Capelle On Golf

The truth we all suspected has just come out from Tiger’s mouth: Tiger Woods cheats.

But we’ve known that for years: he’s broken the rules of good sportsmanship his entire career. During the accident it was revealed that he’s been taking pain killer for some mysterious ailment. Makes you wonder what the PGA Tour knows about that. Now we know he cheats in the more important area of all: on his marital vows.

“I have let my family down and I regret those transgressions with all of my heart.”

He let his family down, his fans down, his sponsors down, and the game that rewards him so handsomely down. Indeed, though he strives to become the Best Ever, he is no Jack Nicklaus, not on the course or off it.

“Elin has always done more to support our family and shown more grace than anyone could possibly expect, said Tiger.”

Tiger had his Barbara Nicklaus, a woman who is (or was by all appearances) prepared to devote her entire life to him. Now who knows how long this five year old union will last? I wouldn’t count on 50 years like the Nicklaus’ will be celebrating next July.

Tiger did his best to stonewall the world, but the truth we suspected for the last week could not be kept quiet. Not when huge sums are dangled in front of sex partners like Jaimee Grubbs, and the scandal media is on his trail. And so, a week after the supposedly lie infested story broke in the National Enquirer, we learn that its headline, “Tiger Woods Cheating Scandal” was right on the money. In the irony of all ironies, the truth is now being revealed by the tabloids while big media shirks its duty.

Going forward, Tiger’s game plan is to remain quiet about the details of his illicit affairs.

“Personal sins should not require press releases and problems within a family shouldn’t have to mean public confessions.”

He’s confessed as much as we might expect from sport’s most closed mouth superstar. That’s fine – we now know what we need to know. We can fill in the blanks. Tiger also said that he’ll try to mend his ways. The rest is up to him and Elin to work out.

“I will strive to be a better person and the husband and father that my family deserves. For all of those who have supported me over the years, I offer my profound apology.”

But is Tiger’s word worth anything? He promised his folks he’d get a degree, then dropped out after two years, and it is doubtful he’ll be returning to Stanford. When asked what he’s doing to curb his temper, Tiger’ lamely said, “I’m trying.” Then his behavior only got worse. He pitched Buicks for years, but when the money stopped, upgraded to a Cadillac. And then there are the vows he exchanged on his wedding day – broken like a twig.

As I mentioned in my last post, I wondered about his value as a pitchman for corporate America. Now that his affairs have been confirmed by their man, his sponsorships will be put to the test. Their agreements probably contain out clauses for adulterous behavior. It will be interesting to which ones retain him as a spokesman now that he’s triple bogeyed his credibility.

But we need not be concerned for Woods’ financial well being should he have to subsist on his on course earnings and Nike’s allowance. Woods’ fortune, which is probably north of $600 million even after taxes and expenses, should enable Woods to live like a sultan for rest of his life. This takes us to the thing we care about most – Tiger’s golf and his pursuit of 19 majors.

As it stands, Elin Woods is now the most powerful figure in sports. She holds the cards. It would be a huge plus for Tiger’s game if she decides to stay with him. God knows, this troubled human being needs her support now, more than ever.

But nobody could blame her if she opts to leave him. If she does, the impact on his game could be catastrophic. An expensive and energy consuming divorce. Working out visitation rights for those kids he cherishes with all his heart. And big media’s instrusions all along the way. This story would beat Greg Norman’s split up 8&7.

Once Tiger’s on the course, things might not get any easier. Tiger’s always enjoyed tremendous gallery support because America embraces a winner. He has not, however, earned their love as Phil Mickelson has, so you can expect many to turn on him. He certainly wouldn’t be the first.

Jack Nicklaus endured some boorish behavior during his first few years on tour, and his only crime was that he opposed Arnold Palmer, the reigning king. Scotland’s Colin Montgomerie did little to deserve the constant jeers from American galleries, behavior that might have cost him a major or two.

Tiger draws enormous galleries and that’s not going to change. But what could change is their behavior towards him. Before the fans watched the robot like Woods with wide eyed admiration. Now many will feel it is their duty to dispense some fan justice, and Stevie won’t be able to contain them. A few screams at the wrong time could do far more damage than the click of a camera.

Nicklaus once said that Tiger’s Quest will be difficult because of the modern day media. Since he’s now made the A-list of the talk shows and scandal media, his job is only going to get tougher because he’s going to be watched like Britney Spears and company.

“Although I am a well-known person and have made my career as a professional athlete, I have been dismayed to realize the full extent of what tabloid scrutiny really means.”

For a man who cherishes his privacy, dealing with expanded media coverage won’t be easy, and it could hasten his exit from the game. Which means Tiger may have fewer years to secure his place at the top. In any case, the climb up Mount Nicklaus just got a lot steeper.

If I were Tiger, I would embrace this game plan: 1) Do everything in my power to save my marriage and be 100% sincere about my promises. 2) Find a new way to win. Cut the temper tantrums and open up to the fans like never before. Smile, make eye contact, sign autographs, and become a champion on the course like the man whose place you hope to take some day.

There is a gift in every adversity. Tiger’s been given his – it will be interesting to see what he does with it.