Thursday, the world’s premier golfer teed off in pursuit of another Master’s Championship, perhaps golf’s most prestigious prize. Tiger Woods returned to tournament golf, after an extended absence and personal struggle. He returns to the game at which he is an unquestioning master. I, for one, wish him well! And even should he not win, I hope that his preeminent place among golf’s elite will be re-established. He is undoubtedly the best golfer I’ve ever seen.
And as far as I’m concerned, Tiger owes me no apology for his totally personal failure. Whatever infidelity occurred in his marriage, his full and complete contrition and penance is due only to his wife, to his children, to his God and to himself. Those are the only ones he failed. I do not deify sports champions, the “American Idol,” Oscar, Emmy, Tony or any other such award winners, or any star personality who seem so adorable and worshipful to the American populace. All such over-exposed stars are fallible and flawed human beings. I might admire them for their talent or their expertise in a given field, but I never look to them for any moral or ethical guidance or revelation. I have the Lord Jesus for that! Tiger Woods plays a game. He plays it extremely well! That I admire and respect! But I expect nothing more from him. If he morally fails, he must make restitution to those whom he failed - not to me or to you.
This latest Nike commercial with the voice of his deceased father chastising an obviously remorseful Tiger is truly thoughtless and crass. Tiger doesn’t deserve a public branding with a scarlet letter on his forehead. Such public demonstrations of “shame on you” ceased with the Salem witch trials. If you don’t wish to buy what Tiger endorses don’t buy it. But he is making his amends to those to whom amends are due. The rest of us need to let them work out their struggle, and keep our corporate and curious noses out of their private business. And let the man play golf.
The only public figures who must apologize and hopefully resign over “moral failures” are political leaders. Senator Ensign, Governor Sanford, Michael Steele, and yes, even Bill Clinton sought our support by asking the public to “trust them.” When that public trust is failed, it is from the public that they must seek forgiveness; through confession, apology, and, if necessary, resignation. But Tiger never asked for the public’s trust. If anyone gave it to him, they are expecting far too much from a man who plays a game for a living, no matter how well he plays it. I’m a Tiger fan. He’s the best golfer around.
You go, Tiger! Me and my house are pulling for you. Don another green jacket!
In hopes of some honest reality and fairness...
Fr. Bob Layne (Episcopal Priest – retired)
McPherson, Kansas
