In an interview with a Kansas City television, Tom Watson gave Tiger Woods his two cents and more.
Watson called Woods' sex scandal in which he admitted infidelity in his marriage to Elin Nordegren "bad for our game."
Watson, a Kansas City native, told NBC affiliate KSHB-TV in an interview that aired Friday that he believes Woods will return to the PGA Tour after a self-imposed leave of absence "probably this year."
"His golf is really secondary at this point," Watson said. "From his standpoint and his family's standpoint, it's something he needs to get control of ... and make some amends and show some humility to the public when he comes back."
Normally soft-spoken about other golfers, Watson attacked Woods for his on-course demeanor. Woods has had several outbursts, including cursing and throwing clubs in his 14 years on the Tour.
"His swearing and his club-throwing, that should end," Watson added. "That's not part of what we want to project as far as the professional golf tour is concerned."
Watson, who lost a four-hole playoff at age 59 to Stewart Cink in a remarkable British Open last summer, is an eight-time winner of golf's major events. He's also a graduate of Stanford University, the same school Woods attended before turning pro in 1996.
Watson was honored with Bob Jones Award in 1987, a major honor given by the United States Golf Association for distinguished sportsmanship in golf. He also resigned from the Kansas City Country Club in 1991 to protest club policy to ban Jews and minorities. KCCC was the same club where Watson learned the game of golf. He rejoined the club when KCCC decided to allow Jews and minorities to become members.
The Tiger Woods quotes in the TV interview are well into the 24-minute video posted on the KSHB Web site (at about the 18:50 mark).
Comments
Tom, you are pure class. It is refreshing to read your comments. I was certainly heartbroken at the conclusion of the Open Championship, but the way you handled it was class all the way.
Tom, thanks for the flashback to what it means to be a "Class Act". I'm pushing your age (late 50's) and having played Golf for my college team I've grown up in the age of the major 3, Palmer, Nicklaus and Watson. Most sports celebs from Palmer to Unitas to Mantle had their share of feminine "treats" to pick and choose from in their hay-day. But one thing is different, they didn't tout it, they didn't shove their "benefits" in the faces of their fans and their wives for that matter. If Tiger was a real "class act" he'd walk right up to the microphone carrying sportscaster and say to the world,... "I've "Jumped the Shark". When it comes to my fame and position, I've taken advantage of women, disgraced my wife & kids, and deceived my fans. To my wife, my fans, to the game of Golf, and my opponents, "I am truly sorry", I am going to work on my life to make it better, that's all I have to say.....The walk up to the first tee and smack it down the fairway. That's how you show real class.
Tom,
You are way out of line. I am not condoning what Tiger has done, but to think your prehistoric days are what golf is all about now is dead wrong. In your day, and now, you had the reputation of being arrogant and downright rude. The day of the "golf clap" is gone. You should be thanking the emergence of Tiger Woods for how it has helped golf reach new heights and brought in new fans. What he did wasn't right but far be it for you to assume the holier than thoug stance.
I Wonder how many of the Golf gang can say that he and maybe she is so clean and holy to to have the right to condem Tiger I do not agre with what he did but I know that most of the self proclaim HOLY THAN TOU have some skeletons in their closet but they have not been caught yet, leave the guy alone and when he cames back and start beating your buts again tell him to go and get involved with another girl so you guys have a chance to win.
I totally agree with Tom Watson's comments about Tiger Woods. Tiger Woods seems to be a man with very serious issues. Rehab will not work for Tiger unless he takes it seriously and not as a mean to get what he wants from his wife, sponsors and fans. Tiger’s recovery could take years and only time will tell if he is truly committed to change. I hope he does because he has caused his family enough pain and suffering already.
Watson a class act? They should ask him about his own history of cheating on his wife. Watson also says that people give racism a bad name. That comment right there lets you know this hypocrites true agenda against Tiger.
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