This is his first salvo. Perhaps it signals an end to the reports of transgressions, perhaps not. Perhaps it means we wont care as much about future reports of transgressions. That might be the intent. This is a media circus folks, to understand it you must think like they do. Any browser getting Tiger hits is increasing market share and selling ads, finally, after a long cold summer. Tiger is fighting back Kung Fu style, using their own power against them. He is using their medium to communicate his own message. One that is as sensational or hopefuly more so than theirs. He is trying to take control.

Is he sincere? Yes, he will be out "indefineatly". Whatever that means. I'd like to announce that I too will also be out indefineatly, until the snow melts, whenever that is. The court of public opinion is hearing its first submission from the defense. Is it pathetic? We all remember Tigers "winces" afterall. That is up to the individual viewer to decide.

Stay tuned. Cause thats what they really want us to do. Until it gets boring and they move on to something else.

Jeez do I sound jaded? Its not like I believe in conspricacy theories or anything. "Just follow the money". "Rosebud". "Foreget it Jake this is Chinatown". "Im mad as hell and Im not going to take it anymore". Perhaps we've been here before but we just dont realize it yet.

Hopefully this gets boring really quickly.

The Comeback Kid
 

Tiger's statement is as contrite as it is succinct. A world-class 'mea culpa' with only the "I" word -- Infidelity -- serving as chum for an insatiable media and its public. We who care can only hope it is sincere and not just "the best money can buy".

My guess is he will bypass the first eleven tournaments of the year (including two WGC events) and, with two weeks remaining before The Masters, defend at Bay Hill. Penance done, we will witness the hometown 'Welcome back, Tiger' in a heartfelt moment of absolution with The King -- The People's Choice -- Arnie.

Perhaps just a warm handshake.

More likely, the handshake and a respectful armhold.

Maybe even the armhold followed by a hug.

For better or for worse, it will be the most anticipated sports photo-op of the year, if not the decade.

All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players:
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts . . .

-- Shakespeare
As You Like It

:salut:

ahh...its just a smokescreen cause Tiger needs some extra time after getting wiped by Phil the last two tourneys they played in (Tour Championship and HSBC)

OMG, you guys are good!!!!!!!!!!! Way ahead of my naivete. I've been played so much this past week I feel like a worn deck of cards.

Domino One
 

This just in from The Wall Street Journal News Alerts:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1260...=djemalertNEWS

Here we learn that Accenture -- whose full-wall Tiger ads decorate every airport concourse I enter in this country and abroad -- has removed his photo from their web page, on which it appeared as recently as yesterday. No comment from either camp.

The wagons circle . . .

From the PGA TOUR:

"We fully support Tiger's decision to step away from competitive golf to focus on his family. His priorities are where they need to be, and we will continue to respect and honor his family's request for privacy. We look forward to Tiger's return to the PGA TOUR when he determines the time is right for him."

From his agent, Mark Steinberg:

"As his agent and friend, I stand fully behind Tiger and support his decision wholeheartedly. What Tiger and his family need now is time away and private space so that they can recover from all that’s happened and try to restore some well-being to their lives.

The entirety of someone’s life is more important than just a professional career. What matters most is a young family that is trying to cope with difficult life issues in a secluded and caring way. Whenever Tiger may return to the game should be on the family’s terms alone.

Although there has been considerable inquiry about Tiger’s sponsorships, it would be both premature and inappropriate to comment on the status of specific business relationships. Suffice it to say, we have had thoughtful conversations and his sponsors have been open to a solution-oriented dialogue. Of course, each sponsor has unique considerations and ultimately the decisions they make we would fully understand and accept."

Building on the 'shoulders of giants', Tiger singlehandedly has been responsible for the most dramatic surge in public golf interest and professional golf earnings in the history of the game. His untimely moral demise has epic financial consequences for an already economically-besieged industry.

Golf is bigger than Tiger, no question.

But, for the moment, it's 'batten down the hatches' for the PGA TOUR, television networks, tournament sponsors, Wall Street advertisers and last, but certainly not least, Tiger Woods Enterprises.

It will take some time, but barring an unforegiveable transgression, it will pass as all things do. But we will remember.

Time Heals
 

Assuming Tiger makes a world class execution as we all hope the fallen hero does, he will emerge in 18 months with his stained garments sufficiently cleaned for the general public. (Disregard any Presidential references).

Kudos to the handlers because moral issues aside, the sport can't afford to lose him.

I wouldn't want to be in his shoes for a billion dollars.

I can't go to SC no more dude to an "accident" at the sewage treatment plant . . . my ole lady is from NC . . . just 2 toofus short of a full set too . . .

Are you guys thinking what I'm thinking?

With Tiger out, it's a perfect time for Gay, Williamson, and Lancaster to kick some a**. LBG can rule the world! :)

:golf:

Kevin

guys why exactly did tiger leave butch harmon and join up with hank?

was it different opinions or $$ or something else.i know someone here knows the truth.

the reason why i'm asking is because while he was with butch everything was falling into place nicely and why try to fix something when its not broken as ben johnson the canadian track stars coach would say!