THAT WAS QUICK by ST

I know it's become something that's transcended the sports pages and is now tabloid fodder, but to ignore what's happening with Tiger Woods is too ostrich like for me. He turned pro in 1996, but from his 1st U.S Amateur title in 1994, many who follow sports were aware of his existence & potential. By the time he re-wrote the Master's record book in the spring of 1997 he was a household word. It was the tail end of the Jordan-era in the NBA, Farve & the Pac ruled the NFL, another Yankee dynasty was rising in the South Bronx but Tiger-mania had taken root. I think most saw him as a pretty well educated, nice guy with a ridiculous talent. Over the years some tired of the obsession with the networks or golf channel showing every move he made. The fact was, it's what the public wanted. TV ratings sky-rocketed when Woods teed it up and moved further into the stratosphere when he was in contention on a weekend. We'd get the occasional peek into perhaps a not-so-sweet side with his impatience with photographers and members of the media. But I don't recall anyone, fan, fellow golfer, reporter, ANYONE offering up this sleazy T.W.
We've known forever high level pro athletes have women throw themselves at them. But Tiger sidestepped that reputation with a knockout wife who had given him two beautiful children. Turns out while Mrs. Woods was with child, Mr. Woods was hopping from foreign bed to bed with a series of tarts. We always hear about golfers holding down one of the last bastions of sportsmanship by calling penalties on themselves and the like. That's on the course. Perhaps it's time we used this Eldrick mess as a teaching lesson for our kids. Feel free to watch these ballplayers and enjoy their magnificent talent. But! It's critical to understand that it's not a window into their character. It might offer a glimpse if they carry themselves properly during a competition, but at the end of the day if you don't know them personally, you don't know them. It's a great opportunity. Being a great golfer means one thing and only one thing. You're a great golfer. Period!
Okay, let's give away more loot. Tiger the Cheater has won the Masters 4 times. Collectively, how many strokes under par is he for those 4 victories combined.
E-mail the correct answer to stevetannen@live.com for a $50 gift certificate to the Learning Palace in Eugene. Great holiday gift and congrats to Jason for yesterday's victory. It was Washington 46 Iowa 34 in January of 1991. Highest Scoring Rose Bowl ever.