Sincerely Tiger?

Has there ever been a more anticipated press conference? When the embattled Tiger Woods finally stepped to the podium at TPC Sawgrass this past Friday morning, it had been nearly three months since he was last seen in public. Consider how your opinion of this one-of-a-kind sports icon had changed since the last time you saw him. From the penthouse to the outhouse is as apt a description as any.

That said, I thought Tiger did an excellent job in front of this handpicked group of media allies and close associates. He showed some emotion, some regret, some humility. He said he was sorry on a number of occasions, and appeared to really mean it. He seemed genuinely pained when he recounted how much his multiple affairs have cost him with his wife and family. At times his voice wavered a bit, but the cynics will note that the times he truly seemed the most disturbed was when he was blaming the media for putting his wife, mother and children through undeserved scrutiny. It seems that no matter what the circumstances, Tiger reserves his deepest emotions for defending his own turf, only in displaying his own self-righteousness does he truly come alive. Well, my opinion, anyway.

As avid golf fans, we regret the fact that his absence from the PGA Tour will continue into the indefinite future, as he continues to wrestle with these inner demons. But in the scheme of things, it’s more important for Woods to get his life on track before he attempts to get his game back on track. If the comeback to the game that made him rich and famous beyond all measure is to proceed, lets consider today to be the opening hole of the round. Most observers will say he made a solid par, even a birdie. But lets watch what transpires in the coming weeks and months, and see if Tiger can keep the ball in play, and build on this solid beginning. I don’t think anyone with a heart wants to see him drive one out-of-bounds, or otherwise blow up after this promising start.

What did you think of Tiger’s press conference? Let us know what you think by post a comment below.

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Tiger vs The Media (rated R)

There are two words that separate Tiger Woods from every other golfer who has ever swung a club in the hopes of glory. No, the words aren’t “abundant talent.” Nor are they “colossal riches,” “intimidation factor” or “unwavering concentration.” The words that separate Woods from all the rest are “intense scrutiny.”

Tell me this: Why is John F. Kennedy considered a prince, and Bill Clinton a punch line? Intense scrutiny.

Why did the untimely death of Michael Jackson become the biggest entertainment story of the decade, while the untimely death of John Lennon, a tragedy similar in scope, was not nearly as big a hullabaloo? Intense scrutiny.

This is not an attempt to defend, apologize or excuse the rotten behavior of Tiger Woods. He has done permanent damage to his reputation, and no matter how he rebounds on the golf course in the years to come, no matter how many more Majors he wins, and impossible shots he pulls off, he will never be looked upon in the same way he was a week or so ago. And though his demise in popularity is nobody’s fault but his own, it was brought about so dramatically, so quickly, due to the intense scrutiny, that he and he alone, is constantly under.

Before these alleged infidelities became known, Tiger’s biggest faults were his on-course swearing and occasional club-tossing, and by the way, how much do you think he longs for those Good Old Days? Is he the only PGA Tour player flinging a club or muttering under his breath? Absolutely not. So why does he get singled out? The same two words as before: Intense scrutiny. The camera never leaves him.

In the bigger picture, has he been the only Tour superstar out “catting around”? (Pun intended.) Absolutely not. Not naming names, and thankfully I don’t have first-hand knowledge of such, but back in the days when President Kennedy was messing around with Marilyn Monroe, one of the world’s most popular (and married-with-children) golfers was notorious for spending more time in the sack then the sand. This was back when Elvis was famous for singing “You Ain’t Nothing But a Hound Dog,” and he might have dedicated the song to this world-famous golfer. But back then, there was only CBS, NBC, and a young network upstart called ABC. Back then, sportswriters were famous for “looking the other way,” and protecting their heroes. There was no ESPN, ESPN 2, TMZ, CNN, MSNBC, the internet, and a quick-to-condemn blogosphere.

Woods really and truly screwed up, there is no doubt. But his fall from grace, from Tiger to “Lion Cheetah,” is due in some part to the intense scrutiny that he, and he alone, is constantly under.

Do you agree that the media is somewhat to blame in this situation? Please send me your response, I’m curious to find out what you think.

This is so shocking about Tiger…..

How quickly we can switch out those mammals in our minds. For 15 years, he’s been nothing less than a Tiger, and a better, more appropriate nickname you could never find. But all it takes is a couple of days, and some pretty serious charges from a cross-section of Pussycats, and depending who you ask, Tiger has become a Dog, perhaps a Wolf, and very likely in the mind of his angry wife, a “Lion Cheetah.”

It’s a story as old as time, but not exactly hard to understand. How surprised can we be when a handsome superstar, one of the most famous people in the world, built like Spiderman, rich beyond measure and almost universally admired, decides to reap the spoils of his position?

We can moralize until the Masters, but take 60 seconds and try to imagine Tiger’s world. Everywhere you go you are the center of attention, the guy who literally stops traffic. And for every middle-aged golfer or excited pre-teen who wants a moment of your time, there is a serious “hottie” checking you out from stem to buffed stern, eyes shining, with a wink and a smile at the ready. As the wise man once said, if you’re offered dessert after every single meal, eventually your restraint is going to fail you.

I’m not apologizing for, or excusing Tiger’s turn to Wolf, just trying to explain it. He is just the latest and among the most celebrated in a long line of famous, powerful men from all walks of life who couldn’t resist the temptations constantly coming his way.
I have long admired Tiger’s incredible work ethic, devotion to his craft, punishing fitness routine. For many years he’s been among the most disciplined humans on the planet. But as we’ve come to find out in recent days, nobody can be that disciplined, 24/7.

So here’s my question: Do you think Tiger’s Troubles are going to affect his career in any way? It’s obvious he will lose some fan support, I would think from women in particular. Will his corporate sponsors stay with him? Most importantly, will his legendary powers of concentration allow him to block out the distractions (not to mention the wise-guys in the gallery) once he gets back on the course? Or will this sorry episode mark the beginning of the end of his PGA Tour dominance? Send me your thoughts—I’m curious to find out what everybody thinks.

The Inventions They Come Up With…Useful or Useless?

Technology is definitely amazing. There are nifty little inventions for virtually anything imaginable, including golf.

Not all golf gadgets are a waste of money, but there plenty that are. You just need to be able to tell the difference and this shouldn’t be difficult for you to do at all.

You need to understand one thing. No gadget or invention is going to make you a better golfer. There’s no magical wand that can be waved above your head. It’s the same for golf gadgets… no high-tech piece of equipment that will make you a better golfer. This comes from practice, lessons and more practice.

But….

There are some cool gadgets that’ll guide you through your practice with ease. Helping you become a better golfer, and you may even look good too. How?

Increasing the actual time you have to practice. Just look at this gadget,

The automatic ball return. At first you may be thinking this is just a lazy golfers dream.

Wrong!

Practicing your short game on the green with this little gadget gives you more time to practice and less time collecting the balls. It’s a smart invention that helps add more time to improve your game.

Forbes has named 10 golf gadgets with having the ability to help improve your game.

Just look at some of them,

The SkyGolf SkyCaddie SG5 Hero GPS, now this isn’t your normal GPS system. It’s specifically designed for golf courses. It gives you location information, advice on distance and angle. This gives you a huge advantage. This is strictly for playing with the guys and practice. It’s prohibited in tournaments.

That just shows how powerful it can be at improving your game.

TaylorMade Rossa Itsy Bitsy Spider Putter has been featured in Golf Digest. This putter helps to tap into your performance…it aims for you. The high-tech design makes you look good.

These two golf gadgets alone are a perfect addition to your golf game. Incorporate them into your practice and see what happens to your game. If your able to afford some of them they are worth getting…but if you can’t it’s not going to destroy your game.

Payne Stewart and Father’s Day

Nyle Pruitt here from www.performaxgolf.com.

With Father’s Day right around the corner, I’d like
to take a step back and
talk about something other than 350 yard power drives.

(Don’t worry I’m not trying to sell you anything.)

In just a couple of weeks the 2009 US open will come
to a close. Regardless of who wins, I know I will not
be alone when my memory drifts back 10 years
in time to recall one of the greats and winner of the
1999 US Open…

Payne Stewart.

Man, was he at the top of his game in ‘99.

With an Open win and place on the coveted winning
US Ryder Cup team, people were watching Payne.
He became known for many things, from his golf game
and clothing choices to his enormous heart and unwavering
devotion to family.

Many of you know that the year unfortunately ended in
tragedy when Payne was killed in plane crash on
October 25, 1999.

Now, 10 years later, Payne is fondly remembered.
Yes for his accomplishments on the course, but mostly
for his many, many accomplishments off the course.

Those closest to him described him as a devoted husband
and a loving father.

Unfortunately, one of the greatest tragedies of this
story is the loss suffered by his loving wife, Tracey,
and two beautiful children, Chelsea and Aaron.

You can read more about this amazing man in his
wife’s stunning biography. “Payne Stewart”
The authorized biography by Tracey
Stewart and Ken Abraham.
It talks about their life and time together as
well as some of his antics on and off the links:

So, why am I telling you this?

I believe it’s not only about what happens on the
golf course that makes you smile and shapes your life,
but the relationships you share because of it.

As Father’s day approaches I want to ask a
favor… not for me, but for you and your family.

Please try to…

…Be a better son – spend time with your Dad.

…Hug your kids and be a great father.

…Show your wife how much she means to you by
picking up your dirty socks and stinky underwear.

There are so many ways we can create “magic moments”
in both our lives and the lives of those we hold dear.

In fact, I’d love to hear how golf has had an impact
on your life. Have you shared a special moment with
your Dad, your kids or even your spouse?

Please post a comment here on our blog.

We’ll be giving one lucky winner a copy of my
www.performaxgolf.com DVD just in time for Father’s Day.
(And yes will even ship it to you or your Dad.)

To better relationships

 

 

Nyle Pruitt

 

PS. Payne Stewart’s authorized biography would
make a great gift for Father’s day….plus it’s a great read!

You can get it from Amazon. Here’s the link: Amazon’s Payne Stewart.