No matter who you blame for the tragic soap opera that the life of Tiger Woods has become – Tiger himself, the media, the mistresses, the sycophantic enablers who surround him – there’s no denying that this string of embarrassing disclosures about his private life will have an impact on golf.
The man who once represented the ultimate in power and performance has now become a punch line for comedians. Certainly we wish the best for Tiger and his family as they seek to piece their lives back together. But, like others in the industry, we can’t help but wonder what the long-term fallout from his irresponsible actions will be.
When Tiger first emerged on the scene a little more than 10 years ago, he generated what some called the “Tiger Effect.” His appeal drew millions – especially young people – to who never had an interest in golf to the game. While that initial appeal may have faded insofar as creating new players, Tiger has become a major brand for the golf industry. He drives the sale of Nike clubs and apparel. He has a fledgling golf course design business and is working on high-profile development projects in Dubai, Mexico and North Carolina that are depending on the Tiger name to sell property.
Can he recover? The answer is yes. If you doubt that, just watch any basketball game on TV and you’ll see NBA star Kobe Bryant – who five years was arrested on a highly publicized rape allegation — prominently featured in one commercial after another.
In the meantime, though, operators already struggling to keep afloat have to wonder what Tiger’s fall from grace will mean for the golf industry.
Do you believe the Tiger scandal will negatively impact the business side of golf? Does his bad behavior off the course reflect poorly on the game? We’d like to hear your views.