|
Classless Tiger
 By Matt Snyder, oobgolf contributer
Tiger Woods is at it again. The guy is the greatest golfer alive, yet one of the game's worst ambassadors. During his last round, a photographer apparently snapped a photo during his swing. Tiger accused the photographer of ruining any chance he had of coming back to win the tournament. Give me a break! Instead of acting with class about the issue, he went off on a cursing spree threatening to break the neck of next photographer that snapped a pic in his swing. I mean, are you serious!? Who says that? And even more disgusting is how he gets away with it! I cannot believe that I have been listening to sports writers and t.v. personalities create excuses for his total lack of class and self control! This guy is one of the most famous athletes of all time! When you reach that level of fame, you have an enormous effect on a lot of people and especially on the sport that you play. This guy should be out there promoting golf, but he is only interested in promoting himself!! People talk all the time about how "good for the game" Tiger Woods is. I couldn't agree less! His ability is great for the game, but his personality is extremely detrimental. As a golf coach, I'd love to be able to point to Tiger when I'm working with my team, but I can't!! If they act anything like he does on the course, they'll be kicked off the course and the team! He has an amazing opportunity to be a positive influence on the future of golf, but he doesn't care or respect the game enough to concern himself with influence that he has. He cares about Tiger, and that's all. Those of you who use the "Tiger is under a lot of pressure" excuse should get a grip! Pressure is not an excuse to act without class and respect. And by the way, Tiger knows nothing about pressure! This kid has been coddled all his life. He's been successful since he was 5 years old! Pressure is teeing it up on Thursday knowing that if you don't make the cut, your electric is getting shut off! The guys that are playing on the mini tours or even the Nationwide tour that are trying to make a living with their game, they feel pressure! Tiger Woods could refuse to play another round of golf for the rest of his life and still be one of the wealthiest athletes till the day he dies! So what's the pressure? Breaking some record? That's not pressure! Pressure suggests consequences for failure. What consequences will Tiger feel if he doesn't win? People may argue that he's not better than Jack? Big freaking deal!! When you are playing to keep your tour card, to earn a respectable income for your family, to put your kids through college, or to put food on the table, that's pressure!! I've been to several mini tour events and those guys aren't swearing and threatening anybody! How can it be that they can behave under that kind of pressure, but Tiger can't? Stop making excuses for this pompous, arrogant child. It's time to grow up and respect the game Tiger. Take advantage of the potential that you are so lucky to have. Give kids someone to emulate, not just with how you play, but with how you behave on the course. Get over yourself and look at the big picture. Those same people who you are threatening to break the necks of are the very same people who are responsible for your fame! Without cameras, who would you be? Tiger, be thankful people want to take your picture instead of acting like a baby when you are in front of the camera. Did you see the interview on ESPN First Take when Tiger was asked about how he reacted? He had the perfect opportunity to apologize and admit that he was wrong. He could have explained why he did it, and admitted that it was wrong, then moved on. At least that would have shown that he actually realizes that his behavior was inappropriate. But he doesn't! He thinks the world revolves around him and nothing he does is wrong! He could learn a lot from Woody Austin. That guy took the big choke last Sunday on the 72nd hole and had the class to not only do an interview , but to admit to exactly what had happened. He didn't blame a cameraman, someone in the crowd, a bad lie, or anything else for that matter. He agreed to do the interview and he said, I flat out choked. He did not curse and swear when it happened. He was dying inside, but he handled it with class. That's the difference between someone who respects the game and all that it has given to him. Woody Austin is to be applauded. Tiger Woods should be condemned. And every single member of the media that supports this behavior should hang their heads in shame. [ comments ]  mbills1015 says:Wow... to insinuate that Tiger doesn't respect the game is a little far fetched. Out of line for the way he acted, sure maybe he was, but to compare Woody Austin and Tiger Woods is like comparing Ugly Betty to Heidi Klum. Yes Tiger deserves and gets the benefit of the doubt most of the time, only b/c he is Tiger, but where would golf be without him. He has single handedly brough golf into the mainstream and made the lives of many other tour players much more enjoyable. All in all, I think we can cut him a little slack... just one mans humble opinion. 4/4/08
 klangdon says:I think its important to talk about the "line" that Tiger crossed. Is it unacceptable for a golfer to drop some 4-letter words and get extremely upset? No. Sometimes its actually funny. To direct that anger and language at the crowd, and so violently, is what is unacceptable. This is to a lesser degree the line that Ron Artest crossed in the NBA. You punch another player you might sit a game. You punch a fan your out for the rest of the season. 4/4/08
mbills1015 says:First of all, it was said to a camera man not someone in the crowd. It wasn't like Tiger swore at some dad standing there with his son. And if I'm not mistaken, I think your trying to compare Ron-Ron punching some guy in the face, to Tiger cursing at a camera guy. Must I draw the same Ugly Betty to Heidi Klum comparison. What Ron Artest did was maybe the ugliest sports incident ever. What Tiger did won't even be talked about next week. Should he be out there swearing at people, no. Is Tiger still a good role model... yes. 4/4/08
klangdon says:Tiger did not address a single cameraman. After finishing the hole he turned to the entire crowd and said: "The next time a photographer shoots an #$@!& picture, I'm going to break his #@&*!% neck." I agree, thats not even close to what Artest did, but I think it has similarities. 4/4/08
mbills1015 says:I know we are now splitting hairs... but and don't quote me on this I don't think Joe Shmoe the average fan can even bring a camera onto the course. The quote has him looking at the group of photographers that are paid to be there (and by rule are not aloud to take pictures during a players swing) and then cursing at them. Which I believe is a major difference. If Woods was addresing the crowd I think this would be an even bigger issue and would have been treated as such. Since it was addressed to the photographer who for all intensive purposes shouldn't have been taking the picture it was discussed, but not made into a huge ordeal. 4/4/08
mbills1015 says:just checked, and yes cameras are a prohibited item, just like cell phones at PGA events. 4/4/08
 Kickntrue says:Here's my question. If we had access to what was going on at a basketball or football game on the field, what would we hear? I'm sure it wouldn't be good for any tv programming this side of HBO. 4/4/08
 mantajim says:OK, so he addressed a group of paid photographers, that doesn't mean the fans didn't hear. If I've taken my young son or daughter to see 'Tiger' his behavior is not the type I what put up as a model for my child. Golf is a game of honesty and manners and that is what we should expect of the top players, especially in golf if not all sports. Sure I've cussed on the course (just yesterday after a four putt, but under my breath after I had walked away from my playing partners) Sure, he's a great player, but that is not an excuse for bad manners. An apology to the fans is in order. How could he have handled it, ask a marshal to find and remove the offending photographer. Easy and with class, a model that I would want my child to use for let's say bullying at school. 4/4/08
 Josh says:Maybe the guy was just having a bad day, I dunno seems to me like we're making a mountain out of a mole hill here. I'm much more inclined to say that we as a society need to stop being offended every time someone makes a PG-13 comment in public. Also in general saying Tiger isn't under a lot of pressure is ignorant, while I think that a lot of celebrities take this too far and whine about it too much. There is clearly some degree of pressure that comes from being in the public eye constantly. ALWAYS having to be aware of what you are doing in case some jackass is waiting around the corner to snap a picture, etc. Imagine how many "ugly moments" would be captured if someone followed you around with a camera all day. 4/4/08
Josh says:to continue: While I am a HUGE proponent of people taking responsibility for their own actions I don't expect that everyone is perfect or that they will always react in the most professional way to every situation on every day. This is not dis-similar to the crap about the reporter who made the comment about the other players wanting to lynch Tiger, was it a smart comment? No, was it meant to say the Klan should go after him? I don't think so. But the way the media and the public reacted was utterly ridiculous. Just like the way that this is being made into a big deal, a guy having a bad day dropped the F-bomb when someone annoyed him, so what!? 4/4/08
mbills1015 says:Under mantajim's approach to this situation we would have to have the starting five of every NBA team apologize to the fans sitting in the first three rows that were able to hear them swearing at one another or for that matter the official. All I'm saying is, we can't all be OK when it happens in bball or football and be totally against it when it happens in golf. 4/4/08
 chipotle mg says:tiger did the same thing at the Deutsche bank championship in the final round. he's done it before and he'll do it again. my opinion: wrong of the camera man snap it and wrong tiger to act like he does. it has yet to occur to tiger that what he is doing is wrong. 4/4/08
 Snyper says:Golf is not basketball, it's not football, it's not any other sport. It's golf! Those who have played the game years before us have established what the game is. It's a game of respect, integrety, honor and self-control. Tiger's behavior is not excused because he acts like a football player acts. If he dropped his glove and beat down this opponent, would that be ok because hockey players do it?? It's silly to compare. He's a golfer. And if he cared about the game and what it stands for, he wouldn't behave as he does. And if he slipped and said something that he shouldn't, he would apologize and try to ensure it doesn't happen again. Yet, he does the same thing over and over and never apologizes. 4/4/08
Snyper says:And for the record, I'm not ok with it in any sport. We don't force anyone to make a living playing a sport. It's a life they choose! With that life comes certain responsibilities. If you can't handle them, find another job! Asking them to behave in a way that our children can watch shouldn't be asking too much of the people that we make into millionaires. 4/4/08
 golfgirl says:Tiger is treated the way he's treated by the fans and the media because he's a such an extraordinary phenomena. His situation is totally unique. One can't compare him with ... Woody Austin ... or anyone else for that matter. I've always found Tiger to be, for the most part dour and smug, not very pleasant. But then he does what he does and everyone's amazed, and he smiles. And any bad behavior is forgotten, irrelevant. That's the power he has from being so superior to anyone else at what he does. You can complain about it, but it's not going to change as long as he continues to play thi way. 4/4/08
Snyper says:golfgirl...are you saying that it's ok to act that way, or are you just explaining why you think the media excuses it? I certainly hope you aren't saying that because he's the best player on the PGA Tour, he has free will to do/act however he wants. 4/4/08
 mhauth says:Tiger is the man. Yes, he may have a temper, but who doesn't on a golf courses? Go to any golf course in the US and listen to what is said during a round of golf of amateurs/avid golfers. I would probably say that they may even say worse things! Yes Tiger is a roll model, but seriously if something is snapped or yelled in your backswing you have every right to be mad. Yes there were probably some kids around that may have heard some words he said, big deal, I am sure that their parents are perfect angels and never slip in front of their kids. It happens and kids are going to hear them when they are in school anyways. Big Deal. He even said it was the third time that it had happend that week! Camera men, need to feel that it is an honor to be there and respect the players and wait until after contact to take a snap.Has anyone been to a PGA Tournament, things are said by other players that don't get any attention but because Tiger spoke about it, people are still dawging on him. Let it go, and Give Him a Break! 4/4/08
 volleyhart says:You know, you could find some truth in every comment here, nobody's made a boneheaded statement. Is what Tiger said something you want replayed on national TV as promotion for your product? No, of course not. And Kickntrue is right, it's not unique to golf - if we had microphones in such close proximity (and with so little background noise) in other sports, we'd hear all KINDS of stuff, more so than we do now. I'm not defending him, but Tiger's working. Woody was working. They're all working. Mhauth said that "if something is snapped or yelled in your backswing you have every right to be mad." If someone comes into your place of employment and does something that has the potential of negatively affecting your performance at work, would you be upset? If it happened repeatedly, would that make you even more prone to being upset? Perhaps. 4/4/08
volleyhart says:and furthermore ... It's easy to throw stones ... these guys - and gals - are making very good jack, sometimes obscene jack, and they seem to be living the life. But ever noticed how many celebrities and athletes just seem to be unhappy? Imagine living your life in a fishbowl, having your every decision and move scrutinized, and imagine having to go to work every day and deal with the things these athletes have to deal with. I don't blame him for being angry. Was his language wrong? Perhaps. Did he make a poor decision? Maybe. Did he fail to apologize when he had the opportunity to at least save face? Yes. It's hard to say whether he was right or wrong though, when you haven't walked in his shoes. I think I like volleyhart's life a little better than Tiger's life. Go ahead and rip me, I'm leaving town and can't defend myself! Thanks to Matt for sparking the conversation, looking forward to reading the comments when I get back. 4/4/08
mhauth says:Volleyhart those are some great points! I really do have to agree with you about the part of celebrities being unhappy. I can almost guarantee everyone that I am happier than any of them. Yes, would like to get my game down to about a 70 or less from the tips or so on average. But hey it will come over time. I just have to let it go, heck I am still taking 19 credits in college right now and still playing 2-4 times a week. I really can't complain. 4/5/08
Snyper says:For everyone making excuses for celebrities, remember, it's their choice to live the life they live!! No one forced them to be who they are! And if it's SO HARD for them to live that way, they can stop what they're doing and be out of the lime light in no time at all. I just cannot believe the number of people that feel bad for Tiger Woods! I'll trade him right now!!!!! Is there anyone who wouldn't!!?? And I can promise you that I will never threaten to break anyone's F%^^&&* neck!! Everytime I get frustrated on the course I'll just think about that $600,000 Ferrari that I'll be climbing in to take me home to my super model wife when the round is over! 4/5/08
 EVERGREEN'S MARSHAL says:The super model wife. Thats the preasure right there. Great conversation. 4/7/08
ronphoto says:
The jealousy expressed by some posters is a lot more offensive to me than Tiger's anger at a photographer who 1) had to sign a form stating that he or she understood the terms and conditions for photographing the event, 2) acted unprofessionally by violating those terms in their coverage credentials, and 3) had a Miami Herald sportswriter (Armando Salguero) be their stalking horse for shifting the blame for the entire incident from their miscue to Tiger. There's enough class lacking in this whole affair to go around, IMO. 4/8/08
Eldrick says:
Eldrick is right to complain. It is rude and inexcusable for people to photograph him during his swing. any other time is fine but not during the swing. anybody would get ticked off by that. 4/8/08
Snyper says:nobody's qustioning his right to complain. I would complain too. if he would've just complained, it wouldn't be an issue at all. he said he was going to break somebody's neck!! complain all you want, but act like an adult. don't throw a fit like a little kid who doesn't know any better. if he continues down the path he's on with his behavior, in a few years he'll be making Happy Gilmore look like a saint on the golf course!! 4/9/08
 wcu42 says:I find it difficult to listen to you on your soapbox about profanity.You and I both know a "guy" who was playing a liesurley round of golf with a woman he was dating and supposedly cared about.They weren't playing in a tourney,a PGA tour event,a mini tour event and there was nothing on the line.This stooge was pissed about missing a putt without 10 million people watching on TV and without thousands watching him live.There were only three witnesses, and those three witnessed that stooge get pissed and hit a ball with his putter like it was a driver and smack his "beloved" friend of the opposite sex in the shin.There was NO MONEY, NO PRESTIGE and NO MAJOR TITLES on the line.I'm not calling the kettle black, but you shouldn't cast stones when you live in a GLASS house!Profanity is harmless compared to bodily injury.I know you know that I know that you know what I mean.If Tiger actually broke the guys neck?Then I would have a problem with it, unless I paid the $49.95 to see it on pay-per-view.Then it is on ME!! 4/10/08
Snyper says:Who cares that I've had some immature moments on the golf course? I'm not Tiger Woods and that girl was not a super model. When I'm on the PGA Tour hitting people with my putter, then you can call my house 'glass'! Until then, I'll continue to throw the stones to those who need to be hit by one! p.s. the girl is no longer in the picture. she did however handle the incident rather well. :-) 4/11/08
 merlin2driver says:I took your article about playing from the tips to heart and have been looking for the opportunity for some time. Today I got paired up with a couple of guys who wanted to play from the silver (tips) tees on the longest course in Texas. I wound up shooting 87 for the most exciting game in my life. Not because of the mediocre score but because I parred a couple of 210 yard par 3s and hit some really long holes in regulation. 4/13/08
Snyper says:Awesome! There's no feeling like challenging yourself and succeeding, especially on the golf course. That's how you get better. Thanks for the feedback, love to hear it! 4/14/08
Smskelton says:
No professional athlete gets a pass for using profanity, not Tiger, not anybody. But, the photographer does need to get his neck broken, or at a minimum to have his camera chucked in a water hazard. Professional photographers only are allowed to bring cameras on the course. They know the rules about not shooting at the wrong time. Some jerks do it anyway. Ask yourself how you would react under the same circumstance? Pro’s don’t get to hit again when a jerk in the crowd screws up a swing. 99 % of these violations happen to Tiger because he’s the one the hounds are chasing, Try this: Play “Best shot for $20” on your course. Every shot pays. You must be quiet and respectful, but when you hit, the other players get to do anything during your swing like shooting you in the stomach with a BB gun. After they’ve screamed in your backswing, coughed and rattled the clubs in their bag for the 50th straight time, check out your emotions. How long will it take before you tell the other players to shove it? 6/5/08
 PapaJoe says:As a professional photographer and having covered many PGA events during the early 70's when there was no such thing as a "Tiger", only some really great golfers playing the game, such as Nicklaus, Trevino, and Gary Player, only to mention a few, I only have one thing to say about a guy of Tiger's status who belittles and screams at a press photographer, (the only ones allowed on the course), who makes a mistake and clicks off a shot during any golfer's swing: "Boo, Hoo! Find a beer and cry in it!" For someone supposedly as "mentally tough" as Tiger Woods is supposed to be, and a guy who was taught by his father and many other coaches to "AVOID" outside distractions, get on with your life and quit belly aching and crying about one missed shot! Photographers make mistakes. So do professional golfers!!! Leave the yelling and cursing to Steve Williams. That's what you pay him for! 6/18/08
PapaJoe says:I just heard on the golf channel about a fan who somehow or another scooped up a mostly eaten apple core that Tiger Woods had discarded during a round in the 2008 U.S. Open. That fan put that rotten apple core on eBay and the latest bid posted was $25,000! Are you serious??? Are there really idiots out there who would pay even a dollar for a munched on piece of apple, no matter who it supposedly came from? If this story is true, shame, shame, shame, on you people who are that nutso to fall prey to think that such a piece of garbage left on the golf course is worth even 25-cents! Are today's golf fans really that sick??? Especially considering the bad press and rep Woods has got for belittling fans for breathing out and in during his swing! Please gimme' back the good ol' days of Arnie Palmer's Army! Please don't roll over in your grave, Bobby Jones!!! 6/25/08
Snyper says:Well said on both posts papa! It just makes me sick that so many people give him a pass for acting without any class and like a total jack#$$! He could make such a positive impact on young kids and golf in general, but he doesn't care enough to do that. It's a shame. 6/25/08
 ToddRobb says:Snyper.... I just found this post... you can't be serious with this are you?? That's the problem you have with Tiger??? Because he got or gets angry at camera men??? I agree with everyone here who says profanity is no big deal. So he throws out a vague threat to break a neck, I bet no one clicked in his backswing again that day. You actually think your kids are not cursing, or they have never heard an f-bomb? What planet are you from? Try going to ANY sporting event and not hear spectators and athletes alike cursing like drunken sailors. It really sounds like you are in some kind of Tiger denial, if I were you, I would keep my anti- Tiger thoughts to myself, it just makes you look very golf ignorant. But I forgot, you're an O H (Original Hater). 6/26/08
ToddRobb says:and furthermore ... Did you actually say "He could make such a positive impact on young kids and golf in general, but he doesn't care enough to do that. It's a shame." again... I have to ask.... What planet are you from??? 6/26/08
PapaJoe says:ToddRobb: You've got to be kidding! And so are others who say profanity is no big deal! Profanity IS a BIG DEAL, especially when it comes out out of the mouths of children! Tiger Woods seems to be a schizo of a sort. He does a world of good and worthwhile charitable causes for youth and junior golf, and puts on innumerable youth clinics all over the country promoting the sport of golf and himself as models of the sporting industry. Yet he is constantly caught on camera and video screaming expletives to not only the media but the crowd in general! What kind of behavior does that portray to the "children of the future"? Is it ok to have a filthy mouth and belittle other people during your arena of sport just because you are a gifted athlete? I THINK NOT! And the problem does not only lie with Tiger. Unfortunately he is one of the most publicized icons that children look up to. I am from the planet of: "Teach your children what is right from wrong!" 7/6/08
ToddRobb says:PapaJoe: It sounds like you are from the planet of: "Hide your kids from reality". My wife works at a elementary school and tells me that some of the kids curse and some don't, but they ALL hear it on a daily basis. You must be one of those people that like other people to raise their kids. What Tiger does on television should be just that, what he does on television. If you are sincere when you say "Teach your children what is right from wrong" them teach them what is right from wrong, not hide them from it. To answer your question "Is it ok to have a filthy mouth and belittle other people during your arena of sport just because you are a gifted athlete?" I say yes. If a stupid ass photographer decides to break the rules of which he has agreed to, while an athlete is trying to compete (work at his job), he is fair game. Please spare me with the "what's right for the children speech" There are a world of other issues to address with children other than profanity. 7/7/08
Snyper says:Hmmm...so sad to hear that the "they are going to hear/see it anyway" method of raising kids is still alive and well. should we go out back and set our neighbor's house on fire to show our kids that that is wrong too?? kids need the people they look up to to model "right" behavior. hopefully, their parents are doing that. but you better believe there are a lot of kids that look to tiger and see how he behaves as "right". the same is true with any athlete of their status. will kids see and here bad behavior? of course! it's easy for a parent to convey to their kids that other kids are behaving inappropriately. it is not nearly as easy to justify to a kid that Tiger behaves inappropriately. 7/7/08
Snyper says:bottom line...Tiger has no class. Even if you are clouded enough to think his behavior is justified, you have to admit that it is classless. After all, class is about behaving properly even when you have the right not to. when a kid makes noise during your swing and you hand him an autographed ball after your shot, that's class. when's the last time Tiger did that? 7/7/08
ToddRobb says:Synder: Come on, let's stay focused here, don't try to make it seem like Tiger has yelled profanity's at kids. As far as "set our neighbor's house on fire to show our kids that that is wrong too??", you sure are reaching, but I will address your point. I would not start the fire, but if the house was on fire, I would certainly use the opportunity to teach a child that fire is not to be played with in any form, and how dangerous it can be. You said "it is not nearly as easy to justify to a kid that Tiger behaves inappropriately." I disagree totally, it's actually much easier to justify to a child that he cannot act like an adult that he sees on television, than it is to act like one of the kids his own age. The fact still remains that Tiger is the closest thing that we've seen to the perfect golfer, but let us not forget that he is still human, he does have flaws just like anyone else, you and PapaJoe seem to have focused on his only flaw that we happen to get to see on TV. 7/7/08
PapaJoe says:Todd: I NEVER tried to hide my children from reality! You are just a little too presumptious by thinking what you DON'T know about other people! I knew if I had hidden my children from the "real" world and some of the horrors they would encounter growing up in it they just might grow up riddled with an attitude like yours. I purposefully exposed my children, family's children, and junior golf students to not only the reality of the world, but also the "nicety" of how to be nice. My boys are now 35, 30, and 26. They all lived in, and still do live in, a real world and have never had any ridiculous expectations that they could screw up whenever they want and it would be accepted as society's norm just because "Tiger did it". You may have some valid points about how children depict the real world from how us caring parents, uncles and teachers try to teach them the reality of what is right from wrong, but at least we try! And keep on trying no matter what Tiger did or does. 7/8/08
PapaJoe says:In my opinion, Tiger Woods as an idol and icon for the younger generation, sucks! Most of the time. Yet he still has his good points! Just last week one of my junior golf clinic students, about 11 years old, asked me, "Mr. Joe, is it okay to get mad and throw clubs and say bad things if you make a bad shot, like Tiger does, sometimes?" I immediately and emphatically replied, "No! Just because Tiger does it doesn't make it right!" Junior student looks up at me with his young, innocent, little questioning eyes, and asks, "Then what's right?" My reply: "You are for asking such an important question." Tiger Woods isn't the only foil in the armor of golfing greats. Unfortunately, he is the one MOST little guys and gals look up to. They have no idea who "Champagne" Tony, or "Terrible" Tommy Bolt was. I hope they never find out! I sure won't tell them. 7/8/08
 I'm no Pete says:I think the Cameras should be taken way out of ears way at a pro tournament. They have great lenses that can certainly zoom in farther then what they can make a noise. Yes Tiger should whisper to someone else and that someone else should go and tell the crowd to keep the #^(%*# noise down. But when it happens over and over again at what point do you stick up for your own game. When it comes to the kind of focus that Tiger needs to play the game as well as he does you and I and 99% of the golfers will understand. So let the great be great and let them play the game the way they deserve to play the game even if it means giving them more respect the a son gives his father after all he has become the father of golf so obey and respect and take the scolding and go to your room. 7/10/08
Wedger says:
Let's make this easy by saying no cameras of any kind on the course. then Tiger is to be told no swearing on the course. how dumb do you take us for? Tiger is to have the same courtesy as the rest of the golers even if they seem less important. The news has brought the problem that they cry about. 7/13/08
brokeinorlando says:
The photographer is at fault. They know the rules and break them daily. If they cant be responsible, they should be cut off from the field. #$%^ all of them. 7/13/08
PapaJoe says:I agree with 90% of youse guys. A photographer is indeed at fault, some of the time, but not all the time. I have been scolded several times while photographing professional golfers just for being in their "line of sight". I always tried to be as inconspicuous as possible, but it is virtually impossible to be "invisible" all the time. Before the advent of the "silent" digital camera it was damn impossible not to make a "shutter clicking" noise. But I guarantee you, we ALWAYS tried to hold off that noise until after the swing, or after the putting stroke had been made. The majority of camera mistakes are NOT made by professionals. They are usually the people who sneak in their own cameras and don't know any better when or when not to shoot a picture. And those people are NOT allowed to have cameras, anyway! Think about this... If no photographers were allowed there would be no great photos for all to see in newspapers, magazines, and all other media publications that make golfers famous! 7/16/08
ToddRobb says:Papajoe, you said "A photographer is indeed at fault, some of the time, but not all the time." You admit that the photographer is at fault, but you have a problem with Tiger getting angry about it??? Because the children are watching?? Just because he uses profanity doesn't make him classless. Tiger is basically at his place of business working, a photographer performs a distracting action, ON PURPOSE!! not by accident,,, ON PURPOSE!!! And because Tiger lets loose a few "bad words", it makes him classless and a bad role model to children?? One question... If a child you know today turns out to be as successful at ANYTHING that Tiger is as successful at golf, would you agree that they would probably be at the top of their chosen field?? Let me answer for you,... yes you would. One more question, are you actually telling children to not grow up to be like Tiger Woods? 7/16/08
ToddRobb says:PapaJoe, you also said "But I guarantee you, we ALWAYS tried to hold off that noise until after the swing, or after the putting stroke had been made." The key word in that quote is "tried". Is it really that hard to wait until the swing is finished to take a picture?? I have a news flash for you, most golfers couldn't care less about the pictures in a golf article. Unless it's instructional or pictures of some of the babes on the LPGA, who cares???? 7/16/08
PapaJoe says:Ah, "TR" you have just made my day!! Firstly, I never said Tiger was "classless". That was Matt Snyder's 'Tiger tag'! Yet I do agree with Matt's assessment whenever Tiger puts on his "classless act". Fortunately those times are few and far between. And yes, I did say "A" photographer was indeed at fault... some of the time... but not all the time... "A" photographer does not necessarily mean a professional photographer. I simply meant some other idiot with a camera who has no idea when or when not to snap a picture. FYI press credentials are incredibly hard to come by at a PGA golf event. They don't give them to just any schmuck with a camera. Unfortunately too many schmucks with cameras, including cell phone cameras, infiltrate behind the ropes unnoticed! 7/17/08
PapaJoe says:And your "FLASH" about people not caring about pictures in a golf article or anywhere else is absolutely ludicrous! How boring the world of sports, including a golf tournament, would be without exciting photographs to depict the event. Surely you can't be serious??? I just finished three days of covering and photographing a junior golf tournament in my hometown. I was swamped with requests by the kids, their parents, and the local newspaper, to make sure I made as many photos as possible available to all concerned! And not one person yelled at me to "NOT" shoot photos at any time during play. I observed the rules, and EVERYONE was extremely happy because it made them feel "famous". Hopefully, some day, one of those kids will be! And they will have wonderful photographic memories to look back on, and more to look forward to!!! 7/17/08
ToddRobb says:PJ, Spoken like a true photographer, but with all due respect, what the @*&% are you talking about??? First off, I wasn't talking about pictures of some kids at some junior golf tournament in your hometown. I was talking about pictures taken of golf pro's at pro golf tournaments for articles in newspapers. And second, did you actually try to call golf pictures "exciting"???? ..excuse me while I LOL 7/18/08
PapaJoe says:ToddR: Please LOL all you want!! He who laughs loudest does NOT by any means laugh last!! Do you perchance remember photos of that little junior golfer guy of about 20 to 25 years ago called Tiger Woods? Do you think ANYBODY would remember him just because of a few articles written about him? How about those photos of him and his dad, in particular and especially the shot of Tiger and Earl hugging and embracing after Tiger's first Master's Golf Tournament win! And how about the videos posted all over the Golf Channel and the stills pictured in "Sports Illustrated" and "Golf Digest" only to mention a few publications in which he appeared? Ever hear of the old adage, "A picture is worth a thousand words?" And what about all of Tiger's photographs pasted on the front cover of not only Golf magazines, but "Time", "Newsweek", and "Life" to mention a few others??? Wake up Todd!! Take off the blinders!!! But please excuse me if you read only braille! 7/18/08
PapaJoe says:And if that doesn't convince you that photographs are ever lasting, and "EXCITING" why do you think this web site called "oobGolf" uses photos to convey and express their thoughts about the golfing world? Without phtos, words are just words, with very little meaning! But... I agree with you on one point you made. Without photos the LPGA would without a doubt be just words without meaning, especially Natile Gulbis' 2008 Calendar. Who in the hell would want to look at an oratorio of words on 12 pages of a calendar describing Natile Gulbis? Come on Todd, give in, just a little. Photos are exciting!!! 7/18/08
ToddRobb says:PJ, It seems you have a problem staying focused on what we are talking about. AGAIN.... "I was talking about pictures taken of golf pro's at pro golf tournaments for articles in newspapers" It sounds like you are doing a infomercial for photography. It's funny how you tried to included video, nice try. I was just recently telling someone that I remembered reading an article about Tiger when he was in high school, for the life of me, for some reason I can't remember the pictures that were with the article. That being said, let's get back to the reason why a stupid ass photographer can't wait until Tiger finishes his swing to take his picture. So let me see if I follow you, you think that since the world can't live without exciting golf pictures that it's okay for a photographer to "some of the time" take his picture during his back swing, and Tiger isn't allowed to get angry enough about it to curse because he's a role model. I hear ya, keep it real!!! 7/19/08
PapaJoe says:ToddR: I guess I am going to have to agree with you on at least one point. The sporting world, and the rest of the world in general, WOULD be better off without any photographs of Tiger Woods, especially the ones during his backswing!! 7/21/08
PapaJoe says:Hey TR: I've got a special photograph I'd love to send to you, that is if you don't consider all photographers to be "stupid asses" in everything they photograph! It is NOT Tiger Woods or any PGA golfer caught during a swing! Unfortunately I've been retired long enough and not been privy to have been fortunate enough to capture photos of the latest and greatest golfers to hit the PGA circuit during the past 15 years or so. But I think you will enjoy this particular photo montage of one of "oobGolf's" staff superimposed on Valhalla Golf Course, the site of the upcoming Ryder Cup matches in Louisville, KY. I sent this photo to the "oobGolf" staff but I don't know if they will publish it or not. It's all in fun, and that's what golf is all about, at least in my mind. Whattayathink? My e-mail: papajoehermit@juno.com 7/22/08
PapaJoe says:You can preview the photo in "My Images" on this web site. It's the last one posted. If you'd rather NOT have it, no offense taken or intended. 7/22/08
PapaJoe says:Mallory, I take it back. I took it off "My Images". Seems no one likes good art anymore. Please don't sue me! I got no money, anyway. But you DO have a nice smile! Good golfin! 7/27/08
[ post comment ]
|
More Cigar Lounge Other Reading:
 add to del.icio.us digg this story Subscribe |
