Tiger Woods (Image: Zuma Press)

Nike, like any smart business, will run a background check on future employees–and Woods was no exception.  Tiger came up clean, according to Knight, before signing the endorsement deal with Nike.

“I think he’s been really great,” Knight said in the interview published Monday. “When his career is over, you’ll look back on these indiscretions as a minor blip, but the media is making a big deal out of it right now.”

Minor blip?  Hardly–but what else would you expect from the voice of Nike.  The company’s golf line is hugely successful, and 99% of that success can be attributed to Tiger Woods.  Unfortunately for Phil Knight, the hit on Woods’ image is so deep that Nike will soon feel the economic ramifications of Tiger’s indiscretions in the coming months.

Post from: EveryJoe

Nike Standing by Tiger

Ernie Els (Image: Zuma Press)

But I wouldn’t worry too much about Els going winless in 2010.  The smooth-swinging pro has too much talent no to grab at least one victory next year, especially with Tiger Woods off the tour indefinitely.

Post from: EveryJoe

Ernie Els Goes Winless for 2009

Tiger Woods (Image: Zuma Press)

Woods’ statement on his website once again acknowledged his failings as a husband and father, at the same time asking for forgiveness.

“I am deeply aware of the disappointment and hurt that my infidelity has caused to so many people, most of all my wife and children,” Woods said. “I want to say again to everyone that I am profoundly sorry and that I ask forgiveness. It may not be possible to repair the damage I’ve done, but I want to do my best to try.”

Many, including me, thinks this is the right move for Tiger.  For so long he has been seen as almost robot-like in his approach to golf, as well as life.  But for the first time, we are able to see that he is human, flawed and imperfect.  By showing contrition, and stepping away from his passion in order to focus on his crumbling marriage, shows the world that there’s more to Tiger Woods than golf, records and winning.

Hopefully the damage done by Woods’ transgressions is not irreparable, if not for Tiger and Elin, but more-so for the couple’s two children, Sam and Charlie.

Post from: EveryJoe

Tiger Takes Indefinite Sabbatical From Golf

John Daly (Image: Zuma Press)

Daly has some fairly interesting ideas as to who would play him before and after his lap-band surgery.

“I just saw Matt Damon, how he swung a golf club, and I thought if I ever made a movie, I want him to be me,” Daly said. “The tough part is who would play me at 290 pounds. Now Kevin James, he’s my bud, but he’d be good.”

I’m not 100% sure, but I think Daly was joking about the Matt Damon part of that quote.  At least he should be joking.  Kevin James, on the other hand, would be a perfect choice to play the rotund version of John Daly.

Finally, I never thought that John Daly would be the voice of reason on any subject, but it seems he’s on the money as far as criticism of Tiger Woods by fellow players goes.

“I’m not too happy with what some of the players have said,” Daly said. “Without him our tour would not survive as what it is when Tiger plays. I just hope for him and [wife] Elin that they get through it.”

Post from: EveryJoe

Is There a John Daly Film in the Works?

Cue caddie Steve Williams.

Steve Williams (left) and Tiger Woods (Image: Zuma Press)

The man on Woods’ bag for the last decade has come out publicly to support his embattled boss.  Which is pretty well what any good caddie would do–right?  But don’t expect him to talk about Tiger’s private life–or any skeletons that may still be lurking in Eldrick’s closet.

“That’s what friends are for,” he told the New Zealand Herald. “You support them through good and bad. It’s like marriage, really.”

But how long can this ‘marriage’ last between Williams and Woods.  If Tiger is genuine about staying married to Elin,  the question arises–will she let him stay on as Tiger’s caddie?  Especially if she believes (and rightfully so) that Woods confided in Williams about his extra-marital affairs.

Looks like Steve Williams better enjoy his gravy train while it lasts.

Post from: EveryJoe

Caddie Steve Williams Stands by Tiger

Jim Furyk (Image: Zuma Press)

Furyk’s final round 5-under 67, left him at 13-under for the week, good for the one shot victory over Ireland’s Graeme McDowell.  Furyk’s play on the final two holes showed that even though it’s been awhile, he still remembers how to close a tournament.

On No.17, after blasting out of the greenside bunker, Furyk had himself a 35-foot par putt.  His plan was to leave it withing 3-feet, then escape with a bogey.  Great plan–until his par putt dropped in.  He followed up that shot with a beautiful 9-iron to within 5-feet on No. 18.  A glance at the leaderboard showed that Lee Westwood had birdied No.17 to tie Furyk.  No worries for the American–he calmly drained the birdie putt, and went on to victory.

Post from: EveryJoe

Jim Furyk Rallies to Win Tiger’s Tournament

Y.E. Yang (Image: Zuma Press)

Yang reminisced after his round.  This time last year he was in Q-school, but won’t have to worry about that, thanks to the 5-year exemption he received as part of his victory over Tiger at Hazeltine.

Play continues through the weekend.

Post from: EveryJoe

Y.E. Yang Leads by Two at Chevron

Ian Poulter (Image: Zuma Press)

But despite co-leading the tournament, Poulter is none too happy about it.  And I can’t say that I blame him.  He should have scored in the low 60’s, except that he three-putted on a pair of par five’s, and had a horrendous double bogey on No. 18.

And one final note on Woods–when asked if Tiger’s ‘transgressions’ have been a topic during the tournament, Zach Johnson put the final word on it.

“We haven’t talked about it,” Johnson said. “It hasn’t even been a thought.”

Bet Tiger wishes everyone else was following Johnson’s lead.

Post from: EveryJoe

Poulter, Johnson Share Lead at Woods’ Event

Jesper Parnevik (Image: Zuma Press)

Parnevik, unlike the media, isn’t holding back judgement on Woods though.  In fact, he’s none too pleased with the world’s No.1 golfer.  He had a few choice words for Tiger, in an interview with the Golf Channel.

“I would be especially sad about it since I’m kind of — I really feel sorry for Elin — since me and my wife were at fault for hooking her up with him,” Parnevik said. “We probably thought he was a better guy than he is. I would probably need to apologize to her and hope she uses a driver next time instead of the 3-iron.”

Sympathetic words for his former nanny, and quite the opposite for Woods.  Parnevik finished the interview with some backhanded advice for Tiger.

“It’s a private thing of course,” he said. “But when you are the guy he is, the world’s best athlete, you should think more before you do stuff … And maybe not just do it, like Nike says.”

Post from: EveryJoe

Jesper Parnevik Lashes Out at Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods (Image: Zuma Press)

Without a doubt fans are going to be upset.  And why shouldn’t they be?  The No.1 golfer in the world, hosting his own event no less, is the main reason many fans bought tickets in the first place.  But fear not–tournament officials are offering refunds to fans who were expecting to see Woods this weekend.  Those that choose to attend will receive a 20% discount on next year’s tickets, should they wish to attend.

If Tiger’s plan is to lay low and hope this blows over, this is the way to go about it.  By blowing off his own tournament, he also gets out of the obligatory press conferences that come with it.  Whether or not this is a good plan (coming clean worked out OK for David Letterman), it seems to be the one Tiger’s sticking with.  Which leads me to believe we may never know the truth about what happened the night of the accident.

Post from: EveryJoe

Surprise! Tiger Won’t Be at His Own Tourney