Beginning on November 27, 2009, a series of events took place that would have Tiger Woods’ image changed forever. No longer the squeaky clean, role-model athlete he once was, Tiger now looks to make a return to golf, possibly eyeing the April 8th Masters at Augusta, or perhaps the Arnold Palmer Invitation in hometown Orlando, which takes place at the end of the month. The question remains however, how will he deal with the inevitable questions that he will face upon his return? Guaranteed whichever date he chooses will be well thought out and strategized to no end. On one hand, the Arnold Palmer Invitational would be much smaller, less media and overall crowds due to the magnitude of the event, and the competition would be softer. The event would be a tune-up for the Masters, which, as a major, will get much more attention, regardless of Tiger’s attendance. However, the Masters is able to protect Tiger like the API wouldn’t be able. Media and crowd control is a hallmark of the event, and Tiger would even be able to sneak in practice rounds because he is a member of the club. There are much stricter rules for media, who have allotted time and location for interaction with golfers, and fans, and are typically less rowdy than the run of the mill tournament-goer.
This decision is not nearly as arbitrary as it may seem, as the way in which Tiger will face questions about all of what has taken place over the past five plus months could greatly very between these two events. Because Tiger has sort of put his paw in his mouth, so to speak, he will eventually hear questions which he has yet to answer. The level of outrageousness is likely to vary from tasteful to the most personal, inappropriate, non-golf related questions, perhaps even involving his family. If Tiger doesn’t want to hear these in press conference question form, he can try his luck at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, where he is likely to hear them, and other flat out mean spirited remarks, shouted from the gallery just as he is midway through his backstroke; except no snapping back at the fans this time, those days are over. Despite smaller, typically less media covered event that is the API, he would be much better off within the safety nets of the Masters, where the PGAs most prized possession can be cradled and protected from hecklers and unruly TV and internet media hounds (I wasn’t pointing any fingers at you TMZ, take a seat). However, he better hope he still has his flare for the dramatics and ability to succeed in trying circumstances, or else there will be little golf to talk about to steer away from the questions he is sure to field about his personal life.
Raymond Lieu
ESS 33606, Social Foundations of Coaching
Clark Power/ Kristin Sheehan
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