Time to face the music

Now I know everyone’s probably tired of hearing about the whole Tiger Woods scandal, but I want to add my two cents about the press conference at Augusta. Last week, Tiger Woods faced the media for the first time since the sex scandal broke out and freely answered questions from the media. I know I’ve been pretty harsh in my analysis of the scandal, but I have to admit he impressed me a bit at the conference. He looked more relaxed, smiled during his entrance and looked comfortable, not awkward. What really impressed me is that he finally acknowledged the fans and the other golfers who have had to put up with the media, and apologized for it. And it seems like he’s really making an effort to change who he is (at least, as a golfer). Watching bits and pieces of the Masters, I have noticed a difference in the way he interacts with the fans. He’s approaching them, talking to them, signing autographs, taking pictures and smiling; something he’s never done before at tournaments.

But at the same time, I was really disappointed in what was asked and discussed at the press conference.
I expected the journalists to ask the tough questions, and I thought it interesting that the word ‘sex’ was never even mentioned once. Tiger still deflected answering certain questions and when asked about what he was in rehab for, he simply answered, “That’s personal.” It was like this big, pink elephant was in the room and the media refused to ask about it, and I found it frustrating to watch. After the months of the media and tabloids scrutinizing and looking for answers, they finally had their chance and nothing was asked.  I did, however, find it interesting how he knew the names of the journalists who were answering questions (and even called one reporter ‘bro’) and thought maybe those were the reporters/journalists who already have an established relationship with Tiger and didn’t want to burn bridges to ruin that exclusive partnership.

It was incredibly smart and strategic for Tiger to choose the Masters for his big return. The Masters is a very traditional and controlled tournament, where the media is not allowed beyond the ropes, keeping the players safe from media harassment. This way, Tiger had the opportunity to really concentrate on the game without the paparazzi shadowing his every swing.

But is it too soon to return? I think yes. Don’t get me wrong, he’s an incredible golfer and extremely skilled and he certainly proved that this weekend, tied in 4^th, with -11. But he contradicts himself at the press conference when he states his family is his priority and yet he’s returning to golf, without the support of Elin. He should be at home still, healing with the family and repairing his relationship with Elin. It’s only been 5 months since the scandal broke, and returning to golf will only keep him apart from his family more.

But he’s made his choice, and I hope his family is able to recover from this.

And I promise, I’m done with Tiger.