Does Tiger Woods owe anything to his fans other than good golf?

Question

I went to see Tiger Woods at recent PGA Tour event. He was quite an impressive golfer but not much of a human being. During the practice round he walked around with a air of cocky aloofness. People called out his name and said hello but he would not acknowledge them. Little boys who thought of Tiger as a role model asked for his autograph and he did not respond. Many were so upset they started to cry. All this in a practice round. Couldn't he at least smiled at a few of them?

What are your thoughts of the man Tiger Woods, not the golfer?

Answer 1

I think that the suspense of Tiger Woods playing is a big enough reward. And, just to let you know, he is as much a human being as you are. He just seems like that because of how much pressure he is under. It is really hard being a professional golfer. Me and Craig Perks are really close, and he beat Tiger Woods. Woods wasn't disappointed at all! He acctually handed the trophy to Craig himself.

Answer 2

Hard to tell whats really going on in someones head.  Tiger IS the best golfer in the world and is known for his incredible focus on the game.  I have met him in person and  can respect the amount of focus mentally he puts into his game.  I too was kinda ignored when i met him during a round but then I come to understand that I am in his world, his office, his realm.  He needs to have his mind in his game and I'm just a distraction.

Maybe one day i'll get to meet him off the course, then and only then can i pass judgement on his true character.

Does he owe us anything you ask?  My answer is NO!  Why would someone that worked so hard his entire life to be as good as he is owe his fans anything?  Why would any of us expect anything from him?  I had no impact in his life or his game so why should i expect something back?  The man is where he is at because of his hard work, and dedication not his personality.

Answer 3

I respect the c**p out of him as a golfer.  I don't know him personally, but what I do know of him I don't care for too much.  It bothers me that he uses tons of profanity (including taking God's name in vain) on the course while he is aware that he has the largest galleries following him on a weekly basis, especially since he has young, impressionable kids in the gallery listening to every word he says.  These kids look up to him and will try to emulate everything he does.  

I can understand him not signing autographs during a practice round.  I personally enjoy practice days quite alot because the golfers will usually be more laid back and interact with fans.  However, I know that if Tiger were to sign one ball, book, hat, etc - the crowd of people would immediately become so large that he'd be swamped and not be able to play golf - which is what he's there to do on practice days.

Answer 4

civility costs nothing

Answer 5

Whether it is a practice round or not, you are in Tiger Woods' place of business. Do you condone going out on the baseball diamond, football field, hockey rink or basketball court during a practice and getting a star players autograph? There are autograph sessions which are purposely set up for that reason. Let the parents take their kids there as they should. Don't go dissing Tiger for what you think is an impropriety. Remember , practice is also part of a pro golfer's career. No practice!! No career!!  John Daly is the prime example.

Answer 6

no. what could he give us?

personal lessons?

i think his amazing play is good enough

Answer 7

Tiger Woods owes the public courtesy. I do not like someone who ignores the fans. If he is all huffy and does not say hello to people who call his name that just shows he has bad manners.

I am sure much of his good press is a result of people wanting access to him. I hear that if anyone who follows golf in the media says anything bad about Tiger, he will cut off access. So he holds power over the media that way.

Answer 8

Tiger Woods is really a genuine person off the course.

But once he gets on the course he turns into a completely different person. He is a bit cocky, but, name any pro in any sport who is modest about their abilities. Maybe that day at that event, you might of thought he was impressive, but maybe he was dissapointed with his performance. My thoughts on him is that he has to concentrate, I've often seen his ready to attack fans who take a picture of his swing, before he starts his downswing, he is easily distracted and has many quirks, these annoy him, and hopefully you can understand why, I know that a smile costs nothing, and I don't agree with that behaviour, But practice what you preach, we're all human, haven't you ever ignored someone, well, picture thousands of screaming people, you can't possibly take the time to talk to each one, when your trying to concentrate, especially when your so easily distracted. He is genuine, did you hear his speech after the major he won for his Dad, Earl, if you can't call that heart felt nothing is.

Answer 9

he's just so focused at what he's doing. you got to think tigers also practicing mentally. i heard during a tournament he walked right by his wife and kid and did't even glance at them. thats how focused he is.  he'll acknowledge the gallery after he makes his last putt to win. watching him play i think is more than enough for his fans.

Answer 10

I dont think tiger ows anybody anything.  When you watch him interviews he seems nice.  I think you just got him at the wrong time.  When you are on a golf course you have to be focused,  You have to try to block out the distractions .

Answer 11

I have no idea what I think about him as a person because I don't know him.

That being said, he has to draw a line as far as interacting with fans and signing autographs & such.  Once he started signing autographs, can you imagine the line of people that would immediately form?  He'd never get in his practice round if he signed them all.  If he signed a few and then walked away, the rest of the folks in line would be pissed at him.  He's damned if he does and damned if he doesn't.

Answer 12

Why is it that everyone on here thinks that if you are famous in some respect, you owe it to the world to be a good role model, ambassador for your country, or some kind of savior for the human race.  Hes a ******* golfer, and thats it.  If you dont think hes a good role model for your kids, dont let them watch him on TV, plain and simple.  Tiger owes nothing to anyone.  Hes his own man, he can act however he wants.  The guy gets harassed by thousands of people every time he steps out of the house.  Dont you think that would get a little old?  Give the guy a ******* break.

Answer 13

He owes the world a c**p-load of autographs. My guess is that he wants to concentrate on his golf game as much as he can. I don't think that he's a total jerk, but the least he could do is sign a few autographs. You have to keep in mind that he's swarmed by people virtually no matter where he goes.

Answer 14

It would be nice if he were more approachable but he is very intense. That makes him the great golfer he is. I know that outside of golf he teaches clinics to children and has a foundation that uses golf as a focal point for the children.

Answer 15

Where do you think he should draw the line as far as being accessible?

Unfortunately in golf the participants have to thread their way through the galleries for two days of practice rounds and four days of competition and the fans are in very close proximity to the golfers. In other sports arenas the participants are contained in the playing area, separated from the fans. Golfers have autograph sessions and if you want an autograph, be there. They shouldn't be obligated to provide that service for a continuous six days.

As far as kids crying, that's what kids do when they don't get what they want. Go to the autograph sessions.