The PGA Tourist

Cigar Guy is amazed at Tiger's picture perfect shot

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 13:46:00 +0000

Only one man put his hands up whenTiger asked, who thinks I can get that camera man square in the face. Man in Blue was correct.

Above is the photo that everyone should be talking about because of the amazing way in which the ball is captured mid flight, maybe ten yards from tigers blade, seemingly about to strike the lens of the camera - and that's because it did. The ball then bounced off the photographer’s chest and fell to the ground. Wood’s was playing with Steve Stricker against Ross Fisher and Ian Poulter at the Ryder Cup at the time. It's being called the sports photograph of the year, and is tipped to win awards.

But it's become an internet sensation for another reason besides the quality of the photography

The cigar guy.

That dude to the right of Mr Woods wearing what has been described as a "Groucho Marx style mustache and Rastafarian looking brown-red wig". Clearly he's trying to do a Miguel Angel Jimenez tribute. He just hasn't quite got there. It's the quizzical expression, the fact he looks like he's staring in a slightly different direction to everyone else, the fact that the costume is spectacularly weak. No-one knows who this guy is but I'm guessing he'll get some telly appearances out of this. He's already getting photoshopped into the background of other famous sporting pictures all over the world. A latter day numa numa guy or lolcats.

But he should be ashamed, attempting to pull off the Jimenez look, without equipping himself with a potbelly, absolutely criminal!

The Ryder cup won by an Irishman - though maybe not by the one we all expected....

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 16:32:00 +0000

The Camerman bet Graeme he couldn't do a one inch punch, this was the last photo he took...

The Ryder Cup has long been kind to the sons of Ireland. Many's an unheralded journeyman "mick" (that's our word so I can use it) has drank deep of glory from it's golden rim. Eamon D'Arcy, Christy O'Connor Jr, Philip Walton, Paul McGinley - none of whom got a sniff of a major, all landed that crucial point to secure the biggest prize in Golf for Europe.

Three Irish lads lined up for Europe this week, one grabbed all the headlines for his Tigerish boasting, one grabbed headlines for being included in the team at all, while one took his place without much fanfare, despite being the US Open Champion.

Graeme McDowell, kind of came in under the radar for this Cup, but he outperformed both the precocious talent of Rory McIlroy and Padraig "Three time Major Champion (TM)"Harrington as Europe secured a close fought victory against a resurgent USA. A hard fought point against one of America's toughest competitors was sealed with some of the most gutsy putting you could imagine.

And might I throw in a few massive congratulations to the Mechanic, Miguel Angel Jimenez. He came into this week with a fairly woeful Ryder Cup record, just two points to his name which if we're honest had been largely won by his playing partners. There can be no doubt how crucial he was to this effort however. Putting of the highest order yesterday kept him in and then saw him win with Peter Hanson yesterday, against opposition that were playing some of the best golf out there, Overton and Bubba Watson. And to be lined up against the longest hitter on the US team, Watson again, on a wet course were length was already an issue, I didn't think he could match it. I though the long holes would offer too much to the American. but in his own inimitable style, puffing a cigar as went, Jimenez took him down. That's what it takes to win Ryder Cups - guys to step up. When Westwood couldn't get it done Europe needed someone in the middle order to keep things going and boy did Miguel do it. Heroic effort.

Tad disappointed to see Kaymer struggle these past few days, he doesn't seem comfortable in the atmosphere, doesn't seem to get fired up by it all. It'll take a few more years for him maybe, but he better get into it cause you'd imagine he'll be on more than a few teams to come.

But Luke Donald, what a playist. He's nearly forgotten as he doesn't offer the same wild eyed enthusiasm of Poulter or McDowell but God does he produce it when he's needed. It's a shame he missed out last time around, Faldo could have used him - and he'd have been a candidate to set some records beyond that 6-0 foursomes streak he's got going. I can't wait to get home now and watch the highlights and celebrations again, what a great Ryder Cup. I think the DVD for christmas will be welcome viewing.

Oh, and well done Monty. I don't know what was said in the locker room on Saturday, too rude to print here apparently anyhow. But by **** it worked!

Rory and Tiger - may be cosy on the cover but inside? - they just want to get it on. (Not like that, you know what I mean...)

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 16:22:00 +0000

Tiger didn't appreciate what Rory meant when he said pull my finger - worse still, Rory had been eating cabbage and bacon the night before. You could cut the air with a putter....

It's just round the corner now and if the early exchanges are anything to go by, there might just be a bit of spice in this weeks Ryder Cup. Much is being made of how possibly the most talented (and most marketable) golfers on either side, RoryMc and Tiger have been having an exchange, which if you believe the hype could make for one of the most explosive meetings ever seen in the Ryder Cup.

It was quite a while ago when Rory made his comments, and the way he was playing at the time, it was true, any of the boys would have fancied taking on Tiger. Just off the back of the Bridgestone Invitational, after Woods' hacked it about like a pale shadow of his former self McIlroy said: "I'd love to face him" and to be fair to him he's stuck to his guns after a few more respectable appearances from Woods.

But there is no doubting that Woods has not taken kindly to it. Rumours abound of a locker room meeting where Tiger told the young Irish upstart to "be careful what he wished for". And there are certainly precedents of Woods upping his game should anyone have the cheek to talk up their chances against him before hand.

The clearest example was in the 2006 World Match Play when Stephen Ames told the press before his first round match against Tiger that he fancied his chances, "especially where he's hitting the ball".

The next day Woods won the first nine holes, seven of them with birdies, and had the job done on the 10th, a crushing victory. Asked for a response afterward Woods made no angry comments, simply saying coolly, "9&8", a score which really said it all.

A more cynical man may say it's a marketing ploy to sell more copies of Tiger Woods 11, with it's new Ryder cup feature, allowing you to pit Rory vs Tiger in Ryder style battle. Or an even more cynical old git might point to the fact that Tiger, for the first time since the franchise started, had to share coverspace with McIlroy. He's only just arrived and he's on his bloody cover, no wonder he wants to sort him out.

Really, when it comes to it, I can't see the pair falling out. Rory's just too affable a chap and does Tiger really need to go picking a fight with a young kid in the tournament which is supposed to be step one towards his rehabilitation? But aside from the words exchanged, wouldn't it be a hell of ding dong battle to see those two fighting it out on Sunday.

Tiger Woods to play Masters - theory that he may now trim his schedule down to the four majors to make time for extracurricular activities unconfirmed

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:51:00 +0000

Tiger will return at this years Masters. Probably a shrewd move as the galleries around Augusta are lees likely to get filled with drunken haters than at any venue in the world (no ones gonna risk getting thrown out of there for a heckle).

Let's hope the ocassion doesn't get to him (it won't, the mans a machine - or so I've heard) and that he can keep on producing Golden Masters moments like this...

Lee loses out to the Mechanic - eternal conundrum settled - Pot belly really does beat barrel gut.

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:07:00 +0000

Miguel had asked for an ashtray, though it proved so cubersome he had begun to regret it...

Okay, I'm playing catch up this week. It was a thrilling finish to the Dubai Desert Classic last weekend. Miguel Angel Jimenez, a player who is probably in everyones top five favourite pro's got back to winning ways after an eventful play off with Europes big hitter Lee Westwood. It took several holes to seperate them, some superb clutch long putts from Jimenez keeping him in it, some nervy pushed makeable ones from Westwood keeping his hands off the prize. In the end it was a stroke of luck for Jimenez that helped him over the line, his ball just managing to stay on dry land, perilously close to the water. A fine chip and a putt and the Classic and it's rather demure and understated trophy, ahem, was his.

Yet another playoff loss for Westwood who's struggled in mano a mano deciders of late. Still, it's another top five finish for him as he continues to prove one of the most consistent performers in World Golf. He was playing at a very high level towards the back end of last season and he's kept that up - don't be surprised to see him take the big step he's so often threatened to this year. My tips - US Open for Lee, Open for Rory. Two of our boys in one year? Wishful thinking perhaps.

Sweet Jesus - low score shattered in Dubai - they've gone so low it's a limbo show!!! Muted response from BBC suggests they know nothing about golf...

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:29:00 +0000

Print this out, put it on your wall, make a t-shirt with it, treasure this momentous day in sporting history

In all my years I have never seen a more exciting start to a tournament than the one which the BBC have just reported on at the Dubai Desert Classic. Not only have we got a six way tie for the lead including rising supertar Rory McIlroy, in-form Saffa Charl Scwartzel and um Stephen Dodd amongst others, but they've each gone an broken one of the last great barriers on the European Tour. No one has previously bettered 60 shots in a round before - Darren Clarke one of the holders of that record having hit it twice. But just look at that leaderboard - No fewer than SIX players getting around in 15 UNDER PAR! 57 shots - the lowest round on the PGA is 59!

Which is why I'm posting that screenshot for posterity. I'm sure one or two of the guys must have thought when they got to 15 under par they'd be streets ahead, but nay, such is the competitiveness on tour that there's six of them duelling it out. The standard is incredible.

Unfortunately they have yet to get round to updating their full leaderboard which is still showing them at only four under - repeating the mistake in the main article also - a frankly shocking oversight which has undermines completely the stunning acheivement of these brave lads and is a sad indictment on the level of attention the BBC is paying to it's golf coverage these days. Makes me sick to my craw, it really does.

Paul Casey currently lies joint seventh on three under, in such record breaking conditions, a pitiful score, completely put to shame by McIlroy et al. How will he get to sleep tonight.

Hey Phil, quit swinging your Ping Eye 2 around, it might be legal but it ain't right in front of children.

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:20:00 +0000

At a time when Tiger Woods has completely ruined his reputation and Golf is seeking another star to step into the breach as its new leading light, you would think that the big boys would want to do everything possible to make sure there is not a negative word said about them in the press. Which makes the decision of Phil Mickelson to jump so willingly through the bizarre loophole in the new law regarding U-groove clubs so amazing to me.

The ban on U-grooves was meant to have an impact on players scores by punishing wayward tee and approach shots which find the rough. The sharp edges provided by U-grooved clubs cut through grass caught between clubface and ball at impact, allowing players to have much greater control over shots from the rough and even impart spin on the ball too. To put the penalty back into finding the long grass, the decision was made to not allow pros to use these clubs anymore and revert back to V grooves, whose edges have shallower angles and thus do not cut through to the ball as effectively. This reduces the control the player has on the shot and leads to unpredictable flyers over the green and other such hilaritys. But as it was to be the same for all, it was going to bring an emphasis back on accurate iron play.

But a side effect of a 20 year old court ruling has kind of scuppered this brave new dawn. The Ping eye 2 wedge, which has square grooves, is not affected in this new era of V-shaped grooves because of a lawsuit Ping filed against the USGA that was settled 20 years ago, in which the USGA showing an amazing lack of foresight allowed the Ping eye 2 golf club to be sanctioned "approved for play" forever. Having started the ball rolling on the V-groove issue, someone must have realised that this was going to come and bite them on the bum.

And now it has and has sparked a debate among the golfing elite which is becoming quite venomous. And the main target of the venom is Big Phil.

One of the most effective weapons in Mickelson's armoury down the years has been his incredible deployment of the flop shot. High, towering shots, hit with almost a full swing from just off the green which may travel only ten yards forward and land almost dead on the spot. It's of no surprise then that it's the Ping Eye 2 60 degree lob wedge which Phil has begun packing. It's a crucial part of his game and clearly he wants to retain that advantage. But at what cost to his reputation?

He has stoutly defended his decision but I can't agree with his reasoning.

"The only thing that matters is are they approved for play. So I don't feel that there's any problem if I were to play those clubs or if anybody else were. All that matters is that it is OK under the rules of golf."

The thing is, if it wasn't for some daft legal case twenty years ago, presumably undertaken just for a marketing advantage, the clubs would not be legal. That they are allowed for play is down to a legal technicality, not because they have some sort of midway design that is borderline and they just scraped through. The design is illegal under the new laws of the game. If Callaway made a completely identical club to it it would be illegal. If you put any other U-groove club from 1990 in the bag it would be illegal. If you put any other club with a U groove design by Ping from any year, in any condition, it would be deemed illegal. Which means that really, the gentlemanly thing to do would be to agree not to use it.

Do I think that he's gaining an almighty advantage by using it, not really. But if he's not, then why use it. Why put yourself in that position.

Cause you're gonna get your Robert Allenbys who will be less than impressed -
"I just believe that even if they are legal, you still shouldn't be using them. Just because someone has a couple sitting in their garage somewhere or they've got them off eBay or whatever, I just don't think that's the integrity of the game. I think 'cheating' is not the right word to use, but it's definitely an advantage."

And then you'll get your Scott McCarrons who will be a tad more outspoken.

"It's cheating, and I'm appalled Phil has put it in play...all those guys should be ashamed of themselves for doing that. As one of our premier players, (Mickelson) should be one of the guys who steps up and says this is wrong."

Now Phil's response is, surprise surprise, to get all legal on it and accuse McCarron of slander, when all Scott wanted was for Phil to lead the way in saying "Hey guys, this club, it might be legal but lets not use it, right, lets be all that we can be". I think that's a little sad. Because at the end of the day, if Scott McCarron turns up with a 60 degree Taylor Made Lob Wedge from 1990 next week, he'd be breaking the laws of the game, while Phil flops away merrily. Just cause you can get away with it, doesn't mean you should do it. It ain't right Phil, think of the kids.

Rob can see clearly now the fluids gone - It's a bright sun shiny day in Qatar for Karlsson

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 10:17:00 +0000

Robert was very pleases to find that the trophy had been based on the Little Mermaid, a movie he watches "twelve times a year - at least - I love that crab and Ariel's smokin' hot"

It's always surprising to me to find out just how old Robert Karlsson is - he's forty - he doesn't look it. I know Golf has it's fair share of oldie's but still goodies, but they mostly look old. No one would look at Kenny Perry and think hes early thirties now would they. But apart from defeating Old father cronos and defying the aging process, Rob's had a few other issues to contend with this past year. Off the back of becoming the first Swede to claim the Order of Merit in 2008 he was expecting big things in 2009. But a problem with blurred vision caused by fluid behind the retina of his left eye kept him out of the game for four months. Only toward the end of the season did he show signs of the form which had made him European No.1.

But he was back to winning ways at the weekend. His flawless round of 65 saw him safely home, three shots clear on 15 under at the Qatar Masters in Doha. The big man easily fended off the chase from Alvaro Quiros, who finished with a 67. Lee Westwood would likely have been the biggest challenge for Karlsson but a cracked driver head during the third round deprived him of probably his biggest asset forcing him to change the club for the final round.

"It's hard to imagine anything else going wrong this week so 11 under is an unbelievable score," said Westwood. "Long, straight driving is one of my strengths and if you take someone's strengths away from them it is going to very difficult to compete." Still, Lee has now notched up 12 top 10 finishes in his last fifteen outings. Incredible consistency.

This is Karlssons first win since the Order of Merit clinching Dunhill Links he won in 2008 and he was understandably elated to get back in the winners circle after his lay-off.

"It was a tough time coming back. I had a couple of good finishes at the end of last year with Henrik (Stenson) at the World Cup and with a second in Japan, but it is fantastic to be back now.
I am really happy to be back playing well, it is the first time I have played really well for a long time and the way I finished off today was very satisfying."

Kaymer gets the title, Poulter gets the headlines, they're both probably quite happy with that arrangement.

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:14:00 +0000

It was a tight finish to the Abu Dhabi Championship at the weekend with about as stellar a final group as one could wish for. Early leader Ian Poulter, future world No 1 (TM), Rory Mc and the rising power of Germany Martin Kaymer making one of the best final three balls the European tour has had in a long time. It turned into a bit of a two man show as Poulter and Kaymer kept one foot in front of Rory. Kaymer had started the day one shot clear of the English man and it stayed pretty much that way for most of the day, Poulter never quite able to make the most of his opportunities to push Kaymer further.

The field was as good as you get on the European Tour, and it marks a step up in the calibre of tournament that Kaymer has won so far. Only 25, this Kaymers fifth win on tour yet he rarely gets a mention amongst Europeans leading lights - this weeks rankings should change that. Though not completely. For despite the fact that the lanky German has now catapulted himself to number 6 in the world, the headlines on Monday hailed the fact that Ian Poulter had edged his way into the top ten for the first time in his career - just scraping past McIlory into 10th. A tad unfair on Kaymer.

One thing that has come of Poulters great leap forward (or toe dip to be more accurate) is that for the first time in literally oodles of years, make that the first time ever since the rankings were formally introduced, there are three Englishman in the top ten in the world. Ten years ago, Lee Westwood was the only one in the top 100. Europeans now outnumber Americans in the upper echelons too. Maybe, just maybe this is the year that the strength in European Golf translates into Major wins. Rory Mc at St Andrews, that's my tip - even if that randy man is back for it...

A word for another young Irishman, Shane Lowry, a cracking final round from him has gotten him into the top 100 and a fair few quid in his pocket too, two things he didn't get from his Irish Open win last year. Why enter as an amateur, it only hurts if you win...

Poulter and Bland - not two words you hear together very often - top the strong field at Abu Dhabi

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:18:00 +0000

Ian subtly takes the opportunity to sniff his pits - they were as fresh as any in Abu Dhabi but that wasn't saying much...

An awful lot has been made of the fact that an awful lot of the top golfers in the world have decided to rock up at this weeks Abu Dhabi Golf Tournament. 8 of the top 14 have elected to tee up there this week, making it one of the strongest fields you're likely to find on the European tour outside of the Majors and World Golf Championships. An indication of a shift in the pulling power of the PGA tour? An indication of the impact of Tigers absence? Not really, more of a display of just how many of the top Golfers in the world now hail from outside the US, with the top Europeans turning out in force for this event, as well as top Aussie Geoff Ogilvy. The comparison with the PGA Tours Bob Hope Classic is what makes for the headlines - topping the ranks there is Mike Weir at a lowly 39. Ouch. But considering Tiger and Phil are on hiatus for differing reasons it's not quite the horror story that some might be painting it - the European Tour will not be holding on to the big boys throughout the season, not when the pickings across the pond become so much richer.

Then it'll become all the more stark the difference in the respective fields once Rory Mc makes his planned shift to the US tour comes into play. The roles will be very much reversed...

But hey, there's a first round to be talked about and it's been a PGA Tour regular who's made the early running. Ian Poulter and his funky trousers got off to a flier as he got around in an unblemished 65 blows - the final one being a monstrous 70 foot putt for birdie on the last. Richard Horne picked up where he left off in last weeks Joburg Open, an eagle on the second helping him to a share of the lead along with Poulter and the unfortunately named Richard Bland...

One behind and lurking ominously is the illustrious duo Rory McIlroy and Sergio Garcia. The Spaniard hasn't hit a ball in competition since November so he has hit the ground running with his 66.

Not a bad start but not a fantastic one either for Chubby Chandlers chubbier charges - Lee Westwood is on 3 under and Darren Clarke is 2 under after a pretty up and down first trip round the Abu Dhabi Golf club.

Rather more off the pace are two of the higher ranked players, Ogilvy and Casey. Geoff never got started as he plodded his way to an even par 72. Casey did at least pick things up after a 7 on the par five 8th hole to get back to level par.

One of my favourite pieces of commentary from the recent tournament for all last years winners on the PGA Tour came when looking at a list of the recent US Open winners and remarking how well the course was suiting the likes of Cabrera and Glover - they got to Michael Campbell before exclaiming "Where the hell is he now?" - the answer? 459 in the world and rock bottom of the leader board in Abu Dhabi on 83 for the day...

Two down, the question now is - Can Schwartzel do what Tiger couldn't and go undefeated for the season?

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 15:47:00 +0000

So, the second tournament on the European Tour this season concludes much as the first did. With the redoubtable Charles Schwartzel lifting the trophy. The Tour makes a pretty favourable start for the season for Schwartzel, a lot of European players have found their home tournaments taken off the schedule - even Englishmen will only have the one chance to play on home soil this season (though it's only a wee run up the road to Scotland for them I guess) whereas young Charlie has had the cheering crowds for both the South African and now the Joburg Open. It'd be unfair to make out he wasn't a richly deserving winner of both however. This title is his fifth on Tour now and he looks to be the latest star ready to emerge from the homeland of Player, Els, Goosen and er, what's his face - looks like he wears mascara... Trevor Immelman (he's a major winner too remember!).

Lass Season he put in some strong performances in these early stages too, always featuring in the weaker fields, but tended to get lost in the shadow of the leading lights when they showed up to play. He stands the chance to become the first player since Seve in '86 to win three on the trot - though the field at Abu Dhabi next time out will be a little stronger. Westwood, Casey, Ogilvy, Stenson, McIlroy, Poulter, Garcia and Kaymer will all be rocking up to spoils Schwartzels party so he will have his work cut out.

This fortnight's play however should be enough to get him where he needs to be to make his Masters debut. Much quoted this week was how low the scorign has been these past two weeks, Schwartzel is 52 under par for his last 11 rounds. Remarkable scoring. Some of the putting I saw him produce over the weekend was nothing short of brilliant. Could this be his year to make his mark in the golfing world? Early days to call that yet...

The fields he has vanquished this last fortnight have been shorn of the big guns, mainly journeymen and some young South African comptriots, with the notable exception of Darren Clarke. The big man had announced his intention to get an early win under his belt and put up a decent fist in his attempt this week. Four behind Schwartzel at the start of the day, Clarkes early part of the round failed to make up the ground required. In the end it was a cracking eagle on the last which allowed him to record a 68 and claim joint second along side the low shooter of the day, homeboy Keith Horne, after his 64.

It is the sort of performance Clarke needed though. He needs to get some strong results in early if he hopes to get himself back into the Majors. Ranked 110th coming into the Joburg Open but still blessed with the talent to be much higher he'll need a few more like this to get where he wants to be. Its a positve start to the year though, hopefully he can keep the momentum going.

And worth a mention, young Englishman Danny Willett finished in a creditable tie for fourth with another South African James Kamte. Fantastic to see a young black player from South Africa doing well - lets hope it inspires more.

Tiger voted Athlete of the Noughties - He has been a very active boy...

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:57:00 +0000

Rumours that Don Cheadle is putting himself forward for the role in a Tiger Woods biopic have gathered pace with the uncovering of this photo. Uncanny isn't it - Need a clue? Don is the one in the Puma shirt...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/golf/8417501.stm

So there it is, Tiger Woods, was voted Athlete of the decade by US sports editors in an Associated Press poll, getting 56 of the 142 votes to beat out cancer defeater and seven time Tour winner Lance Armstrong and clean cut 15 time grand slam winner Roger Federer.

It's unclear at this point as to whether his extracurricular activities played a role in the win but lets face it who else has dominated their sport to such a degree whilst partaking in what must have been a strenuous nightly regime of personal excercise.

Richly deserved.

It'll likely be of cold comfort to Woods, as it looks as though his sabbatical to save his marriage will not be a successful one, the divorce lawyers have already been called into play. I just hope that he can get things back on track now, before the story turns from a scandal into a tragedy.

In other news - TW:the movie starring Don Cheadle, surely it's on his way.

Tiger Woods, Sex Panther. A big cat marriage made in hot love heaven....

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:09:00 +0000

So there hasn't been an advert screened featuring Tiger Woods since two days after "the crash". That's loyalty for you, I mean talk about fairweather sponsors!

I guess at least in the interim Tiger is going to struggle to attract new sponsors, until he gets back on the course and starts ripping it up again. Watch them come back in their droves then as the redemptive powers of another Green Jacket cover over his trangressions or another Claret Jug washes away his personal sins in the eyes of Joe Public. They'll be clamouring over him again like flies round shite...

But for the meantime Tiger may want to take advantage of his hitherto unknown prowess with the ladies. How about stepping into the brogues of Anchorman hero Brian Fantana and working as spokes model for Sex Panther.

I can see it now - "Sex Panther - it brings out the Tiger in you..."

I'm sure there's all sorts of clever approaches you could take on the whole Tiger/Panther angle. Let's hope that the rumours that money was exchanged for transgressions turns out to be unfounded - Brian Fantana sure as hell never had to pay for it. That goes against everything Sex panther stands for. That's why you use Sex Panther - so you don't have to! Let's hope another potential sponsor doesn't go adrift, he'll have to fill the Tiger kitty somehow.

Sex Panther is available for purchase at more than just your local illegal chinese product emporiums - it's gone mainstream - an event which may explain a recent spike in birthrates

World Challenge win for Furyk and a handy lift for wee Graeme.

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:38:00 +0000

He might not have won the tournament but the Graeme McDowell certainly acheived what he set out to do at the start of the week. Hovering on the wrong side of the top 50 in the world rankings, McDowell was dangerously close to missing out on next years Masters but after claiming a runners up spot, our wee Graeme should now be guaranteed to be teeing it up at Augusta come April. That must have been his main concern when he was handed this opportunity when it was clear Tiger was unable to attend due to his, ahem, injuries, so bully for him.

He was of course in with an excellent chance of winning yesterday, coming into the final round sharing the lead with YE Yang after a sensational 66 on saturday. He was overhauled in the end though by Jim Furyk, who finished strong to record his second 67 in a row for a total of 13 under. Despite making birdie on the last McDowell still finished one off Furyk. Westwood and Harrington finished joint third, making it a pretty good week for the European big dogs.

Big Jim will be a popular winner. Amazingly it's his first win for over two years. I guess it seems surprising as he has remained a consistent presence on leaderboards throughout that time, finishing runner up as recently as the BMW Championship. It raises him up the rankings to sixth in the world.

His winless streak is something that has bothered him...

"It's bothered me. I'd be lying if I said otherwise. That's your goal every year
to go out and win, and I haven't been able to do it. Hopefully, this will be a
stepping stone."

Fingers crossed it is, we need guys who do it their way up there at the front, and no one swings a club quite like Jim Furyk, with good reason....

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tiger did not make any appearance, he's still in head down mode as the revelations continue, but did post a message on his website.

"As the final round of the Chevron World Challenge begins, I would like to
extend my heartfelt thank you to everyone affiliated with the event, especially
our amazing title sponsor, Chevron. They've been title sponsor for the last two
years and have a vision and passion for creating real opportunities for my
Foundation. I thank them for their ongoing commitment.
I'd also like to thank all of our supporting sponsors and my tireless, dedicated staff, board and volunteers who collectively produce this first-class golf tournament. I am so grateful to them for their efforts, and I am sincerely sorry I was unable to
fulfill my duties as host and player in this important event.
There are also 18 outstanding pros in the field, and I thank them for providing us all with some excellent competition this week.
Lastly, I'd like to thank our fans for continuing to support us. Like them, I am extremely dedicated to this tournament, to my Foundation and the millions of young lives we serve. Thank you all for your support."

I'm sure that the sponsors will find this apology more than makes up for the masses of lost revenue this week. We'll see him next year I guess, if not on Oprah first....

Tigergate - how they could have handled it...

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:12:00 +0000

I've been thinking - careful I hear you cry, thats dangerous - but I have been thinking - How, if it were ever possible could Tiger have effectively deflected the attention his very public car crash received. The holes in his story were so wide even he could have driven an Escalade through them. So what could he have done. He should have gone straight for leftfield, came up with an angle we'd have bought if not because it was beleivable then because it was so batshit crazy that it had to be true. To apply more spin than Tiger gets off a 60 degree lob wedge. Here's just a few ideas that just may have saved Tigers bacon...

Option 1 - Blame Steve Williams
Release a statement saying that Tiger was on the wrong end of probably the worst yardage reading Steve Williams had ever given but the Kiwi didn't stick around to take the blame. Having turned up trollied at Tigers thanksgiving do, Williams slurredly told Woods he had Seventy yards Tiger And after failing to spot the danger of the water hazard to the rear too.

Option 2 - Blame Steve Williams Jealous nature
Upon hearing rumours through the grapevine that Tiger had been seen around town with a new caddy, a jealous Steve Williams set out to destroy his potential rival. After long faithful years giving 100% to get his 10% Williams was not going to go quietly into the night. Hiring a team of specialist hitmen via a secure phomeline, he gave the oblique instructions to "Nobble Tigers new caddy". Taking the opportunity whilst secure in the knowledge Woods would be at his Thanksgiving dinner, the hired guns sneaked in and sabotaged his Escalade, mucking up the steering as well as rigging the windows to smash on impact just to piss Woods off. Upon hearing of the crash Williams and realising how terribly wrong he had been, Williams then took advantage of the false rumours about Rachel Uchitel and hired a series of ladies to make false rumours. A benovelent and over protective Woods, realising that Williams would face charges should the truth emerge decided to take the hit to ensure he has his main man on his bag come Augusta.

Option 3 -Blame EA Sports change of direction

The events of the past four days have in fact been an elaborate attempt to expand the incredibly successful Tiger Woods gaming franchise into the Grand theft auto Market. Play as Tiger Woods as he rides in his Escalade - he can't negotiate the driveway from hell, can you? Plans to offer gameplay as a golf club wielding Elin have been shelved due to the negative public reaction - hence Tigers denials of any physical violence taking place. Expect Tiger Woods 11 - "Playa" to be in stores next July.

I'm available for PR advice on a pro rata basis...

He's not the messiah - He's a very naughty boy!

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:25:00 +0000

And then a booming voice said "Let there be no false idols before me - as a precaution I've set up a website called TMZ to catch out the naughty false messiahs in particularly embarrassing and public circumstances...

I think we all feel a bit let down by Tiger, but some have invested more time and devotion to him than others and are feeling the pinch a bit more as a result. One such person is the pastor of Tiger's church.

The First Church of Tiger Woods - celebrating the emergence of the "true" messiah - has been running since 2000. Nine years. Nine years of celebrating one of the most amazing golfing talents the world has ever seen. It's a really funny website and is worth a retrospective look - it drives home just how highly we all thought of Tiger.

But in light of the recent revelations the founder and chief celebrant of the church John Ziegler has turned his back on Woods, his fallen idol. It's a pretty good barometer of the feelings of some of his most ardent fans. The ones who invested so much in following his career are no feeling the most disenchantment at his fall from grace.

The church is to be disbanded - the name of the website changed to "The Damnation of Tiger Woods" and the man who used to preach his Gospel has resolved not to write of Woods again except to cover the breaking tales of his "transgressions" as and when they come out. It's a full blown conversion from the evangelist to chronicler of his demise.

“After several days of evaluation, I have decided to disband the First Church of Tiger Woods (as indicated by the graphics at the top of this website) and I will not renew the TigerWoodsIsGod domain name when it expires in a couple of months. Any future commentary on this site (which may not happen at all) will be regarding Tiger’s failings in relation to his affair/accident debacle which continues to unfold almost by the hour."

“Because the First Church of Tiger Woods has been in existence since late 1996 and this website has been around since early 2000, you might think that such a decision might be difficult. In this case, it was not. Unfortunately, Tiger Woods has made it all too easy to realize that he is no longer worthy of any special admiration. “The events of the past few days have revealed Tiger to be a serial adulterer, a blatant liar and a selfish coward. While I am sure I will always respect his ability as a golfer, that was only a very small part of why this much-misunderstood website was created and why it became such a big part of my life. "

“As I have documented in my columns below, Tiger is clearly no longer deserving of being seen as a role model or a hero and he has needlessly squandered his unique potential to be a positive force in our country and the world. While I am relatively sure that Tiger will make a comeback from this sad episode and that there will be great moments for him in the future, I personally am done with Tiger Woods and I doubt that I will even care very much about whatever else he might achieve on the golf course (for someone who once vowed to make sure he lived until he saw Tiger get to 19 major championships, I have a hard time believing I can write those words with such ease).”

In doing so Ziegler seems to have broken in spectacular fashion the tenth of his commandments, a commandment which seems to have an almost freakish prescience to this weeks goings on.

X. Thou shall pay no attention to Tiger’s apparent flaws. (we at the First Church are sure that there are good reasons for Tiger’s over-commercialization, temper, choice of girlfriend, lack of college degree, conflict of interest with CBS sportsline, and acceptance of appearance fees through his deal with Buick. One can not question the will of God.)

There's been a lot of people who seem to still be resolutely keeping this commandment but I'm beginning to sense that the attitude of the many shall begin to follow that of his once greatest prophet in turning their back on Woods.

It think it's telling that the actual breaking point seems to have come from Woods no show at the Chevron World Challenge -

"Now, there is no doubt about it. Tiger Woods is a lying coward. Even after all the missteps of the past couple of days, if Tiger had shown up, done his press conference, finally told the whole truth, played his guts out and donated his winnings to to his foundation, it would have been possible to forgive him and perhaps eventually restore him to his place atop the lofty pedestal that he alone had seemingly been to born to occupy. We learned today that is not going to happen. "

I think he has a point. I think Tiger could have done himself a lot of favours by doing something like this rather than concentration on the poor attempts he's made at damage limitation. Amen brother John, Amen. Hopefully though when Tiger does get off the naughty step and back onto the course he can still appreciate him for the amazing Golfer he is.

In an alternate Universe, Woods might have got away with it...

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:50:00 +0000

The Tiger Woods Crash saga has not been a complete disaster for all involved. Just nearly all involved. Apart from those making money off the back off selling their stories there has been one entirely blameless beneficiary.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2009/dec/04/tiger-woods-get-a-grip-on-physics-john-gribbin

Yes, curious disciples of Tiger, maybe thinking that there is some small nugget of physics knowledge contained in the paperback which is the key to his success have rushed to get their hands on it. The author, John Gribbin, said he was "delighted that anyboy's reading my books. I just wish it was one that's still in print."

Here'es the blurb on what Gribbins back catalogue is about...

Best known for In Search of Schrödinger's Cat, an exploration of the mysteries of quantum physics still selling well 25 years after it was first published, Gribbin has amassed a back catalogue which ranges widely over modern science. His latest book is In Search of the Multiverse, which charts ideas about alternative realities from Hugh Everett's many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics to recent developments in M-theory pointing to a landscape of alternative universes in string theory.

Then at the bottom of the article possibly the best put down to come out of this yet -

"Perhaps Woods will see if he can find a universe in which none of this ever happened," suggested Gribbin.

Ouch...

Ian Poulter Rises to the World Challenge... but rounds out with a damp fart finish

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:41:00 +0000

Ian realised on looking at the ball that it wasn't his, but he'd just recorded a birdie so he kept walking...

In and amongst all the hullabaloo, some proper Golf Tournaments are actually taking place this week. That includes the Chevron World Challenge. Of course the concentration of covereage is on who is not there this week, the golfing world still reeling from the news that Vijay Singh is one of two high profile withdrawls. But with or without the massive interest generated by Vijay's presence as defending champ, there's still enough big names left to make this a cracker of a shoot out.

18 players are invited there this week and leading the way early doors are Zach Johnson and Ian Poulter, sharing the lead on four under The charasmatic Englishman should really have been out in front and was making the running but as he tweeted himself, it was the par 5's which stopped him really running away with it and a poor double bogey to finish too.

"hello folks, not quite the finish i was looking for. played the 5s so poorly 2 3 putt pars and a bogey, should have shot a really low round"

As it is he's got quite a few just on his tail, Johnson obviously, Harrington one back and then Furyk, Cink and Y.E. Yang too. Newly crowned European number One Lee Westwood is one under alongside TW replacement Graeme McDowell.

I'd like to see Poulter do well this week, Golf could do with a touch of the feelgood factor he brings right now. I do worry that he may suffer from no making hay when the sun shines though...

Tigers comments on current events - is that what they're calling it these days...

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:38:00 +0000

First of all, I love the the little "By Tiger Woods" at the top of the page. It kind of lends it the feel of a letter of apology written by a naughty schoolboy, saying sorry for breaking the window of the old lady next door. Cap in hand, looking up doe eyed as he hands it over, he knows he made a boo boo. It's what we've all been waiting for - no not a blow by blow account of what went on, an apology to those deserving of it, his family. About time.

Here's the statement in full.

Tiger comments on current events

By Tiger Woods

I have let my family down and I regret those transgressions with all of my heart. I have not been true to my values and the behavior my family deserves. I am not without faults and I am far short of perfect. I am dealing with my behavior and personal failings behind closed doors with my family. Those feelings should be shared by us alone.

Although I am a well-known person and have made my career as a professional athlete, I have been dismayed to realize the full extent of what tabloid scrutiny really means. For the last week, my family and I have been hounded to expose intimate details of our personal lives. The stories in particular that physical violence played any role in the car accident were utterly false and malicious. Elin has always done more to support our family and shown more grace than anyone could possibly expect.

But no matter how intense curiosity about public figures can be, there is an important and deep principle at stake which is the right to some simple, human measure of privacy. I realize there are some who don't share my view on that. But for me, the virtue of privacy is one that must be protected in matters that are intimate and within one's own family. Personal sins should not require press releases and problems within a family shouldn't have to mean public confessions.

Whatever regrets I have about letting my family down have been shared with and felt by us alone. I have given this a lot of reflection and thought and I believe that there is a point at which I must stick to that principle even though it's difficult.

I will strive to be a better person and the husband and father that my family deserves. For all of those who have supported me over the years, I offer my profound apology.

The main thing to be said is that whilst still pretty defensive, and not entirely forthcoming, at least he's made a public apology and acknowledgement that he has made "transgressions", which I think is about as sordid and detailed an insight into what Tiger did from his own mouth as you're ever gonna get. To me that's enough. He's put his hands up, said he's done something wrong and that he wants to work that out with his family.

Again I don't think it's going to be enough to stop the salacious rumours from flying around but what sort of statement ever would - at least he's taking a humbler stance, rather than making out it's entirely the medias fault. What struck me about his first statement was that while attempting to take the heat off Elin, there was no hint of an apology, just an unrepentant lash-out at the media for trying to piece together a particularly odd event in a superstars life from scraps of blurry information at a time of intense speculation about his personal life.

This statement changes the tone, something which definitely needed to happen as commentators became increasingly unsympathetic to a silent Woods. They might not appreciate his complaints but I think with his acknowledgement of blame and appeal to be let deal with this with his family may things may now cool off a little. Some will still hanker for the sackcloth and ashes humiliation in the street but this should sway public opinion into letting it die.

I'm just surprised it didn't come sooner - what has he said that could not have been said two days ago? Other than perhaps "I have been dismayed to realize the full extent of what tabloid scrutiny really means"... But I think when someone offers an apology, you're obliged to take it at face value and at the end of the day it's his wife and kids he has to make this up to, not the tabloids and not us.

Tiger, you have let the side down a bit, but I think in the coming days as far as the fans are concerned, you'll find your apology accepted.

So tell me Tiger, how does one amuse thyself in those long lonely hours on the road?

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:24:00 +0000

I do love the delicious irony, right below a statement, just released where Tiger apologises for his "transgressions", is a link to a chumly Q and A where Tiger answers questions on how he copes with life on the road, away from his family...

Rupert from Houston asks - Do you enjoy playing so far away from home? I can imagine that, now that you have children, it's got to be hard to be so far away from them.

TW - "You're exactly right, Rupert. Now, it's very difficult to leave Elin and the children, and I'm sure it's only going to get tougher. Once Sam and Charlie start school, it won't be easy to take them out of class for a week-long trip. A veteran pro once told them it's tough to leave them as babies, but once they ask you not to go, it breaks your heart. That's something I'll always remember. "

I like the typo there, It's like the veteran pro was talking to his kids. Maybe he was reassuring them that Daddy will find it harder to go in later years... You'd think a PR eagle eye would have moved that by now. But then they haven't been doing a great job handling this now have they.

Just read Tigers statement - a public apology to his family - the least he could do really - quite a bit more gracious than the previous statement too. Not a full blown confessional but I think that might be enough. For some at least...

Video of Tigers crash - seemingly from the makers of Captain Scarlet...

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:04:00 +0000

Just saw this on the Guardian Sport Blog, by way of GeoffShackleford. It's possibly the greatest reanactment of anything ever. The sooner that Crimewatch adopts this technology the better, ratings would soar. Much less crimes would probably be solved buy isn't that a price worth paying?

As my ma would say, "Tell the truth and shame the devil"

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:48:00 +0000

Tiger is now getting some sage advice from an unlikely source on how he should handle the media storm that currently swirls around him. No less a man than the wild thing himself John Daly.

"The thing that Tiger needs to look at is, whatever happened, just tell the truth."

Amen John, you can never underestimate the forgiving nature of the public at large. As John McCain might have put it, Joe the plumber want's to know what's what. He doesn't care what you've done, just come out say you know what, this happened, if needs be say you're sorry and let's move the hell on with things. It's an attitude which has certainly served Daly well. There are few of Daly's indiscretions which are not in the public domain and does one man jack hold any of them against him? No, they love him all the more for it. Joe the plumber loves a straight talker. It worked for Letterman after all, they'll seemingly forgive anything Britney gets up to and love her for it and would Amy be so big without the Rehab?

Daly went on to advise Woods to coem to the tournament this week, and I think that's also a good idea, better to face the music sooner rather than later than risk attempting a Howard Hughes existence til next years schedule kicks off.

"Hopefully he'll go out there with his wife and his kids and support the sponsor of his tournament. The most important thing right now is for them to be together.

"He'll get over this. The family will get over it. They'll move on. Golf needs him. I hate for something like that to happen to anybody. I just want him and his wife and kids to be happy and for him to keep pursuing the goals that he had. Tiger's the biggest asset the tour's had in a long, long time. Whatever happened, as long as he's okay that's all that matters. Golf needs him badly... no doubt."

Truth John, the longer you leave it the harder it gets...

Any worries the sponsors may have had about Woods not being there have will no doubt have been assuaged by the knowledge that my countryman Graeme McDowell has stepped into the breech to fill the gap left by Woods. Our Graeme is a marketeers dream, news interest always spikes when Northern Ireland's third most famous Golfer is in the field... It's a fantastic opportunity for him to bag enough ranking points to get into the worlds top 50 again and take a spot in the Masters. I bet there are a few guys sitting around the 50 mark wondering how the hell his agent swung that for him!

The happy news for the sponsors though is that with Woods absence being reported worldwide, I doubt that so many people have ever been aware that the Chevron World Challenge would be taking place this weekend. That's why Golf needs Woods, he's pure Box office.

Tis' the season for non golf related golf stories...

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:49:00 +0000

And as if it's not bad enough that Tiger's embroiled in a media scandal, reports are now being made that Padraig Harrington has lost millions on an investment in a technology company gone badly awry. Padraig has long had connections with Irish financier Dermot Desmond - a man richly involved in the world of sport through his horse-racing ventures, has been a shareholder in Man United and owns roughly a third of Celtic Football Club (three of Irelands greatest sporting passions covered there!) and it's with Desmond that this investment was reportedly made.

They are said to have made a total investment of stg£21.8 million into U4EA Technologies in Britain over several years. However, U4EA went into administration in July.

What proportion of this investment was Harringtons is unclear but it seems he would have taken a significant hit. It's likely that Desmond would be the larger investor - he is currently 4th on the Irish Rich List and could probably stand to lose a bit more than Padraig.

Harrington has been dogged with speculation recently that he has lost money both when the Bernie Madoff and Allen Stanford revelations came to light, which seemed to have no real foundation. He did say at the time though that he had actually been lucky to have signed the sponsorship deals he has, at the time he did, as they are now looking very favourable in the current economic climate. With the amount of advertising that has been featuring the world number four recently, along with the not insignificant prize money he's accumulated, I think he may be alright to weather this storm. I very much doubt he put all his eggs into this one particular basket.

Even if he is in Dire straits, yer man Desmond should be good for a few quid in a tight spot...

I just hope that as with Tiger, trouble in his personal life does not effect his game on the course, just when he's been rediscovering the form which made him a major winner.

Tiger speaks - says very little...

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:06:00 +0000

So Tiger has come out and made a statement in which he's pretty much said nothing to clarify what actually went on other than to smack down rumours circulating about the actions of his wife Elin. He wants to make sure the blame is placed squarely on his shoulders and put paid to the accusations currently broiling about his wife. He hasn't really succeeded Here is the statement in full, straight from the Tigers mouth, so to speak.

"As you all know, I had a single-car accident earlier this week, and sustained some injuries. I have some cuts, bruising and right now I'm pretty sore. This situation is my fault, and it's obviously embarrassing to my family and me. I'm human and I'm not perfect. I will certainly make sure this doesn't happen again.

This is a private matter and I want to keep it that way. Although I understand there is curiosity, the many false, unfounded and malicious rumors that are currently circulating about my family and me are irresponsible. The only person responsible for the accident is me. My wife, Elin, acted courageously when she saw I was hurt and in trouble. She was the first person to help me. Any other assertion is absolutely false.

This incident has been stressful and very difficult for Elin, our family and me. I appreciate all the concern and well wishes that we have received. But, I would also ask for some understanding that my family and I deserve some privacy no matter how intrusive some people can be. "

It's done little to stop the rumour mill from a churning and I don't think at this stage that he can expect to get away without at least giving a partial explanation for how he managed to crash his Escalade within the confines of his own home. Until he does, then the questions surrounding the actions of his wife on the night will continue. The limited details that are in the public domain mean it can't really be any other way.

Why was it necessary to smash the window to get him out ? Was the car locked and she couldn't get in any other way? I've only just seen these pictures of the car and up until this point I'd thought it was the back window of the car which was smashed, which seems an odd point of entry to help a guy in the drivers seat. But it seems to be the rear door window on the left hand side, which I guess makes more sense if you can't get the door open. (Though if reports are true that there were actually three windows smashed that kind of blows that out the water...) If that's the case and she is a "hero", then why can't he say that - it would go some way to stop the absolute pasting she's getting in the press just now. It's fair enough I think to tell us to get stuffed if we're snooping into his private life but if his own actions have got him into a situation like this I think he owes it to those around them to set the record straight if it needs to be. If Elin did nothing that she shouldn't be proud of then how is this helping her? The silence is doing neither him nor his wife any favours.

What does get my goat more than the media blackout is the continuing refusal to cooperate with the police investigation. It is debatable as to whether he has an obligation to reveal anything to the public but surely he has to make himself accountable to the police and answer their questions in a timely fashion just like anyone else. You or I would not be able to put off speaking to the police in the manner Woods has and I was surprised that he was able to postpone the interview for another day - he should have now spoken to the police, so perhaps some more details will be forthcoming. I doubt he'll be able to avoid saying more at the planned press conference tomorrow at the Chevron World Challenge in Thousand Oaks, hosted by Woods, anyhow.

The appearance of a coverup only leads to these spirals of rumours, and no matter the reason, theres enough affection out there for Tiger to forgive whatever it was but evading the police and avoiding questions will only serve to use up that goodwill. Appearing like a man who has something to hide is doing him no favours. Hopefully someone will tell him that. Thats what makes us human isn't it, making mistakes - and a man willing to admit what they were gets a lot more respect.

Tiger, he's only human. Who knew?

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 16:16:00 +0000

I’ve been reluctant to make any kneejerk, reactionary comments over the recent occurrences inTiger Woods personal life. Mainly I feared the wrath of the millions of ardent Woods fans who believe that bit when he walks on water in his 09 advert was actual documentary footage. I’ve been waiting to hear some sort of statement from the great man himself or to hear a few more details perhaps from the police report. The fact that it’s been over 48 hours and we’ve heard little more than the bare bones details of the intial police report makes it tough to sit here and not let your head start adding two and two together to make scandal… With all the stories and theories being bandied about, it’s hard not to, I don’t buy most of them, especially the more salacious ones but I do have questions…

The biggest question for me is the fact that Woods has put off speaking to the police in this manner. It only arouses suspicions all the more. There has been many an article written already, explaining how fiercely protective Woods is of his privacy and also how defensive he has become in his dealing with the media of late and this could well go towards explaining why Woods is reluctant to come forward and speak to the police. Any account he give will soon become public and he’ll be anxious to try and keep any revelations to an absolute minimum so he’ll want to be prepared for it but for now the deafening silence will remain a hotbed for rumours to grow.

But coming on the back of the accusations of an illicit affair with “New York Party girl” Rachel Uchitel it doesn’t look great for young Eldrick… I think it’d be a bit naive to believe the “Pubic Enquirer” straight off the bat but coming on the back of those rumour mill reports it lends a bit of credence to the accusation. I did think that the quotes of how Tiger was apparently promising to leave his wife, the beautiful Elin, and his two young children made the story sound too preposterous to even acknowledge. I mean this is a women who made similar allegations about David Boreanz not so long ago. Yes, David Boreanz, of Bones and Buffy fame. Clearly not getting the attention anticipated from this foray into the tabloids, she cranked it up a notch or ten and went for the most famous sportsman on the planet. Now when I read that I was convinced there was nothing to it, surely to god a man of Woods stature doesn’t have to go chasing after David Boreanz “alleged” cast-offs? Apparently Rachel now denies any sort of affair with Woods but it’s clearly unsettled the Woods household.

But then the crash. There are a number of things which don’t add up for me. First there’s the where and why of this night-time excursion. I guess he wouldn’t be the first top rank sportsman to feel the need to go for a head clearing night time cruise. Lest we forget, Rocky did just that when he had argued with Adrian over his revenge seeking fight with Ivan Drago. But then Rocky chose a Ferrari, the perfect vehicle for such a therapeutic cruise, and had sufficient skill to negotiate the driveway of his mansion.

Which leads me to another little point which I want answering. He was reportedly in an SUV. He reverses into a fire hydrant, I guess if you did so in a fit of pique, you may well attempt to say to hell with it and drive on, but you’d be a bit more careful wouldn’t you when you do attempt to drive forward. There must have been something badly wrong for him to stack it into a tree. Then apparently the concerned Elin, comes running down, golf club in hand to smash the back window and rescue Tiger. It’s an SUV, if it’s so badly damaged that you can’t get the doors open and you need to smash in the back window, then I doubt very much Tiger would have gotten away with just some facial lacerations. It doesn’t ring true to me.

Plus, do you hear your husband having an accident down the driveway and run to the scene with a golf club? Did she run back to the house to get it or what was the deal there…

Basically, there are a lot of questions that are waiting to be addressed and the sooner they are the sooner Tiger can hope to move on from them. Whatever the reasons or answers I hope that he comes out the other side happy and well in his personal life and that any troubles he does have don’t affect his play on the course. Lest we forget, he is just a guy, seemingly going through some pretty average joe life issues just now. It’s just he’s not an average joe, he’s been nigh on a real life superman til this past week, only just been proclaimed the first sporting billionaire – it really does happen to the best of us.