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Tom Watson tees off on Tiger Woods: 'He needs to show some humility to the public'

Jan 29, 2010, 10:00 AM EDT

259 Comments

Opinions on Tiger Woods come cheaply these days; who doesn’t have a take on this mess? His peers on the PGA Tour have been less chatty, however; and those who have ventured a few syllables have shown general solidarity. But no one figured on the venerable Tom Watson, unlikely second-place finisher at the 2009 British Open despite being 59; which is older than many trees. When asked when he thought Tiger would return to golf, Watson could have taken a mulligan. Instead, he took a couple of swipes at the world’s favorite tabloid sensation, admonishing Woods for a variety of misbehaviors. And suddenly a coma-inducing interview turned interesting.
Video following the jump.


Watson talked with NBC affiliate KSHB-TV from his home in Kansas City, and toward the end of the interview was asked when he thought Tiger would return to the links.

“He will be back at some point this year. But it’s really up to Tiger to get his personal life in order, and his golf is really secondary. It’s bad for our game. It’s something he needs to get control of and a handle on and make some amends and show some humility to the public when he comes back.

“His swearing and his club throwing, that should end. That’s not part of what we want to project as far as the professional golf tour is concerned.”

Here’s a link to the rather lengthy video interview with Watson. Scroll to the 18:50 mark for the Tiger comments.

Here’s a shorter version.
Of course its debatable that Tiger’s actions — both on and off the course — have been “bad for golf.” I have a feeling that, if and when he comes back, attendance and television ratings will go through the roof. Watson should have said “bad for golf’s image,” I suppose. Hey, when you’re nearly 60, self censorship isn’t that important. Agree with him or not, it’s refreshing to hear someone say what he’s really thinking.
***
Tom Watson Chides Tiger For Scandal, Swearing [SportsbyBrooks]
Tom Watson expects better from Tiger [The Golf Channel]

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259 Comments (Feed for Comments)
  1. NoCalAl - Jan 29, 2010 at 10:44 AM

    Is pleasing the Fifth sucking it down straight out of the bottle?

  2. Canopy - Jan 29, 2010 at 12:02 PM

    I love when people reprimand who don’t have their own personal affairs in order. To bring up swearing and throwing clubs is childish. It wasn’t an issue before so it shouldn’t be now.

  3. Gene - Jan 29, 2010 at 12:05 PM

    He should have more of an opinion on Mickelson whose been accused on cheating although given the current rules his clubs are legal.
    “Mickelson conceded at a Wednesday press conference that while he knew the Eye 2 clubs didn’t conform to the new rules, they nonetheless were legal, and that was good enough for him: “All that matters is it’s OK under the rules of golf.”

  4. Jim - Jan 29, 2010 at 12:20 PM

    What B.S. are the rules of golf in regards to the grooves. It is really a shame how everyone has to adhere to the new standards, unless you happen to have the old Ping I-2′s. What kind of B.S. is that?

  5. lee - Jan 29, 2010 at 12:24 PM

    First, I am a Tiger fan (still is and will always be).
    Watson thinks he is “holier than thou,” just like the rest who CRUCIFIED Tiger for his infidelity.
    For Watson to call out on Tiger for Tiger’s indiscretion is HYPROCICY in its highlest level. Did Watson forget that he himself, while married, had an affair with another golfer’s wife (which led to his divorce) according to one blogger? Yes, Tiger screwed up a lot floosies, but not a married woman who happens to be another golfer’s wife, which Mr. Watson did. Yes, it still doesn’t justify what Tiger did and Tiger really screwed up BIG TIME!
    But that is the big difference between Tiger screwing up and Watson (et al.) screwing up. But because Tiger is the MOST FAMOUS ATHLETE (and Watson only known as a senior golfer with very little accomplishment), there is so much brouhaha about this and some of his peers don’t have the decency to STAY OUT of Tiger’s personal business but instead are taking a stab at him.
    After all is said and done, what Tiger did is WRONG and he is paying for it now. But for all those “HOLIER THAN THOU” golfers like Watson, Parnevik, Mahan, Ogilvie, et al. (as well as others), please make sure you don’t have a skeleton in your own closet before you take a stab at Tiger. Because in this age of Google and savvy media, every skeleton you have will come out in the open (it happened to the once most powerful man like President Clinton, presidential candidate Edwards, Senators and now Tiger Woods). EVERYONE IS FAIR GAME!

  6. nofanoftiger - Jan 29, 2010 at 12:24 PM

    I think what Tom Watson is doing is protecting the history and respect that he has for the game. I’m older than Watson and when I was being taught the game I was also taught the tradition and history of golf. Watching the greats of the game as I was growing up I rarely saw displays of temper and certainly never heard swearing. Tiger seems to have no respect for the game at all, it’s all about winning. He plays what I call “full contact golf” and the trouble with that is that every young guy than I play with now plays the same way. Drop a 3 foot putt and the Tiger pose and yell are on display. I miss the days of a “quiet walk in the park”. And because of Tiger I rarely watch golf on TV, unless he’s not playing.

  7. Lucky - Jan 29, 2010 at 12:27 PM

    I’m glad one the game’s greatest has come forward with an honest opinion. I’m still pissed at Tiger for living a lie and at myself for thinking he was better than the rest. Now I guess many will welcome him back because he’s “so human” like John Daily. If so, then I’ll put him in that category instead of alongside Arnie, Jack, Gary, and Tom, where he easily belonged until the real Tiger stepped forward. Thanks for not buying into crap Tom.

  8. Longbow - Jan 29, 2010 at 12:27 PM

    “I love when people reprimand who don’t have their own personal affairs in order.”
    Let’s see, I thought this was commentary concerning Tom Watson’s take on Tiger Woods. If so, then the above quote is “childish” as Tom Watson is one of the finest sportsmen in the game of professional golf.

  9. Lucky - Jan 29, 2010 at 12:35 PM

    (and Watson only known as a senior golfer with very little accomplishment),
    Uh, I believe he’s won 8 majors including 5 British Opens and 2 Masters. He’s very credible and has every right as a senior representative of the PGA tour and one who helped build it, to suggest to Tiger to show some humility.

  10. Andre - Jan 29, 2010 at 12:39 PM

    u probably think blacks should still be sitting in the back of the bus too, i bet.

  11. Wayne Ripel - Jan 29, 2010 at 12:40 PM

    I find it particularly distressing that you consistently bring up your own agendas in your posts. This article is about Watson’s comments on Tiger Woods; not about Michelson or square grooves or anything else. Secondly, Tom Watson, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer are probably golf’s greatest ambasadors. They love the game, they love to compete and when someone disparages their pasion for the game, they respond. Tom Watson’s life is in order, he has been nothing but a positive influence on the game for 30 odd years and he continues to be one of the great men of the game.
    Tiger is arguably the best to ever play the game. However, his conduct off the course has definitely hurt the game and the PGA. I agree with Tom that Tiger should make amends for that and I believe that he will, but it will take time.
    Don’t demonize Watson for giving his opinion. He has earned his respect with his play as a pro and Tiger would do well to listen to him and others who might not be so vocal, but certainly feel the same way.

  12. Dan - Jan 29, 2010 at 12:48 PM

    In response to lee saying Watson is only Known as a senior golfer with very little accomplishment, what game is he talking about?
    Tom Watson has won eight major tournaments,thirty nine total PGA tounaments,was ranked #1 in the world from 1978 to 1982,won the money title five times, and has won 13 champions titles. I could go on but why? I think Mr. Watson has earned the right to express his opinion about the good of the game.

  13. BTop - Jan 29, 2010 at 12:53 PM

    You must be kidding right!!! History of a game that didn’t let Blacks or any non-white play the game!!!! Please do not bring up this up, because if they are turning over in their graves knowing that a BLACK MAN is going down as the BEST GOLFER PERIOD.
    I hate it when people say need to protect the history of the game…

  14. Mom1010 - Jan 29, 2010 at 12:56 PM

    And who is Watson? Why would anyone care about all this, especially his opinion ?

  15. Wayne Ripel - Jan 29, 2010 at 12:57 PM

    Watson also won the U.S. Open and was rated #1 in the world golf rankins for 6 straight years in the middle 80s. Watson one two of his majors at the expense of Jack Nicklaus. I agree with you, Lucky, Watson is just the person to have said what he said and Tiger should heed his advice. As to the clown who indicated that Watson was unaccomplished, the guy needs to take a mulligan.

  16. nofanoftiger - Jan 29, 2010 at 12:59 PM

    Refers to Andre’s comment “u probably think blacks should still be sitting in the back of the bus too, i bet.”
    When did this become a black issue? I’m no fan of Tiger as a golfer, couldn’t care less about his colour.

  17. Leprechaun1230 - Jan 29, 2010 at 12:59 PM

    Maybe people will someday realize that athletes, in any sport, are just people that can throw, catch, hit or kick a freaking ball better than the rest of us. One trick wonders.
    Steroids, drugs, booze and infidelity are character flaws in any/all sports. To expect any more from these high profile people is just silly.
    It seems NONE of them seem to realize they have the best jobs in the world, and abuse the “privilege” their alleged super star status has given them.
    Get over it already. These are just humans, just like the rest of us. Stop making them idols and heroes and none of us will be disappointed with anything they do.

  18. Say What - Jan 29, 2010 at 1:00 PM

    Lee – me thinks you don’t have much of a historical perspective on golf. While no fan of Watson’s – to say that he is known only as a senior golfer with little accomplishment is to ignore history. According to the records, Watson has won 8 majors (6th place all-time) – ahead of such names as Palmer, Snead, Trevino, Norman, Ballesteros, Faldo… As to Tiger’s indiscretions – I agree, it is Tiger’s business, but Watson has earned the right to comment on the impact to the game of Tiger’s less than gentlemanly conduct between the ropes.

  19. nofanofgolf - Jan 29, 2010 at 1:03 PM

    Again – couldn’t care less about Tiger’s skin colour. The history of the game is it’s a genntleman’s game played with very strict rules that are adhered (for the most part). I can’t control that people over time did not allow others to play the game. As far as I can tell there is no rule in golf that says “whites only” Get over yourself already.

  20. Leprechaun1230 - Jan 29, 2010 at 1:04 PM

    Maybe people will someday realize that athletes, in any sport, are just people that can throw, catch, hit or kick a freaking ball better than the rest of us. One trick wonders.
    Steroids, drugs, booze and infidelity are character flaws in any/all sports. To expect any more from these high profile people is just silly.
    It seems NONE of them seem to realize they have the best jobs in the world, and abuse the “privilege” their alleged super star status has given them.
    Get over it already. These are just humans, just like the rest of us. Stop making them idols and heroes and none of us will be disappointed with anything they do.

  21. Shanta - Jan 29, 2010 at 1:05 PM

    Here’s the problem Lucky. You don’t know him. Do you. So, how can you say that he was “living a Lie”? He has his own life to live and his own cross to bare. He’s a golfer, not the Pope.

  22. Dan - Jan 29, 2010 at 1:07 PM

    I wish everyone would move on. This is not our issue nor our business. AND there is not one of us that isnt guilty of at least something that others might find appalling. Mind your own business…..Tiger’s shortfalls don’t take away from yours and certainly you don’t become a better person for judging him and pounding on him relentlessly.
    Tiger, its too bad so many people are haters and judgemental. Deal with your issues, your way, and I look forward to seeing you golfing again……afterall that’s the only thing I should care about since I don’t know you or your beliefs or anything for that matter.

  23. Wayne Ripel - Jan 29, 2010 at 1:11 PM

    To Mom1010
    Go Back to sleep deary. You obviously don’t play golf, don’t watch it on tv and probably are not over the age of 13. Before you show your ignorance, might try brushing up on your history, or maybe your really don’t care and then my question is why waste your time with a meaningless post.
    To BTop
    It seems that you made this a black and white issue. However, your comments are applicable to not only golf, but about life in the United States and that is a sad commentary. I acknowledge that Tiger Woods at some point could be the greatest professional golfer in history, but he is not there, yet and if he does not get his act together, he may not make. Life on the tour will be much different when he returns. My bet is that he will be heckled unmercifly until he starts to will again and that can have a huge impact on his game. So, before you put him ahead of Bobby Jones and Jack Nicklaus, why not see how it plays out. Talk is cheap, but results pay the pipper.

  24. Ward - Jan 29, 2010 at 1:13 PM

    Tom Watson has every right to express his opinion whether you agree with it or not. Who do you think is responsible for setting the stage for Tiger’s success? Extraordinary golfers like Watson, Palmer and Nicklaus to name a few. To this day they continue to promote the game and do it with class and dignity. Tiger needs to suck it up, come clean and apologize to those people who once held him in such high regard. Only he can resolve the mess he’s created.

  25. lee - Jan 29, 2010 at 1:14 PM

    Watson’s wins were considered an “accomplishment” in the 19th CENTURY. This is the 21st Century and his 8 Majors doesn’t mean much in the TIGER era.
    Watson is NOT in Jack or Arnie’s league!!! Watson was NEVER mentioned by sports writes whenever they write about the greatest golfers of our time, NEVER! Watson won a few (8) majors and to put him in the same category as Jack or Arnie is an INSULT in the highest form! Michelson, Els, Garcia can win 8 to 10 majors each in the Tiger era, but they will NEVER be considered to be in Tiger’s league, NEVER!
    So Watson was considered Number 1 for 4 years? I don’t think that is something to brag about next to Tiger’s record. And so after 4 years Watson went into OBLIVION. I think Watson should stay put in the SENIOR TOUR – that’s where he belongs – BORING!!!

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