A tiger doesn't change his stripes...

Over the past few weeks, it's been nearly impossible to turn on the radio or TV without getting an update on Tiger Woods. Most recently, I've heard all about how Tiger is taking an "indefinite leave" from the PGA tour and how he's being dropped and re-evaluated by many of his sponsors. It's fascinating to me how quickly the most dominant athlete in the world has fallen from grace and is now dealing with a public image that is spiraling downward. Yet, as I learn more and more about this situation, I continue to ask myself, "Why is anyone surprised at Tiger's lack of character?"

I'll be honest and admit that I've never been a huge Tiger fan. I wouldn't argue with anyone about whether or not he's the best golfer in the world, because there's really no one even close to his ability and consistency. But, I've never been able to pull for him, because there are times when I think he hurts the game of golf as much as he promotes it. He's brought more attention to the game than anyone ever has and he's also introduced the game to people who never would have taken an interest in golf, but he's never seemed to understand the responsibility that comes with the attention that's placed on him.

With Tiger, there's always been an aspect of how he carries himself on the golf course that he's above the rules. Golf is a game where professionalism and sportsmanship are of the utmost importance. It's a gentleman's game and playing with class is not encouraged, it's required. Unfortunately, Tiger acts like he's above all that because he has the most talent and ability. And, even more unfortunately, the media has always seemed to grant him a free pass because they don't want to call out one the most popular and successful athletes we've ever seen. However, it doesn't change the fact that Tiger has left us with plenty of moments where his character is less than desirable over his career.

Is there anyone who throws their club more frequently? Or mutters more profanity after a bad shot? Or slams the club down into the ground after the wind takes a shot in a different direction? Or gets more angry at a gallery when anything distracts him in the slightest? When it would be called childish or unprofessional with most golfers, we use words like "competitive" and "intense" for Tiger. He talks about how he's not perfect and he's trying to improve with his behavior but it's seemed to deteriorate over the past few years. I think Tiger has had a mindset where the rules don't really apply to him because he's so dominant, and that carried over into his personal life. The expectations of being faithful in marriage might seem perfectly reasonable to most of us, but Tiger Woods appears to handle his relationships the same way he handles himself on the course, by his own rules. So while the news and media will continue to scrutinize every step Tiger takes in the next few months, maybe he'll finally be held to a higher standard in how he carries himself on the course as well as off the course.