Capelle On Golf

I have been a little hard on Hank Haney of late because he chose to write The Big Miss, an unauthorized semi-biography/instructional on Tiger Woods.

Still, every dog deserves his day in court and Haney had his today with his appearance on Morning Drive. So, did Haney do us fans a service in writing this book, or has he unjustly become a big thorn in Tiger’s side?

I think the answer is a lot of both. Golf fans have, for a long time, wanted an inside look into Woods’ World and this book promises to provide a good sized look. “It is going to be an interesting book,” said Haney, adding that “There will be some things that surprise people.” Surprises mean new information for us to chew on, even if it is not of a salacious nature. According to Haney, The Big Miss is “Not a take down.” Still, co-author Jaime Diaz agreed to be a part of the project even though “He (Diaz) knew there would be some things that Tiger wouldn’t like.”

So, don’t expect anything about the hotties in Woods’ life. But you might get a sizeable glimpse into Tiger at home considering that Haney spent so many nights as a guest of the Woods household.

As for Tiger, the idea that Haney secretly wrote a book about him is enough to anger Woods no matter what is in it. Now we know, after learning Diaz’ perspective, that Tiger definitely won’t be liking some of the content of the book.

He might also not appreciate that Haney is evidently going to disclose some of Woods’ closely guarded trade secrets. But what the heck – according to the former instructor, “I had such a special opportunity,” and “I learned so many things, and I wanted to share them.”

Finally, there is the matter of the book’s timing – both the recent announcement of it, and its release date. Haney said that “I did not pick the release date.” Gee, when did you think it would come out? After the 2012 season after Woods might have had a chance to launce his comeback without this unwanted distraction?

Besides, according to Hank. “Tiger is not easily distracted.” Speak for yourself Hank. Woods showed his considerable annoyance at Tuesday’s press conference, calling Haney’s tome “unprofessional.” And the distraction factor will go through the roof when the book comes out a scant nine days before Woods tees it up at the Masters.

So, in the end, Haney wins, and we fans win because Hanks says that we won’t be able “to put it down.” Woods, on the other hand, could lose big time if he does read it, as Haney says he will, and then allows it to distract him from his mission.