking the time to be introspective, and learn from his mistakes. One can only hope his words are genuine and true. I, for one, do. As I’ve read variations of this article across the net, Tiger is wanting to vocalize the conviction he feels that he’s changed, and that his priorities have changed. Now all he has to do is live up to those words and over time…..much time…..he might gain what he’s seeking.
Many of you, and many comments from those who voice their opinions on Tiger, have a similar stance.
“What does his personal life have to do with golf? Let him do whatever he needs to do, but I’m just interested in seeing him play in the next tournament. There is no reason for excuses or apologies on his behalf and no reason for the backlash from the public.”
And, to a certain extent, I’d have to agree. We all deal with things in different ways and I, for one, couldn’t imagine what it would be like to go through such a public crisis being one of the most recognizable faces in the world. Tiger doesn’t need to ‘answer’ to anyone. But the thing is, due to his position in this society and the brands and organizations he backs up, he felt it necessary to apologize and provide answers. I think (if I may speculate what it’s like to be in Tiger’s shoes) Tiger thought to himself that he owed these people something. He realized, whether he wanted it or not, people looked up to him and placed value on his decisions.
Bottom line, that inevitably enters into his personal life as well as his professional golf life. There’s no way to separate the two completely; they will always over lap. Many athletes talk about this as they become famous or have messed up in the public eye.
“I never meant or wanted to be a role model.”
But like it or not, that’s exactly what they are and not just to kids.
I’m glad Tiger’s talking. I’m glad that he got help in the areas he needed it and that along the way, it seemed he struggled. Tiger had no choice but to be human throughout all of this…..which is very relatable to anyone. He couldn’t hide behind his fancy trophies. He had to be real. He just had to be a man who needed to own up to the fact that his life took a nasty turn and that he went down that road longer than he would have liked. Do I think he’s “healed”? Do I think he’s dealt with his problems and they’re long gone for good?
No….no, I don’t think that at all. But I do think he’s on the right track which is putting honesty first and surrounding himself with a supportive community. If Tiger is serious and he applies anything he’s learned, he will continue to learn and grow as a man.
There’s a lot of ‘every day’ men just like Tiger. They have private lives just like Tiger. They’re just not famous. Tiger is now a new type of role model….and he’ll be even more effective because he’s more real; more raw. Even if he messes up again, or gets eyed with a ‘mysterious’ woman – his story will continue to unfold in a new light and he will have opportunity to help people in so many more ways than he would have if he were just Tiger Woods.
He’s something much bigger than that now.
