Capelle On Golf

Hank Haney and the media just don’t get it.

They think that because Tiger Woods has not read The Big Miss that he has no reason to be upset about it – yet.

“I’m not sure I understand the unprofessionalism part. He hasn’t read the book. There’s a lot of positives in there. I think he’s the greatest golfer who ever lived,” said Haney. From an unnamed writer at Fox News; “What is Woods so afraid of then? Haney isn’t a terribly controversial guy.” And then there are Jimmy Roberts and Gary Williams on the Morning Drive, who also felt Woods was off base for being upset by a book he has yet to read.

Talk about lack of empathy, or the ability to walk in another’s shoes, which one might think would be prerequisites to being a journalist or commentator.

To appreciate Woods’ point of view, you only had to watch today’s press conference at the Abu Dhabi. The press grilled him about the book, and it was obvious that Woods did not want to talk about it – and yet they persisted. Now at this point the whole world knows that Woods is not going to give up little if anything about the book in future pressers.

And yet, the media will continue to pound on him because the book is a story with legs – it is just too good to ignore. So, at a time when Woods needs desperately to concentrate on his game as he tries to reignite his career, he now has this sideshow to worry about.

The media’s point that he should not be mad about the content when he doesn’t even know what’s in it also makes no sense. For the next two months he gets to worry about what’s between the covers, and with good reason. While many have insisted that Haney wouldn’t hurt a fly, he just might reveal some of Woods’ trade secrets, and at least a few choice tidbits about life at the Woods household.

And then there is the little-talked-about co-author, Golf Digest’s Jaime Diaz. Diaz is an expert on the mental side of Woods, having followed him since his days as a junior golfer. Diaz has penned several insightful and lengthy articles on Woods’ mental state following the breaking of the scandal for the magazine, so, it is naïve to think that his contribution will be more than to just pretty up Haney’s notes.

Still, the media has a choice. They can concentrate on Woods’ game and his results. Given that he is entering the most critical year of his career, that should be enough food for thought. So, if your favorites in the media continue to harp on the book leading up to the Masters, you should dismiss them as lazy hacks.