Fatherhood, PGA Tour style

WASHINGTON (Map, News) - Fourteen major championships is impressive. A victory at the U.S. Open with a torn ACL and a double-stress fracture is awe-inspiring.

But here’s what amazes PGA Tour veteran Chris Riley most about Tiger Woods: He won nine of 14 tournaments, including two majors, after becoming a father.

Want to know how difficult it is to have a family and stay competitive on the tour? Ask Riley, who has lost his tour card, but will play in the AT&T National this week at Congressional Country Club, thanks to an invitation from the tournament host, Woods. The two have been friends since competing as teens in Southern California.

After winning more than $6.6 million in a span of four years, Riley, 34, has not earned more than $500,000 in any of the last four years. Tracing the source of Riley’s slump was not difficult.

“It’s hard. It’s just tough leaving the house when you have kids,” said Riley. “I didn’t feel guilty. It was my job. But I’d get to a tournament and I really missed being home.”

Riley’s girls, Taylor, 4, and Rose, 2, and wife, former LPGA player Michelle Louviere, will join him this week. Last year at the AT&T, Riley tied for 19th, earning $70, 200. Since that tournament, he has won that much only once.

“People handle it differently. I haven’t dealt with it as well,” said Riley. “I’ve talked to some of the older pros — guys with children who are grown now — who have regrets, missing out on some important things when their children were younger.”

Also is town is Jim Furyk, who has two young children and has successfully balanced family and career, remaining in the top 10 on the money list the last three years.

“Eventually golf becomes a little more insignificant,” said Furyk. “Since I got married and have had kids, I’ve tried to juggle, where I am a good husband and a good father, but still paying attention to my game and playing golf. Down the road, you will see where golf isn’t as important to me.”

Golf’s most famous dad, however, is Woods. His daughter Sam Alexis, was front and center when Woods celebrated his U.S. Open victory on June 16. Two days later, she celebrated her first birthday.

“[Having Sam] made our life infinitely better,” said Woods, who had season-ending knee surgery Tuesday. “When Elin and I got married, it doesn’t even compare to the day Sam was born. It’s the greatest thing that ever happened in our lives. We want to do it again. I never knew what it meant to be a parent. All parents try to tell you these things, but unless you experience it, man, it’s just the greatest thing in the world.”

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