Part of your profile page on Golfstinks.com is to list your dream foursome – who you would most want to play golf with. I’ve gotta say, many of you include Tiger Woods in your group.
I mean I get it, the guy is good and somewhat legendary now too. And despite his off-course licentiousness, he will probably still go down as one of the greatest golfers to ever walk the fairway.
But I wouldn’t play one round with him.
First things first – this has nothing to do with the fact that he’s a tremendouly better golfer than I am. I’ve come to terms with the fact that I stink, so it doesn’t matter to me if you’re a 2 handicap or scratch (or Tiger). I’m not intimidated…I just enjoy playing my own game.
The reason why I wouldn’t play golf with Tiger is he takes the game way too seriously. Now I know what you’re thinking: “But that’s his job – he needs to take it seriously.” Of course it’s his job and he should take it serious…but he doesn’t have to act like an ass.
For example, I’m watching The Open Championship this past weekend and he’s out there acting like a fool. Telling people who are 15 feet behind him to move further because their shadow might be in his peripheral vision. He’s dropping F-bombs on the tee; shouting “God Almighty” after hitting a shot into a bunker; getting pissed at himself for not living up to his expectations. What a bunch of stress that is.
He could be gracious, you know – Take things in stride. It shouldn’t matter that a bunch of money is on the line. So you hit one into the bunker, big deal – go get up an down. And guess what – he actually holed-out from that bunker – see, why did he get so upset in the first place?
I’ve posted about people like this before – those that get angry on the course and put a damper on things. Maybe Tiger isn’t affecting his playing partner’s game, but he’s on TV looking like a pompous ass riding his emotional roller coaster.
Those emotional displays can’t be good for people new to the game either. If I were a golf newbie, I would think: “Wow, if one of the world’s best gets that upset, I’m going to be miserable playing this game!”
But let’s get back to my original statement – that I wouldn’t play golf with him. I can understand those of you who would jump at the chance to tee-it-up with Tiger. Getting an opportunity to play with one of the best ever – that would be a story for the grandkids.
But my story to the grandkids would be a bit different. My story would be about getting out on the links and just enjoying yourself. As you take your clubs out of the trunk, remember to replace them with your stress, frustration and whatever else you might want to get off your back for the next few hours. Golf is a game – you should have fun playing it.