Let's hope Tiger Woods' apparent decision to re-embrace Buddhism can help maintain the golfer's zen mindset in continually testing times. Because public and media interest in Woods' grimy personal life has appeared to diminish not a jot in the wake of his thirteen-and-a-half-minute statement last Friday.
In the minutes and hours after Woods’ performance, which was screened around the world and even blared out from the big screens in New York's Times Square, commentators expressed shock and amazement at the contrite, near-broken figure Woods appeared to present.
While it's impossible to judge just how penitent a person is simply by the way they act in a 14 minute presentation, we feel obliged to point out the man was making an apology for disgraceful behaviour - how on earth did they expect Woods to behave?
Certainly the performance appeared to convince American golf analyst Charlie Rymer - we were dumbfounded to hear that Rymer began crying live on air as he watched Woods apologise to his wife, his fans, and not least his business partners - tear-jerking stuff. Was Woods' performance really that moving?
Admittedly, because Woods didn't talk about returning to golf, his apology seemed more sincere, but even that sincerity is debatable. There have been reports that the original speech did initially reveal Tiger's plans for his comeback, and that the excision was made to add earnestness or authenticity to Woods' words. In the hours before the statement, photos of Woods practicing at the driving range were released, which certainly indicated the world No. 1 was ready to get back in the saddle again, if that's not an unfortunate phrase.
So what now? We'd guess that Woods' probable next public move will be to announce details of his comeback via his agent to news agencies, and on his website. Further public appearances that aren't related to golf seem unlikely, given Woods' dislike of the media. At press conferences on the PGA tour and at the majors, Woods may face more hostile questioning than he has typically been used to - but there's no guarantee that he will elect to field those enquiries. And you can be sure that the officials will do their best to shield Woods.
Even if Woods is faced with hecklers at tournaments, the golfer's caddy Steve Williams recently told Australian newspaper the Sun-Herald that "nothing has changed" - that is, he will deal harshly with anyone who barracks his man. Just how that will work if Woods is faced with a lairy gallery at the Open may make for an interesting spectacle. Admittedly, the golfer spoke of trying to behave more thoughtfully on the fairways, but such concessions may be only partially successful when his caddy is taking on spectators who dare to mock the master.
While Woods is concentrating on the apologies right now, Williams' stance would seem to indicate that when the golfer does makes his comeback, it will be as close to business as usual as Woods can possibly manage.
Perhaps Woods could send Williams over to have a word with "shock-jock" DJ Howard Stern. The outrageous US radio personality is currently organising a Tiger Woods beauty pageant, comprised exclusively of women Woods has been romantically entangled with - so far, four of the lucky ladies have agreed to take part.
For Woods, such publicity stunts may only sting a little, given the waking nightmare the golfer has had to endure in recent months. But this kind of frippery also suggests that, much as Woods wishes to move on from his recent traumas, the rest of the world isn't ready to call a halt just yet.
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