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DEL.ICIO.USPrivate tragedy on a public stage
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
Augusta -– A son sits in a press conference talking about his dying father.
“He’s fighting,” Tiger Woods said Tuesday. That he would be so brief when asked about Earl Woods’ condition said all that needed to be said.
He’s fighting. He was a Green Beret -– of course he’s fighting. But the cancer that is spreading through his body keeps him in a bed in Cypress, California, while his son tries to win the Masters for a fifth time. Earl Woods fights because that’s what he has always done, because that’s what he has always taught his son.
“He’s got an unbelievable will and, you know, hopefully, he’s passed a little bit of that on to me,” Tiger Woods said. “I think that’s kind of how I play, how I go about my –- I guess, my competitiveness on the golf course. It’s a will.”
A family’s private tragedy plays out on a public stage. This is the downside to celebrity. Most don’t handle it well. By now, we have all become aware that Tiger Woods is not like most.
The great ones have more than talent. The great ones can compartmentalize. Competitors put pressure on, sponsors mandate attention, a father gets cancer –- watch how quickly everyday talent suffers meltdown.
Woods has separated himself from others because that same tunnel vision that allows him to take over a tournament on the back nine Sunday enables him real life from golf –- and golf from real life –- when necessary.
He will tee off Thursday. That’s assuming a medical emergency with his father doesn’t require him to fly west. That fairly sums up his status Friday, and Saturday, and Sunday.
The course changes at Augusta National suddenly don’t seem so daunting, do they?
“When you’re away from the course,” he said, “obviously things are a little different. But when you’re at the course, you’re playing, you’re grinding. I have enough on my mind out there trying to place my shots and what angles I need to have. I’ve got enough in my head right now.”
Woods won the 1997 Masters title by 12 strokes at the age of 21. We haven’t taken our eyes off him since. He has 48 Tour victories. He has won 10 majors, including four Masters, and by now we all know his jacket size is a 42-long. His prize money last year ($10.6 million) was dwarfed only his off-bent-green endorsements ($25 million alone from Nike). He has become one of the most recognizable people in the world, awakened a sport’s TV ratings and expanded its diversity. Remarkably, given these times, he has done all this free of scandal.
To think. We all thought Earl Woods was exaggerating. Speaking at an awards banquet for his then 20-year-old son in December of 1996, he said of Tiger: “He will transcend this game and bring to the world a humanitarianism which has never been known before.”
A few months later, Woods won his first Masters. The father-son embrace on the 18th green became one of those indelible memories in sports. Woods’ strongest memory from nine years ago is that his father almost didn’t make it to Augusta as a result of complications following heart bypass surgery.
“This has always been a very emotional week for us as a family because my first year here as a professional because my dad –- actually, he was dead, and then somehow they revived him,” he said. “He wasn’t supposed to come here, but somehow he came here and he gave me a putting lesson. And I putted great.”
There will be no lessons this week, unless by way of a phone conversation. Earl Woods’ prostate cancer, believed to have been eradicated by radiation in 2004, has returned and spread into his back and behind his left eye. Tiger, in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., for the Tournament Players Championship, flew back to California on Tuesday night for a day, returned the eve of the tournament, then went back again after the TPC.
He was 4-over for the last two days and one over for the tournament. But he denies distractions were an issue.
“I’ve been dealing with this for years –- nothing’s changed,” Woods said. “Everyone who has had a family member –- you’re going to deal with it some time. Unfortunately, it’s our time right now.”
Permalink | Comments (40) | Categories: Golf, Jeff Schultz
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By cliff zeider
April 4, 2006 08:59 PM | Link to this
Hey Earl, God bless you, Job well done. Cliff
By BirdDawg
April 4, 2006 10:09 PM | Link to this
The ultimate compliment you could ever pay a parent is to tell them how impressed you are by their child. Mr. Woods, I have always been impressed with your son, who is not only the greatest athlete (better than AFraud, better than either Manning, even better than Duncan) and golfer of his generation . My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Mr. Woods.
Good luck, Tiger!
By Leroy Rogers
April 4, 2006 11:27 PM | Link to this
What makes Tiger Woods 48 wins in such a short time is because of the global interest in golf…running at a all time high. Looking back….just how many golfers really had a chance of winning when Jack was winning his 18 majors? Don’t like Tiger’s behavior or foul mouth on the course, however, he is the greatest talent ever to pick up a club…just my opinion. BTW, it looks like since the scandal of Calloway’s ERC II, anything goes as far as clubs concern. What are hybrid clubs anyhow? Does the USGA have a clue of all these type clubs now? I don’t think so! Lastly, my biggest peeve is the “broomstick” putters…just imagine how many more tournaments Slammin’ Sammy Sneed could have won had he had something to prop up on when the yips hit him. Go Phil…the new Arnie Palmer for the fans and galleries. And thank you CBS for sparing our ears and eyes the likes of Gary McCord…the Dick Vitale of golf. From the hills of the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee
By Leroy Rogers
April 4, 2006 11:27 PM | Link to this
What makes Tiger Woods 48 wins in such a short time is because of the global interest in golf…running at a all time high. Looking back….just how many golfers really had a chance of winning when Jack was winning his 18 majors? Don’t like Tiger’s behavior or foul mouth on the course, however, he is the greatest talent ever to pick up a club…just my opinion. BTW, it looks like since the scandal of Calloway’s ERC II, anything goes as far as clubs concern. What are hybrid clubs anyhow? Does the USGA have a clue of all these type clubs now? I don’t think so! Lastly, my biggest peeve is the “broomstick” putters…just imagine how many more tournaments Slammin’ Sammy Sneed could have won had he had something to prop up on when the yips hit him. Go Phil…the new Arnie Palmer for the fans and galleries. And thank you CBS for sparing our ears and eyes the likes of Gary McCord…the Dick Vitale of golf. From the hills of the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee
By BBatZTL
April 5, 2006 12:02 AM | Link to this
I watched Tiger win his first at AGS, in person. I watched his hug with his Dad on Sportscenter that night. I am a father of 5, I would hope I could raise a child to be that young, make THAT MUCH money, and still realize what is important in life. You fought a good fight Earl. You served your country with pride and distinction. Thank you, your son shall carry on your legacy, I hope the media will allow you, when the time comes, to go in peace. BirdDawg said the rest I needed to say.
By BOB RUTLEDGE
April 5, 2006 02:02 AM | Link to this
NOT ONLY IS TIGER THE GREATEST GOLFER IN THE WORLD BUT HE IS IN MYOPINION THE GREATEST HUMANITARIAN IN THE WORLD, CLASS LIKE NO OTHER. AND AN IMAGINE FOR ALL OUR YOUNGSTERS. TIGER GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FATHER
By BOB RUTLEDGE
April 5, 2006 02:12 AM | Link to this
NOT ONLY IS TIGER THE GREATEST GOLFER IN THE WORLD
, BUT IN MY OPINION HE IS THE GREATEST HUMANITARIAN ALSO. TIGER OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. GOD BLESS YOUR FATHER.
By UGA 72
April 5, 2006 02:43 AM | Link to this
To say that Tiger Woods is a credit to his parents is an understatement of huge proportions.
I along with our congregation will be praying for Tiger and his family this week.
By Chris
April 5, 2006 03:07 AM | Link to this
As Michael Stipe sings, “May God’s love be with you always” Tiger and your family…our prayers are with you.
By Rubbin & Angela Sheffield
April 5, 2006 07:27 AM | Link to this
May God’s peace and love give you comfort and may your father’s memories give you happy thoughts of your time with him!
The Sheffields
By JT
April 5, 2006 07:56 AM | Link to this
Did anyone see Michael Campbell hit into Tiger and O’Meara on the 9th green on Monday? Campbell’s ball rolled right between them on the green with no acknowledgement from them.
By Matt T
April 5, 2006 08:52 AM | Link to this
Great article Jeff. I will be rooting for Tiger as always but even more so this year.
By bphilb
April 5, 2006 09:03 AM | Link to this
Tiger is a great example of the good ole days…when parents were parents. Earl taught his son to respect life, the importance of family and to leave the world a better place than he found it. It is a shame that a man such as Earl Woods has to go throught the fight of his life while Tiger continues to lead by example. Earl, good job. Thank you for the national treasure.
By Cel
April 5, 2006 09:09 AM | Link to this
I have asked God today from this day forward to Bless Earl Woods and to make his journey one with little suffering. Earl will be there on Sunday, for you Tiger, like he has always been. Mr. & Mrs. Earl Woods, you have raised a unique young man. Good Luck at the Tournament but I believe it is Tiger’s destiny to show us how those in the public arena should care about family and others. God Blessings to you and your family.
By james green
April 5, 2006 09:20 AM | Link to this
blessings tiger, you are one heck of a golfer and an exceptional person, i have dealth with cancer, its no fun dad will be alright and with you all the way. win one for the geen beret. im 81 loved golf for 75 years and ex military, caner survivir and by-pass surgety 29 years ago so i guess Dad and i have a lot in commom Jim
By EG
April 5, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this
I just finished the book by Pete Williams titled “The Draft”. It gives an inside look at how teams, agents, players, the media, family, friends and just about everyone that pays close attention to football’s annual pick of players. In one part it talks about GM Rich McKay on draft day last year. Just after the Falcons picked Roddy White he got a phone call from his brother, J. K. McKay, telling him their mother had just passed away. He stated that he had spent 24 hours with her a couple of days before and she had dispatched him back to Flowery Branch for Draft Day. Being in the public eye has it’s trying times. We think of these folks as being on another part of our society but they’re human just like everyone else having to deal with life issues that come and go just as all of us do. I always pulled for “The Bear” just hoping that he could win just one more. He came close in ‘98 but no more will he grace Butler Cabin on Sunday. Since then I can’t help but watch Tiger and pull for him while I watch the Masters. It’s the only one I watch every year. The rest are just Saturday and Sunday afternoon fills to me. Go Tiger.
By Burgin
April 5, 2006 09:45 AM | Link to this
Whether you are a world class golfer or just a “working joe” like me, watching a family member suffer through the final stages of cancer is one of the hardest things in life. It is rare to find an athlete who is so committed to the sport in which he participates and even rarer to find he or she scandal free. Sure, Tiger occasionally gets carried away with his language on the course, but as a golfer, I understand. Good luck at Augusta this week and may God bless you and your family during the upcoming days.
By bushwacker
April 5, 2006 09:52 AM | Link to this
I respect Tiger’s talent but I have to admit I am not a fan because he has some work to do as far as shwoing more respect for the game and his peers, he can be very condesending at times. I’ve never heard Jack or Arnie cuss and slam golf clubs while on the course like Tiger does after a bad shot. But I will be pulling for him this week not necessarily to win, but to be the man his father wants him to be because I understand what he is going thru. In 1986 my father was lying in a hospital after suffering a heart attack and while we watched Jack win that day, it was very emotional and somehow watching Jack win that tournament helped a little. The main thing on my mind was let me be the man my father raised me to be before he leaves this earth.
Oh, by the way, tell TIGER my father is still with us 20 years later and I hope he can say the same thing 20 years friom now!
By bushwacker
April 5, 2006 10:08 AM | Link to this
Leroy, I amcertainly not questioning Tiger’s greatness but I have to correct on something, I don’t know how old you are but when Jack played there were 5 or 6 guys that were almost as good as him,some were as good. Jack, Arnie, Gary Player, Lee Trevino, Tom Watson, Johnny Miller, Sam Snead, Ray Floyd, Hale Irwin, all are multiple winners of major tornaments.
Tiger’s only real competition talent wise is Phil, then there is everyone else , all several nothces below Tiger talent wise.
Let’s not forget the equipment either.
Until Tiger performs at this level for 10 more years, he is the second best of all time.
By clauderddawg
April 5, 2006 10:20 AM | Link to this
Great column, Jeff! No doubt, Tiger’s priorities are in the right place, as regards Mr.Wooods’ health issues are concerned. But, perhaps, the greatest compliment that can be afforded to Tiger for his unsurpassed skill came from one of his peers. It was during a practice round with Arnie and Jack, when Tiger was an amateur. They were on the 15th fairway. Jack, and all the rest of us, were watching Tiger’s set up for the approach and a patron asked Jack, “What do you think about the kid, Jack?” Without any pausing, Jack turned and replied,almost prophetically “He’ll win a lot more jackets than I have.” None of us, then, wanted to hear of anything like that — but, we all recorded it. What an awesome comment coming from The Bear! Mr.& Mrs. Earl Wooods, Thank You for nurturing, Tiger. He is, indeed, a special gift for all of us who love the game of golf to enjoy!
By Jimmy Etheridge
April 5, 2006 10:37 AM | Link to this
As an only child who lost my own father to heart disease while I was in my thirties, I know exactly what Tiger is going through. He and his family are in my thoughts and in my prayers. Win it for Pops, Tiger!
By Jonathan Bonaparte
April 5, 2006 10:51 AM | Link to this
Tiger, Win this one for POPS I will be praying for you and your family You are a special gift from god and it’s a joy to watch the game of golf because of you “God Bless”
By Dirk
April 5, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this
Dear Tiger it,s times like these that fame and money means nothing not saying that ment that much to you anyway you are a champion and that is what motovates you it is your heart my prayers go out to you and your family . Y ou know we have all watched you ovre the years and we forget that you have a family go play the game you love and play it the way your dad tought you and go be with him he is so proud of you and so are we
By Susan Wright
April 5, 2006 11:00 AM | Link to this
Keep your head up..only the strong survive. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
By Timothy
April 5, 2006 11:22 AM | Link to this
Great article…Eldrick “Tiger” Woods, we are all praying for your father, the Mr. Earl Woods. I have been a fan of Tiger’s since his college days and a bigger fan of his now. In this day when everybody talks about their mother’s love (nothing wrong with that at all),one of the greatest memories of an expression of a father’s love was at the conclusion of the 1997 Masters where Tiger and Mr. Earl embraced each other. I am even more impressed with Tiger’s since of priorities when he went to be at his father’s side 24 hours before The Players’ Championship.
GOD BLESS THE WOODS FAMILY and TIGER, WIN THIS ONE FOR YOUR FATHER!!!
By bob rutledge
April 5, 2006 11:40 AM | Link to this
TIGER IS THE GREATEST GOLFER IN THE WORLD ALONG WITH BEING A GENTLEMAN AND ONE OF THE GREATEST HUMANITARIANS ALSO. GOD BLESS TIGER AND HIS FAMILY ALONG WITH HIS FATHER IN THIS TIME OF NEED
By samiam
April 5, 2006 12:15 PM | Link to this
As for those that talk about Tiger’s mouth, you obviously haven’t attended a live Senior or regular PGA event. They (most of them) have foul mouths and slam the club. That’s called selective vision and hearing(seeing and hearing what you want to see and hear). They just show Tiger more because he’s the best. I guess, to give people something to be negative about. Jerry Kelly is the worst.
By calvin green
April 5, 2006 12:45 PM | Link to this
to bushwacker, this space is reserved for Tiger and his ailing father. Please save that idiotic vitriol for your local club. God Bless you and your father, Tiger.
By valerie
April 5, 2006 01:50 PM | Link to this
I had never been a fan of golf until the 1997 Masters watching Tiger Woods play. I have been in awe ever since. My prayers will be with the Woods family during this difficult time. It’s never easy watching a loved one suffer.
By Valerie
April 5, 2006 02:01 PM | Link to this
By: Valerie
Tiger, you,Earl and the rest of your family will be my prayers. Good luck to you this weekend Tiger, I’ll be rooting for you as always!
Prayerfully, Valerie
By C.L.
April 5, 2006 02:15 PM | Link to this
In a world that doesn’t always think highly of some men, particularly men of color, Mr. Earl Woods demonstrates what many of us quietly know about teaching our children how to strive for excellence in all of life’s matter. And, in a world that deals poorly with death and dying of our loved ones, wouldn’t it be ironic that the younger Mr. Woods teaches us the ultimate lesson of life. Mr. Earl Woods, I’ll be behind your son as I’ve been since he turned 16, and I hope you live to see a future grandchild.
By ATLien4Life!
April 5, 2006 02:19 PM | Link to this
Thanks, Earl. Thanks for putting a club in Tiger’s hand, and in turn putting one in mine. I’m an addict now, yet one who never gave golf a second thought until TW came along. I’m sure there are thousands if not millions more like me. You’ll be in my prayers and may you have a peaceful exit from this world you’ve touched in your own way.
Here’s a disturbing thought for the rest of the PGA: What if this ultimately makes Tiger better? He’ll soon be playing for his dad’s memory, and there are few stronger motivators.
By TW #1 fan
April 5, 2006 03:09 PM | Link to this
Tiger if you win, there won’t be a dry eye in the state of Georgia! Good luck and keep it in the short grass!!!
By AJ
April 5, 2006 03:56 PM | Link to this
Tiger — Your father, mother and you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless, comfort and encourage you all.
By Matthew
April 5, 2006 04:12 PM | Link to this
Earl Woods, from one vet to another, you are in my prayers. We have all been blessed by your existance. What you are suffering makes even my knee injuries insignificant.
I was a great golfer until I hurt my knees, now I can’t get any good distance on my drives.
By Rick
April 5, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this
A child is a reflection of his upbringing and Tiger Woods has obviously had great upbringing. Tiger is a class act in golf and in life. His tenacity and work ethic are only matched by his compassion and charity for his fellow human beings. Our prayers are with your Dad and your whole family.I get tired of hearing people argue about who is the best of all time. I admire Tiger Woods because he works so hard at his goals in golf and life. He is the best because he wants to be and he prepares to be the best. Good Luck Tiger.
By sue ellen
April 5, 2006 05:36 PM | Link to this
It sounds like all the comments are from males, mostly golfers. Let me say as a woman that Tiger is the kind of young man that every young woman wishes to have in her life and that every older woman would like for her son. His ability to commit to his game and to his family, while the whole world watches, is astounding. I don’t care if some don’t like his choice of words, I hear worse every day from people on the street, in stores, on their phones, everywhere. He is a golf player, not a role model. Parents are role models. It is obvious that Tiger had good ones. -Tiger, we know you have the strength and spirit to carry you through the toughest of days. We’ve seen it before. Peace to you.
By Mr. Slave
April 5, 2006 05:38 PM | Link to this
I find it sad that what should be the greatest time of his life, watching his son on the links as the greatest golfer of our generation, is not able to bask in it. He worked hard as a father and husband all his life and earned that right. It is terrible that cancer is taking that away from him. I will definately keep him and his family in my heart and prayers.
I agree that Tiger is a great golfer and he comes across as a nice guy who handles himself with class. What I don’t agree though is the painting of Tiger as a great humanitarian.
The definition of humanitarian is: One who is devoted to the promotion of human welfare and the advancement of social reforms. Well Tiger has not to my knowledge taken up the cause of human welfare or the advancement of social reforms. When I think of great athlete humanitarians I think of people like Arthur Ashe or Roberto Clemente.
Tiger Woods is more like Michael Jordan, one of the greatest of his sport and greatest of his era, yet has never taken on any humanitarian causes. Sure they both have donated money to charities, but has either one of them ever stood for a cause? Have they ever stated an opinion on any social issues they feel are unjust? I haven’t seen any.
The reason why is marketing and money. Them, their agents, or both realize that if they take any stands on any issues that matter, they risk alienating some fans which costs them money. Like a politician they ride the fence and avoid anything which could be percieved as an opinion which might upset someone.
This is not meant to say Tiger is a bad guy or Earl Woods did a bad job raising him. I am saying though that as great a golfer and guy Tiger is, he is not a humanitarian much less a great humanitarian.
When it comes down to it though, the dollar is more important to Tiger than any humanitarian cause.(Michael Jordan too).
By Claude
April 6, 2006 12:09 AM | Link to this
As an avid fan of Tiger,my thoughts and prayers are with him and his family during this critical time in his life. Tiger is a class guy who is truly focused on his profession and his life and this can be attributed to his upbringing by his parents.May God bless.
By Robin
April 7, 2006 02:09 AM | Link to this
Mr. Woods my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am praying that God’s will, will be done. Whatever he has in store for you whether it is to remain here on earth for another 20 years or to join him in heaven you have made this world a much better place for us all. You have given us Tiger. He is an excellent example of what great parents can teach you and how you can make a difference. May your time be peaceful and that you are surrounded by those that love you when the angels come to escort you home. We will continue to watch your son for you and help him to honor your memory. May God bless you and your family always.