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Phil & Tiger Are Back: Forget the Blog Tiger, Just Play Golf

by Jeff Skinner

With Tiger and Phil joining the mere mortals of The PGA Tour this week at The Quail Hollow Championship the golf season is back in high gear.  Things always run a little hotter with Phil and Tiger in the field and since this is their first face off since The Masters all eyes will be focused on the two of them.

Last we saw Phil he was cruising through the Krispy Kreme with the kids wearing the green jacket.  That was a classic moment in “Phil History.” He’s been laying low spending time with family and probably trying out a few dozen drivers.

Last we heard from Tiger he was writing on his blog.  Yes, Tiger was writing on his blog. I didn’t even know he had a blog and I find it a little odd that Tiger would use one.  From the small number of  entries it looks like he posts very infrequently and this last post looks to be from the “new fan friendly” Tiger Woods.  From Tiger’s Blog:

I tried and wanted to interact with as many fans as I could. One little girl gave me a letter on the third tee, which was awfully sweet. I knew a few people in the gallery, including my mom, which was nice.

I received some criticism for bad language, which I apologized for immediately after Saturday’s round. It’s tough when you’re in a competitive environment and in the flow of a tournament. I’m not perfect. All I can say is I’m trying to do everything I can without losing my fire and competitive spirit.

It also felt great to be in the hunt again, but unfortunately, I didn’t have my game. I knew I needed to make a run, but I just didn’t have one in me. I had a terrible warm-up session Sunday, and it carried over to the first tee.

I find it all laughable.  For the most part the old Tiger wasn’t fan friendly, but he did have some moments.  He used the fans when it was convenient for him and most of the time they were an afterthought.  Now, since he is trying to rebuild his brand he feels the need to blog his little heart out.  Sorry Tiger…it rings hollow.  It sounds too forced, so forget trying to be all things to all the fans.  Here’s what you need to do:  Play golf, forget blogging, sign more autographs and treat the fans and the media like you are all partners in this thing, because you really are.  The days of Tiger making the rules are over, at least for awhile.

The PGA Tour needs the fans and for the first time in Tiger’s life he needs them too.  He needs them to cheer for him and to be there screaming for autographs.  He needs the average Joe to buy his hats and he needs the CEO’s to want a piece of Tiger again.  Tiger will never get to his second billion if he reverts back to his old ways of treating the fans and the media like they are second class citizens.  Forget the blogging and the excuses for your wayward shots.  Shut up and play golf.  Treat everyone like they are humans and maybe a little recognition for your fellow competitors would a nice touch.  There’s an easy way to win the fans back, just be human.  But Tiger has always had a hard time being human.

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