Tiger Woods, in a statement posted on his Web site Friday evening, said he is taking an "indefinite break" from professional golf.There was a rumor earlier that Woods' wife had given him an ultimatum: Golf or me! That would be a terrible mistake on many levels.
The announcement comes after several women have claimed affairs with Mr. Woods, following an early-morning one-car accident outside his Florida home two weeks ago in which he was injured.
Woods's Statement PGA Tour Web Site "I am deeply aware of the disappointment and hurt that my infidelity has caused to so many people, most of all my wife and children," Mr. Woods says in the statement.
"I want to say again to everyone that I am profoundly sorry and that I ask forgiveness. It may not be possible to repair the damage I've done, but I want to do my best to try.
"I would like to ask everyone, including my fans, the good people at my foundation, business partners, the PGA Tour, and my fellow competitors, for their understanding. What's most important now is that my family has the time, privacy, and safe haven we will need for personal healing," the statement says.
"After much soul searching, I have decided to take an indefinite break from professional golf. I need to focus my attention on being a better husband, father, and person."
Please understand, I'm not in any way excusing Tiger's behavior. It was reprehensible and he'll pay a much deserved price for his dallying around. However, quitting golf at this point in his life would not save his marriage or in any way benefit Tiger.
Some people are born to do certain things. Michael Jordon was born to play basketball. Mickey Mantle was born to play baseball. Rush Limbaugh was born to be a radio talk show host. Tiger was born to play golf and do it just about better than anybody.
I grew up in Orange County not far from where Tiger grew up, and I remember seeing stories in the local paper about a 3-year old golf phenom named Tiger Woods. As he grew up it was obvious that he was made for the game. It was his passion and he was gifted with the skills and inherent abilities that could be developed into the top player in the game.
He's won 14 Majors - just four shy of Jack Nicklaus - and there's every reason to suspect he could catch or surpass Jack in the remaining years of his career. Hopefully he'll get everything squared away at home and get his personal life back on track. When he does, he'll once again be the fearsome competitor we've all gotten to know, even though his image was carefully crafted to hide some personal flaws.
Family comes first and he needs to get that fixed if possible, but then it's time to return to his true calling - golf.
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3 comments:
Having made over a billion dollars playing golf, I think he could quit the game and live off his investments. He needs to be a husband and father rather than "playing around".
Nobody's perfect. Somebody should give him another chance. He's a great golfer and he had said his peace. Let's just hope that healing follows soon with his family.
Everyone make mistakes in life. Just have to move on
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