Tiger the Man

            The Masters golf tournament is the most visually splendid event in all of sports, and I watch it every year. The winner is draped in a green jacket symbolic of victory, but I really don’t care who that winner is—provided it’s not Tiger Woods.

            I used to be a big fan of Tiger the golfer. His artistry around a golf course was unmatched. I loved watching him play. But then something happened to Tiger the man.

            There were always rumors about how Tiger was aloof, keeping his distance from fellow golfers. He basked in the adoration of his fans, but was never one to pump-fist them, like a Phil Mickelson. He was on top of his world, a perch from which he looked down on the rest of his fawning universe. He was making millions, buying an enormous yacht and building a sprawling mansion. He married a stunning beauty and started a family. What could possibly go wrong?

            Tiger’s personal world came crashing down when his wife had had enough of his adulterous relationships. Humiliated by reports of his multiple sexual indiscretions, she left him and took the kids. But Tiger was still winning on the golf course and still had his legion of fans. His magnificent physical attributes were enough to carry on. Except that his body began to fail him. Separated from his family and unable to compete, he hit the skids.

            Now he’s back. After multiple surgeries, he appears able to compete once again—at what level it remains to be seen. But the adoring fans are back, remembering the magic, forgiving the moral failings, roaring at every birdie, scrambling to get close. But I’m not one of them. I don’t cheer for Tiger anymore.

            Am I judging him unfairly? Perhaps. But I can’t bring myself to forget how he treated his competitors and his fans on the way up, how he tarnished his glory with his selfish behavior, how he betrayed his wife and family. Some say that Tiger is a changed man. Maybe he looked in the mirror after being handcuffed for DUI, didn’t like what he saw, and resolved to change. Maybe he deserves a second chance to remake Tiger the man. I hope he can. I’d like to cheer for him again. But not just yet.