Tiger Woods has almost always held a press conference on the weeks he plays PGA Tour events. Following his less than stellar result at this year's Masters, Woods has now decided to skip the press conference and answer fans questions directly on his web page.
At best the questions could be considered soft, while many in the media called them lame. Is Tiger avoiding the press because he doesn't want to deal with tough questions about his swing changes, poor behaviour at Augusta, Hank Haney's book and all the other intrusions into his life? Until he's prepared to sit down with a real journalist, we may never know.
His manager says this new method of reaching out to fans means Tiger is embracing social media. Everyone else thinks he's just ducking the press.
Jeff Rude of Golf Week recently posed some questions that Tiger might have received from followers and even provided typical Tiger answers:
Q: Just wondering, what did you think of Hank Haneys book? A. Miceli, Richmond, Va.
TW: Alex, I know thats you. As Ive told you before, thats none of your (%&^@) business.
Q: Considering you won 51 percent of your PGA Tour starts from July 2006 to the day you hit that hydrant in 2009, what was so bad about that wipey swing anyway? H. Haney, Dallas
TW: Im afraid whatever I say here will end up in a book somewhere.
Q: Can you please watch the kids June 14-17? E. Nordegren, North Palm Beach, Fla.
TW: Maybe on Saturday and Sunday.
Q: Is it possible I can pick the movies the next time we room together? Z. Johnson, Sea Island, Ga.
TW: What would they be rated?
Q: Are you still mad at me? S. Williams, Auckland, New Zealand.
TW: Yes.
Q: Is it too early to ask if youd like to play a 2013 Masters practice round with me? P. Mickelson, Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.
TW: Yes.
Q: Should I keep saying no to every media and appearance request or should I mix in a yes now and then? M. Steinberg, Cleveland
TW: Yes and no.
Q: Can I hitch a ride on your plane back from Memorial, or do you still think Im a mooch from last time? I. Poulter, Orlando, Fla.
TW: No and yes.
Q: Are you still thinking about becoming a Navy SEAL? And if not, what about the Boy Scouts? R. Sabbatini, Fort Worth, Texas
TW: (No audible response.)
Q: Whats your favorite color, besides Sunday red, I mean? N. Begay, Albuquerque, N.M.
TW: Green. Dude, you know about my appearance fees.
Q: What do you think of Nikes really cool new shoe line? P. Knight, Beaverton, Ore.
TW: Have millions of reasons to never leave home without a pair.
Q: After you finished playing just after lunchtime on Masters Sunday, did you happen to watch the rest of the tournament? B. Watson, Windermere, Fla.
TW: Highlight of a double eagle was about all I saw.
Q: Do you think your left leg will keep you from winning more majors? J. Nicklaus, North Palm Beach, Fla.
TW: No. Im still jacked up about getting that record.
Q: How often do you get an urge to watch tape of your swing from 2000? B. Harmon, Las Vegas
TW: Not even when I room with Z. Johnson.
Q: How long do you think youll stick with your current swing? S. Foley, Windermere, Fla.
TW: Depends.
