Tiger will always be a golf role model

Even as the number of his alleged mistresses may pass the number of golf majors he’s won, it’s laughable reading and listening to some of the commentary surrounding the moral failings of Eldrick “Tiger” Woods.

The other day, Joe Scarborough, host of MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” actually wondered out loud whether any wife would buy her husband a set of Tiger Woods golf clubs for Christmas after hearing the news of alleged affairs.

Joe, if his golf game sucks that bad, yea, his wife should buy the driver, irons, wedges and putter, and throw in some golf attire as well.

Tiger Woods has not admitted to cheating on his wife, but his statement about committing “transgressions” that have hurt his wife and family clearly revolves around all of the women who are scattering to sell their stories of trysts with him.

Tiger Woods the husband has clearly failed to live up to his marital obligations. He did agree to forsake others in marrying his wife, and what he did in darkness has now come to light, dealing a substantial blow to his carefully crafted image as the All-American golfer.

But let’s be just as clear: It’s utterly outrageous to think that there is a parent out there who is telling their son or daughter not to be like Tiger on the golf course because of what he did off the golf course.

He is the best at what he does today, and what many people love about him is what he does in his profession.

Some might think I’m giving him a pass. OK, fine. How many women admire the success that Barbara Walters has had in her career?

The legendary broadcaster has broken many barriers, has a hit show with “The View,” and continues to bring ABC stellar ratings for her various specials. Yet she’s an adulterer, admitting in her own book to cheating years ago with the married Sen. Edward Brooke of Massachusetts.

We have all read and watched as Jack Welch, the former hard-driving CEO of General Electric, was hailed as the best corporate leader in America. He was called “Neutron Jack” and now, “America’s CEO.” His advice is considered golden to corporate and political leaders across the globe. Yet didn’t he admit to cheating on his first and second wives?

Again, if Jack Welch cheated on his wife, yet folks have looked the other way and hailed his integrity in the boardroom, what makes him different from Tiger?

Michael Jordan is known as the ultimate competitor, whether on the basketball court or ripping folks to shreds in his induction speech into the Professional Basketball Hall of Fame. He has six championship rings and is considered by some to be the greatest basketball player in the history of the game. (I disagree. My vote would go to Bill Russell).

But while scoring on the court, he was scoring with many women off of it, while married.

I have yet to hear anyone suggest that Jordan’s greatness with a basketball diminished the public’s view of him after learning of his prowess with the ladies.

Oscar winner Angelina Jolie has been hailed as a great actress and a modern-day Audrey Hepburn because of her philanthropic and humanitarian work across the globe. Yet I do remember Brad Pitt being married to Jennifer Aniston when he hooked up with the sultry Jolie. Do we demand that she issue a mea culpa for having an affair while talking about the suffering of children in the Sudan?

This has nothing to do with infidelity, but I remember reading a story where Jack Nicklaus played on a golf course on his wedding anniversary that wouldn’t let women on the grounds. So his wife drove around for the four hours he played the round.

It would be great for all of us to look at athletes, celebrities, politicians, business leaders, and yes, those of us in the media, as role models professionally and personally, willing to be morally superior in every facet of their lives.

I’ve long said that if someone is that desperate to cheat on their spouse, just don’t get married! I recognize that isn’t always the case. Nevertheless, we pray that someone who does commit adultery work out their issues and be a better man and woman.

I’m a huge Tiger Woods fan. I love to watch him sporting his red on Sundays, staring down his opponents, trying to maintain his legendary focus, and continuing his quest to eclipse Nicklaus’ record-setting 18 golf majors.

And when I’m playing in my Nike hat with “TW” emblazoned on it, along with the various “TW” golf shirts and shoes, I’ll try to emulate Tiger. But only on the golf course. Just the way it should be.

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