Whether or not you’re a golf fan, the enormity of Tiger Woods is undeniable. He is the epitome of an athlete and a golfer’s golfer. What makes him stand out among other really terrific golfers (aside from the immortal feats he performs almost every time he tees it up) is the way in which he conducts himself. Golf is a game played under unique rules, namely, self governance (which is one reason I do love it so). It is a game of integrity and character and no one embodies that better than Tiger.
Take the most recent news. Tiger’s 2008 season is over because he will undergo another operation on his knee. Turns out he played and won the US Open on a stress fractured tibia, not to mention the sore knee from the operation immediately after the Masters. Oh, and he played against doctor’s advice. I can only assume that he really wanted to win at his ‘home’ course. Heroic? Yes. Incredible? Arguably. But with out a doubt, classy.
Instead of bemoaning his ailing knee and blaming some loose shots on his condition, he smiled sheepishly and said he just made some ‘bad swings’. At the time, it sounded pretty good, although I just know he had to be adversely affected by his knee. But, I shrugged it off and accepted what he said. After finding out that he played not only nursing the surgery-sore knee but a broken bone, I’m once again astounded by the character he displayed. Put yourself in Rocco Mediate’s spikes. Had Tiger blamed his poor performance on his condition, Rocco would have felt about two inches tall, knowing that perhaps the best five days of golf in his life still wasn’t good enough to beat a one-legged Tiger. The same could be said for Lee Westwood, and all the others who were a few shots away from the Monday finish.
Tiger’s consideration for his fellow competitors is what golf is all about. In what other game can you show utter respect for those trying to beat you while doing everything you can to beat them, including limping around a golf course for 91 holes. A lot of people belittle the game of golf for a host of reasons. The reaction to those people is best found in Tiger’s aforementioned sheepish smile.
BQP
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
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I think you are right. And that seems to be what this country, so mind bent on sports, needs to see. I would like to pay respect to Kobe Bryant, of L.A. Lakers notoriety. In a recent interview, before beginning the playoffs with the Celtics, he was asked about his road to fame and how he led the team to the playoffs as a team unifier and a leader. Interestingly enough, he reacted by not only turning down accepting the glory, but also concentrated on the teamwork that needed to be undertaken to win in the future. It wasn't just about him, he added in so many words, but it was about focusing on the work ahead the team needed to be recognizing to accomplish total victory. I am not heralding that both Bryant with Woods are of the same level, but it is a refreshing change when PROFESSIONAL athletes show their class and respect for the adoring public and recognize that it is not just about them, but the love of the game.
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