JACK'S RECORD IS SAFE!
Ohhhhhh Tiger. I think it is safe to say Mr. Woods game is in complete shambles! This is a great example on how your personal life can destroy your professional life regardless of how talented, focused and disciplined we think we are. If any of you out there have been through tough times then I’m sure you can relate to Tiger and his family. At this time, playing or practicing golf is no longer first in Tiger’s life. In fact, it’s probably very low on his list of priorities.
Just think about what Tiger has already gone through and still has yet to go through. A divorce is looming in the near future and it’s speculated that Tiger will pay over $750 million to Elin and rumored that she’s taking the kids to Sweden for part of the year. Tiger has lost his family, 60% of his endorsements/income, respect of his friends, family and colleagues. His golf game is virtually gone, Haney jumped off the boat as it was sinking, he is a recovering sex addict and unable to have relations do to the media hounding his every move not to mention ex-mistresses signing book deals and slamming him in every way possible. It’s simple amazing that he was able to compete at all … never mind that he actually finished in the top 10 in two majors this year.
As bad as Tiger’s infidelity and lack of discretion that ultimately lead to his downfall were … his lawyers and/or press agents (Mark Steinberg I’m sure) have been WORSE in how they chose to deal with this the entire situation. They should all be sent to the lions. Their “shhhhhhhhhhhhhh” … the public will forget all about this if we remain quiet strategy was utterly ridiculous. Tiger should have just come out and admitted to everything and asked for forgiveness. The American public is willing to forgive it’s sports stars it they just take ownership of their faults and are sincere when asking us for forgiveness. If athletes are honest and sincere then we can look at them and say, “Hey the guy is only human… he is just like the rest of us … he made a mistake”.
If this approach wasn’t bad enough … then the Nike commercial using Earl Woods voice that aired at the Master’s was a complete disaster! Are you kidding me … who came up with that idea? And how lowly is Nike, saying it doesn’t care about Tiger’s personal life … it only cares about his performance on the golf course. Nothing like throwing a little gas on the fire!! Nike’s approach/attitude to Tiger’s situation has caused me to stop buying ANY of their products.
After watching Tiger play this weekend I’m forced to conclude that Jack Nicklaus’s record of 18 majors will “NOT” be broken by Tiger…EVER! By the time his life is straightened out (if ever) 2-4yrs will have past. During this recovery period I doubt that he will be able to play like the old Tiger. Why? He will now have to sacrifice his valuable practice time in order to see and spend time with his two kids. Meanwhile, there are young studs like Justin Rose, Rory McIlroy, Ricky Fowler and Edwardo Molinari that continue to get better and close the talent gap. Every week it seems like we are watching someone shoot 59 now and hell we even had a 17yr old shoot 57!!! Talent gap? I’m sorry, but the gap is gone now and the Tiger’s biggest advantage of intimidation is completely gone as well. It’s the nature of sports to have younger, stronger, faster more mentally disciplined athletes come along and surpass their heroes. We are seeing it unfold now, so let’s open our eyes up and realize this monumental turning point in golf history.
I’m a huge fan of talent and Tiger’s got tons, but It would be beyond superhuman to return to his old ways. My rant is done and I would like to wish Elin, the kids and Tiger all the future happiness possible as no family should ever have to endure such a public thrashing. Be well and let’s all strive for a balanced healthy life.
Cheers,
Jon Cote, Golf Professional/Owner
Jon Cote Golf llc
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