Thanks to a remarkable run at the British Open last year, golf great Tom Watson is suddenly more relevant.
Watson recently spoke to the NBC affiliate KSHB-TV from his home in Kansas City about Tiger Woods, and he officially became the first prominent pro golfer to criticize Woods and lament the adverse effect the Woods scandal has had on pro golf.
“It’s bad for our game. It’s something he needs to get control of and a handle on and make some amends and show some humility to the public when he comes back.
“His swearing and his club throwing, that should end. That’s not part of what we want to project as far as the professional golf tour is concerned.”
Watson might not sound all that harsh but in the rhetorically-correct world of pro golf that qualifies at the very least as a pro wrestling-esque open handed slap at Woods.
It is interesting to note that legends Jack Nicklaus and Watson have now gone on the record about Woods, but Arnold Palmer has been silent.
Of the three, Palmer is regarded as being closest to Woods.
(Bob Rosburg Story Exposed Alleged Arnold Palmer Infidelity)
10:18 am on January 29th, 2010
You know grandpa Watson used to freak the golf groupies nasty back in the daty.
10:26 am on January 29th, 2010
This from a man who was loathe back in the day by other golfers and who was referred to as “Carnac” because he believed he knew everything. As far as i am concerned Tiger business is between him and his wife. I only care about his golf game, call me whatever but that is one of society problems, always in someone else business!
10:42 am on January 29th, 2010
It’s time for everybody to take the gloves off with Tiger. He has a Tommy Cruise-like clench on the golf world and everyone is afraid to speak his name. Enough!
10:44 am on January 29th, 2010
Watson has more class in his little finger than Woods could ever hope of having
11:07 am on January 29th, 2010
Yeah watson has CLASS
but last time I checked Bentley dealerships dont accept CLASS as payment, cant buy a G5 with Class payments, you cant buy six homes with CLASS, you cant marry a swedish model and hit other skanks on the side with CLASS….and you sure as hell aint gonna get NIKE to pay you 100 mil being CLASSY.
so TOM stay CLASSY, my friend cuz thats all you got.
11:11 am on January 29th, 2010
SHUT UP WATSON!!!!!!! Your a racist bigot in the first place. Tiger has kept you, in your line of work. He has kept golf fun and alive. What have you done for golf ?
Im sure you have had many strippers and gamblers in your skelitons closet, you stupid fool!
12:48 pm on January 29th, 2010
Buzz, Manster and any others–only a complete and absolute moron of bottomless depths would disagree with Watson. Thanks for outing yourselves, dopes. Racist bigot–yeah, right, your OWN racist bigoted ass. Your boy Tiger Fs up and your little boy ego can’t handle it. Grow up and sit at the adult table someday.
12:53 pm on January 29th, 2010
Tom Watson not only has class, he is a gentleman. Intelligent, mature people understand that Bentleys, multiple homes, G5’s, etc. do not give you happiness. Far from it. If you’re not happy with modest finances, you will not be happy with millions either. I greatly admire Tiger Woods for his talent, work ethics, etc., but why would he promise to love, honor and cherish, when he obviously wasn’t committed to doing so? And what kind of example is he setting for his children? They will one day learn about all of this.
1:07 pm on January 29th, 2010
golfpro22, If tiger walked up to the course you are a golfpro at, you would bow with your hand wide open for a gratuity, while you polish his shoes wouldnt you????
Bet your just a bag handler at the local public course.
Other wise you would be out giving lessons.
1:34 pm on January 29th, 2010
it’s interesting to me how people react, Tom Watson simply needs to go away. He’s bad for the game of golf. He makes it boring, uniteresting, and no fun to watch. The idea that he can throw a stone is classic. I know of so few that could sit on a pulpit and preach to the do’s and don’t of public life, especially when it come to the most recognizable person in sports. It would be nice if Watson just stated the obvious..”it’s none of my business”.
1:36 pm on January 29th, 2010
I’m surprised watson can speak, after choking in the British Open!
1:54 pm on January 29th, 2010
The contrast between the class-act which is Tom Watson and that of the narcissistic Tiger Woods, speaks for itself … indeed, nobody cares about how Tiger abuses his wife and children, for that is his business … but as Tom says, what we do care about is the throwing of clubs and constant profanity, etc … if Tiger continues to be either incapable or unwilling to amend his ways on the course, then good riddance to the man …
3:37 pm on January 29th, 2010
Uh yea, good riddance…not. As long as he continues kicking everybody else’s ass up and down the links…throwing clubs and cussin’ is part of the game Now, hell, it took decades before a brotha could even get in a sanctioned event in this country…
4:26 pm on January 29th, 2010
I thought Watson was a coke addict in his 20’s
5:08 pm on January 29th, 2010
Saint Thomas should hold his tongue. He’s not quite as pristine as he sounds. Maybe if the media had gone after him for his excessive drinking, divorce, instances of out right rudeness - he’d be a little less sure of throwing stones.
5:27 pm on January 29th, 2010
tiger woods is a classless piece of s..t! he should walk five steps behind watson. also does anyone think anyone ever again will threaten to win the open, the oldest and grandest prize in golf at fifty friggin nine years old–i think not. tiger will be gone by then because some women will probably have shot the dm as!!
5:46 pm on January 29th, 2010
Tiger please come back, I suck!! the media and the world needs you or golf is finished. You know you will win the masters! So what I used an illegal club today, My bad.
P.M.
7:43 pm on January 29th, 2010
It still doesnt change the fact that TIger Woods will go down as the best golfer ever to walk this earth…..
8:49 pm on January 29th, 2010
I am Tom Watson. I am famous for not being a very good putter and finishing 2nd at a Major won by another guy nobody had heard of and won’t again, just like me. Glad there was no internet in my day.
8:54 pm on January 29th, 2010
It amazes me that everytime someone chastises Tiger for his temper, they are considered a bigot or a racist. I admit that the interviewer probably should not have asked Mr. Watson about Tiger’s personal life, but Tom was asked his opinion and he gave it, just like you bunch of idiots who are criticizing Mr Watson for answering the question are giving yours. Anyone who really thinks that Tiger’s behavior on the golf course is gentlemenly or is good for the game is fooling thmeselves. And the comment about how much Tiger makes is as irrelevant as the person who mentioned it. Look what all that money has gotten him. If you watch how Jack, Tom, and Arnie acted on the golf course, that is what class is all about. You can still be a competitor and do it with class. Tiger has yet to prove that to us. I think he still can and we should give him the chance, but do nto demean one of the greats just for answering a question in an interview.
9:43 pm on January 29th, 2010
Tiger thought he needed more attention, that’s how kid’s think. With people around like (BOB ROSBURG) he’ll get all the attention he needs.
10:28 pm on January 29th, 2010
Exactly right Mike O, buzz you are truly a dumbfuck….watsons right, if anyone else threw their club on tour they would be ripped to shreds…it doesn’t belong in the game…and buzz, one last thing, if you’re going to slander someone, atleast spell correctly. At least have some basic knowledge of the english language.
11:35 pm on January 29th, 2010
2 words - Tom’s right.
OK, 3 words with a contraction, so like 2.5 words, but still, he’s right
11:48 pm on January 29th, 2010
Tom Watson’s quotes there are about Tiger showing some humility and class ON the golf course. And he’s absolutely right. Tiger’s childish club throwing and loud swearing has to stop! Like it or not, his hundy millions in endorsements comes from being a good role model, as well as a good golfer. Now, as far as getting lots of blonde trim on the side, I’m sure ol’ Tom is jealous. Pass the Cialis.
11:55 pm on January 29th, 2010
Of the people on this message board none of you cuss or throw clubs with millions of cameras on you like Senor Woods. You think Tiger invented throwing clubs. What belongs in the game is real competitiveness. When he mess up he is pissed. The other hacks out there play for money. So it easy for them to be ok with imperfection. Tiger on a mission in the game of golf. Trying to make the “game” more than it is is silly. It is a gamethats all for the don’t belong n the game crap is silly. Bottom line is Tiger kicks bottoms. Watson a has been who is simply sad about being made irrelevant.
11:57 pm on January 29th, 2010
Sluggo writes … “Now hell, it took decades before a brotha could even get in a sanctioned event in this country”. That was unfortunately true, but things are changing for the better, slowly but surely. Throwing clubs & profanity however, is not change for the better … rather, that is the behaviour of a self-centered, immature child, who doesn’t get his way … which is exactly what Tiger Woods is. He is incredibly talented … no arguement there. But he is sadly lacking in so many of the virtues, which the game of golf upholds.
12:48 am on January 30th, 2010
“Do you have blacks, too?” –to Brazilian President Fernando Cardoso, Washington, D.C., Nov. 8, 2001
11:10 am on January 30th, 2010
Watson is such an obnoxious big mouth. He thinks he is above everyone else when it comes to the love of the game. He was hated by his fellow golfers back when he was on the PGA tour.
One of his most dispicable moments was when a letter was leaked that he wrote. It was to the Masters Tournament officials about Gary McCord, the announcer. He expressed his dislike for McCord’s style of announcing and thought it was best if he was removed. Who did he think he was? I never like him and that just cemented it for life.
That’s it.
11:51 am on January 30th, 2010
There’s a scumbag on this blog that sounds a lot like Paul Markel. He likes Tiger, a lot. I think he tried to get into his Nikes once in Denver. Anyway, Tiger is disgusting when he acts like I did when I was 15 on the golf course. I used to cuss and throw clubs untill all my friends said that they didn’t want to play golf with me anymore. Once I started to act like a REAL golfer, did I learn that this kind of behavior was childish and quite immature. To the moran that says this is part of the game, your an idiot.
12:52 pm on January 30th, 2010
He’s right, this perch Tiger has been placed on by the media and fans needs to be removed. Treating Tiger like he’s entitled to special treatment has allowed his antics to go on too long. Tiger needs to stop the club throwing and cursing and act like a professional. I could care less what he does in his personal life, but he should at least have more respect for his family.
1:00 pm on January 30th, 2010
yes indeed “art” … writing that letter of displeasure about Gary McCord’s announcing style, was truly a despicable act by Mr. Watson ! … and the nerve of these people for lambasting our man Tiger … they chided him for simply strolling past some limbless vet at the AT&T National and not offering so much as a wink to the guy … big deal ! … what’s so bad about that ? … and what’s wrong with using profanity in front of children ? … or taking huge sums of money for a false image ? … or abusing your wife and kids ? …
and why do they make such a big deal about Tiger spitting all over the hallowed ground which is Augusta ? … you’re right “art” … these people really do need to get a proper perspective on things ! … you go Tiger .. you da man !
2:48 pm on January 30th, 2010
Lets remeber that “The hero Bob Jones” was a cusser and club thrower. tom watson is just another jealous old man. Who is hanging on, playing exibition golf with other fixers, or don’t you folks remember that scandal.
People who live in glass houses shouldn’t
4:01 pm on January 30th, 2010
Why does Tom Watson care? Class is when someone says “that is not my business.” The man is divorced due to drunkeness and I assume not being such a great husband himself at that time. Until your corners in your own house are free of dust…don’t stir someone else’s up. And for all of you self-righteous asses who call out Tiger for being this and being that…how do you know? Do you know him personally or just read the smut others write for your enjoyment and entertainment….probably the latter I am sure. Until you are free of sin…don’t pass it judgement because one day it all comes back onto you one way or the other. Just makes you look dumb.
5:13 pm on January 30th, 2010
Hey pres obama, I agree wit your take, but you phrase is slightly wrong. What you should say is I could NOT care less. You see what you said is that you do in fact care, stating that you could care less indicates that you do care at least a little. The correct phrase is I couldn’t care less. A common mistake.
12:30 am on January 31st, 2010
Some of your comments show you have an IQ of about 12 and probably live in your mom and dads basement. Woods is a great golfer but has the morals of a snail. When he does get back on tour there will be hecklers and this is something he has not had to contend with. It will be interesting to see how he handles it.
2:00 pm on January 31st, 2010
Tom Watson is a prig with a standard polyester mentality that befits the conventions of country club golfers and their nauseating respectability. Passion–that is what is needed in golf. Tiger has it in abundance. Watson has none. Which is more the man?
4:00 pm on January 31st, 2010
Here’s a hint for all you arm chair Tiger Woods fan’s. Do yourself a favor and go to your local video rental store and rent “TIN CUP”. Fast forward the the end and watch (Don Johnson), Ooops, I mean Tiger Woods in action. Bet your wife,fiancee,or significent other would just love to see your face!!!!!!
8:17 pm on January 31st, 2010
Tiger’s behaviour should not be tolerated by the PGA. If he is allowed to continue, the tour will soon look simular to the NBA, a place where everything goes. I have a 13 year old grandson who is a great Tiger fan and his antics on the golf course have a negative influence on him. Personally, I could care less what he does in his personal life but keep it clean in public.
12:05 am on February 1st, 2010
I’m amazed at the stupid remarks by the posts that I’ve read. Tiger’s a phenominal golf athelete, which he has proved. But, he is not a poster, boy or man, ‘role model’ I’d like my children to emulate. I have my faults like the majority of people too. And, I enjoyed watching Tiger tame the golf course like no other player before him. But, I don’t like his arrogance and demeanor. So, he’s a perfectionist. Great! But, when he has a website proclaiming himself as a ‘Role Model’ for others, that requires more from him to the public, golfing fans inparticular. That last entry on his official website put him under the microscope. He approved of that entry or it shouldn’t be posted there. All the advertising money he received was based upon his squeeky clean image as well as a family man, father, etc. That image has been damaged greatly. Oh, yes the media certainly had lots to do with the recent spectacle. But, let’s remember one important thing, Tiger did all these things and there numerous women to related stories about it. I will watch him when he returns to the game of golf, but I’ll not promote him as a champion in any other categories. Heh, I can throw a golf club as good as anyone else, but I know that my friends wouldn’t play with me again. And, yes I’ve cussed when I’ve missed a shot, but that only muddled my game further. Let’s hope that thousands of kids do not emulate Tiger’s other attributes outside of the game of golf. To be fair to any other PGA tour professional, Tiger should not be allowed to get away with bad conduct on the golf course, no matter how much money he has made or will make in the game of golf. Signing autographs would be nice for the fans who have made him what he is. Without the fans, Tiger will become nothing. I don’t care how great a golfer he is, if he doesn’t have respect for the golfing community, then the fans won’t follow him on the tour. As far as comments about other golfers, why are you trying to degrade the other PGA players? None of them have proved to be the colosal sex hound Tiger has. If there are prizes for his extramarital affairs, Tiger is the champion hands down. I don’t think any of the other professional athletes can compete with Tiger either.
Do I get excited to see someone, anyone, hit a ‘hole in one’ you bet. Or, when someone chips out of the bunker into the cup, you bet again!!! To me, it’s the golfer against nature and that’s why I watch golf. To see human excellence on a golf course. Golf is like no other sport. It is an individual sport. But, without the other players, you don’t have a game. Tiger and all the players should be civil to each other. But, I guess the bottom line is that doesn’t sell TV viewership. Tiger has brought more viewers to golf than ever before. And, even more people will be watching golf when Tiger returns to see what will happen next. Is it good for golf, NO, but it’s good for sponsors whether the public likes it or not. It’s MONEY and that what all televised sports is about. Have you watched a professional sports game without an announcer telling stories about players’ off-game activities?
12:10 am on February 1st, 2010
That’s all!
2:34 am on February 1st, 2010
Why are there so many people talking about Tiger and his antics NOW?!!! Nobody was saying anything much about his ‘throwing of clubs and cursing’ while he was winning and ‘on top of the golf world’!! Wazzup w/ that???? Please explain. Was everybody INTIMIDATED by the greatest golfer of all time? Were they too scared to confront Tiger head on b/c they were too busy capitalizing on his fame and what he brought to the game???? Hmmm…. interesting, perplexing but interesting.
2:39 am on February 1st, 2010
hey tom, aint you got enough money to eat regular food. why you killing all those bambis. not macho enough on the golf course.
9:30 am on February 1st, 2010
if remember right. tom watson at one time on the reg. tour, he asked if they could have two tours one for himself,arnold palmer \,jack nick,gary player and the rest of the players colud play the reg.tour and the elet. players woud compeat on thier own, hows that for a barrel of apples, as they say mr.watson is not the gent.that he claims to be he left his wife and marred another ,yes you got it i think, i am 85 years young and have foffowed golf sence i got out of the army after wwII i have seen the eleate come and go but i still cano’t spell very good—-?
12:08 am on February 2nd, 2010
I will simply state it as a musician stated against a loud mouth…”Elephants Don’t Swat Flies”…who is Watson? Stop crying about what Tiger does when yo have your own skeletons…like we don’t know about what happened to his first wife? He doesn’t have the Swagger Tiger Has or the Power! What a person does in his personal life has nothing to do with his job,if that was the case half of you on here criticizing or Watson would have a job! What someone does in his or her private life is thier business! Are you dumb to think any ot the oher guys on tour are not scoring points with women like the guys in the NBA, you are certainly blind.lol. Does professional mean not cursing or throwing clubs? well i need to call out some other golfers like “Bob”..hmmm double standards. Just like with Serena in Tennis. Tiger women(including his wife) just saw a payday like the media and went after him. Tiger is the reason golf is making the money it is making! What other golfer is making what he has made just to show up? Just remember everyone has flaws, so before you throw stones i don’t come check out your house to find you have your own set of flaws!
2:06 pm on February 2nd, 2010
Look’s like to me, none of you “Gentlemen of golf “, or so you say, have responded to the looks “your wife would have given you”. Be real guy’s, play the game and enjoy it, have a few your not a pro, go into the club house,talk about the good hole’s you played and BS about the other’s. But you all know darn well that when you get into your car and go home to to the place you came from you always shoot the best you could. End of conversation!! Dont agree,talk to your buddy’s.
6:37 pm on February 2nd, 2010
If Tiger’s prowess isn’t related to steroids (as i suspect) he will prove to be the greatest of all golfers..until someone else comes along. There’s always someone better out there at any game.
11:40 am on February 3rd, 2010
Isnt this the same Tom Watson who belongs to private golf clubs that his own wife can’t play? And he’s one to throw stones?
12:59 pm on February 3rd, 2010
who cares what tom watson thinks is he winning every game?what women are trying to sleep with him ??
3:20 pm on February 3rd, 2010
Pleas nobody cares about Tom Waston. The claws are coming out now that Tiger is down.IF TOM WASTON has a problem about what Tiger does on the course then take it up with the PGA.Tom show some class. Tiger has shown no class with is behaviour of the course but please Tom Waston you are now speaking up because of his problems. Its called being a coward and jealous. I don’t think viewship goes down when Tom Waston doesn’t play. I am guessing you have never had a tantrum on the course. Mr Perfect
2:41 pm on February 19th, 2010
Looks who talking,you and i know that these guys lived it up in those club houses in the days before the game was changed,and once again 2 of the most deadly sins raise there head, to be envious and jealous and that all this is,the obvious need not be spoken,and as far as the game being a gentlemens game, and judgeing the behavor of other john daly would be the poster child of everything wrong in the game of golf,someone need to look into tom watson haydays
8:10 pm on February 19th, 2010
Everyone is entitled to giving their own input on all subjects. I agree that people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones (Tom Watson). Tiger is the best golfer now and will be crowned the best of all time. Yes we all agree that he is a baby at times and flips out on the course and yes he should be more gentlemanly. On a personal note if Tiger was going to go out and score off the course he shouldn’t have gotten married because if he wasn’t married there wouldn’t be as much focus on his personal life getting all that trim that lucky dog.