In a statement on his web site this week, Tiger Woods announced he’s pulling out of his own golf tournament this week.
Of course, the last time Tiger pulled out of anything, it was his driveway, and everyone knows what happened next.
And outside of Tiger and the bride, very few people have a handle on what prompted the departure.
Regardless, Woods says injuries he suffered in that car crash last week near his Florida home will not allow him to play in the Chevron World Challenge.
He says he’ll return to competition next year.
Translated, injuries or otherwise, he’s lying low.
Professionally, this is a very sound move on the part of Eldrick Woods, likely the smartest thing he’s done in the last 5 days.
Affluent enough that he never needs to play golf or do anything again, Woods has the luxury of healing…..or hiding.
The media outlets will clamour for the ” story “, many unfortunately will manufacture their own version, which may or may not bother Tiger and Elin, the only woman known to be more accurate with a 2 iron than her husband.
Time will pass; Kobe Bryant, Roger Clemens, PacMan Jones or some other professional sports scandal will brew, and by the time Woods emerges for 2010 and his pursuit of the record for Major titles in golf, this incident will seem minor and long ago.
Skipping his own tournament is extreme, but for Tiger Woods, taking the drop here is smarter than trying to deal with the social and media hazards that are immediately in front of him.
I’m Fred Wallace