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Live From Studio 1A: Appreciating Tiger

Posted: Tuesday, August 28, 2007 8:30 AM by Dan Fleschner
Filed Under:

It was a real pleasure this morning to see Tiger Woods in our studio during a summer in which we've covered so many unpleasant sports stories. WATCH VIDEO

From the Michael Vick dogfighting case to the NBA gambling scandal to Barry Bonds breaking one of baseball's hallowed record amid steroid allegations, it's been easy for sports fans to become disillusioned.

Image: Tiger Woods
Jessica Rinaldi/Reuters
Tiger Woods holds up the Wanamaker Trophy after winning the PGA
Championship earlier this month.

But here's Tiger Woods, the signature American athlete of this generation. We all know that he's achieving things no one has ever done in the sport of golf. He's ahead of Jack Nicklaus's pace in his quest to win the most major championships in history, and by some estimates, he could become the first athlete to earn $1 billion by 2010.

Even though neither you nor I will ever be as good at anything as Tiger is at golf, I still find him inspiring because of his relentless pursuit of excellence. Yes, he's outrageously talented -- he's been a prodigy almost since birth. But when you think about players in our most popular individual sports (namely, tennis and golf) who have so much success, so young, many of them lose the focus, ambition and work ethic that got them to the top in the first place.

Consequently, they fall.

But Tiger hasn't allowed that to happen; if anything, he's getting better with age. And if you can't find some inspiration from that, from seeing someone work to become the best -- and then work even harder to stay the best, then I don't know what to tell you.

In the past 15 months, I would argue that Tiger has ascended to an even higher level, because he's been forced to show us his human side. For years, he often seemed more machine than man, programmed to eliminate all adversaries on Sundays.

But with the death of his father and mentor in May 2006, and the birth of his first child, daughter Sam Alexis, two months ago, Woods has gone from a player we must hold in awe to a man also worthy of our love.

He still doesn't give us much of what goes on inside his heart and his head, but we've seen enough lately to know that, yes, this guy is human.

As for this summer's sports controversies, you won't hear Tiger involved in any of them. Seems like the only times he gets mixed up in anything is when another player attacks or criticizes him.

What does Tiger do to those guys? He goes out on the golf course and beats the crap out of them. And afterwards, he'll go home, kiss his wife and daughter, call his mom on the phone and pay silent tribute to his father.

What's not to love?

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I love Tiger Woods and have been following him since he was a little duffer.  He looks great at 31.  I don't understand why Matt Lauer spent so much time talking about Tiger's size.  Later, on CNBC, Erin asked the same questions and talked about him bulking up.  I wasn't sure if these were leading questions or just casual references to his look.  Tiger took the questions good naturedly but I am certain he didn't appreciate the inferences.  Aren't there more interesting questions to pursue with Tiger in such a short period?  Please, please spend less time on commenting on appearance and more on substance.  
Tiger Woods is a true sportsman. How I wish all athletes would be as reputable as he is. You don't hear him making headlines about bad behavior. I liked the incident when he defended his wife regarding the phony pictures that showed up somewhere. He said, "We are a team." and you could tell he was very offended and that is the way a good husband ought to be. He wants to keep his life respectable and private. He gives the media a run for their money because they can't find anything bad to say about him. Way to go Tiger!
Tiger is who has made golf interesting to watch again.  He seems to be a fine man and he has a beautiful family.  All the best to him.
I don't know about love but undeniable admiration on all aspects. The man has commended respect. Golf aside, it is obvious that Earl and Tita did what parents should do and with God's hand the child learns, appreciates and gives thanks for everything s/he is able to accomplish.
Like him or not, we all can appreciate the values on exhibit.
When I wathed Tiger win the latest PGA championship, as I sat there a smile crept accross my face and I muttered "Earl Woods Son"...  I said it both admirably and with a sense of pride.  Because Tiger is a product of love, nuturing and guidance of both Earl and Katilda Woods.  Most people thought that Tiger was forced and fed golf 24 hours a day, by a man trying to live vicariously through his son but, Earl (and Katilda) apparently also taught him about life; how to be a respectable and decent person,  how to prioritize and set goals, and about the value of hard work and to reach for the stars.

Earl once commented that Tiger would not truly become great until he found balance and someone to share his life and accomplishments... Boy was he right!  Because he has found that balance at the very beginning of his prime and at the ripe time of his maturity... Watch Out PGA...It's "Hello World Part II" [And I won't charge Nike for that one :)].

Tiger is a testament and product of what can come from a great loving and caring family, which provides a foundation and creates and fosters an environment for their children to excel, no matter what they pursue.

He started out as a golfer (which he will always be at heart) and has become a walking corporate conglomerate, Icon, father, husband and role model.
However, no matter how great he becomes and no matter what he accomplishes, he will always be "Earl Woods Boy"!

My prayer for him is that he continues to stay grounded, stay above the hype, stay true to his heart and use his fame and fortune to help those less fortunate, those who do not have the guidance of a family and father figure to teach them life's values; I think that his foundation in which Earl Woods envsioned and helped establish is a step in right direction.

I must agree with Leslie's comments, those are the things that Matt should have focused on rather than the superficial chatter about his bodily appearance which is a product of hard work, genetics and a slowing down of his metabolic rate.  

These comments are not a stab at Matt whom I watch and admire; I am sure he was just trying to add a little levity to the interview.  But, hopefully for the future, there would be a segment to focus on the things that I have touched on in my comments.  NOW that would be a great segement for the TODAY Show.
Tiger is the man! I love his videos about his life -- it's amazing how great his parents were and how wonderfully they handled parenting a prodigy. He makes such good decisions in life. We should all be modeling our parenting after Earl and Tida.
Yes, Matt Lauer was definitely leaving the impression that he thought Tiger could be on steroids. Uncool.
With all that Tiger Woods has accomplished it's his exposed humility that's inspiring. His ego always seems in check and I don't think he ever believes he's as good today as he will be tomorrow.
Just a remarkable human being. Earl Woods and mom did an incredible job of instilling real values in this kid. Humility and desire for excellence. If Tiger were a doctor - he'd probably be the one to find a cure for a disease - because he's that passionate about what he does.
Tiger just keep doing what you are doing with your love for your family and golf God will continue to Bless you
I never was interested in the game of golf, until I seen Tiger Woods play.  Not only have I became a new golf fan, but also a Tiger fan.  He seems to me, to be a gracious man,husband,father and human being. We all can learn from Tiger's determination, respect and love that he has for life. He's parents done their job and raising this fine young man and I know they are very proud of him and so am I.
Tiger Woods'over all demeanor and posture is complementary to the excellent way he plays the game of golf. His stature is easy on the eye and the game he plays leaves one with a lasting expression of gratitude that satisfies completely my joy of being entertained by the sport when he's present on the course. He makes my day!
I don't know what they mean by having been a machine before his daughter's birth.  El Tigre's had some rather human moments on the course, and a few early gaffes with his launch to stardom and a meltdown or two of temperment.   If anything, despite the fact that they're all but footnotes now, show this guy's been as human as any of us since he first swatted his way into the books as the youngest pro on the circuit.

I credit Tiger with doing something few major sports stars in any sport pull off.  He's as respected for the man he is off the course as he is on it.    No obnoxious bling, nothing about "keepin' it real"...I mean, before we get completely awash in his athletic credentials, lets remind ourselves he was a Junior at Standford before he went pro.  He could put the clubs down tomorrow, never golf again, and he still has more neurons firing between his ears than the collective NBA and NFL.

If tomorrow some tragedy were to rob him of the ability to walk the course, he'd still have a life worth looking up to.   VERY few pro athletes in the public consciousness have this privilege, and I thank him for respecting that.
Sorry about the misspelled word I used on my prior blog.  I meant to say his parents raised a fine young man.
tiger has done what some guys wish they could have done but god be with you and your family and i will watch you any time you play golf.
Tiger is the reason for the season; the golf season, that is.  He's the best thing that's happened to athletics since Jim Thorp!!!!  We love you, Tiger and your lovely family, as well.
Tiger Woods you are great inspiration to all.  I am so proud that a fine young man like yourself have achieved so much in your life.  May you continue to make GREAT CHOICES and may GOD bless you and your family.  When you are out on the green GOLF is so exciting to watch!

I enjoy watching Tiger golf, especially on Sundays!  He is always a gentlemen and someone I would want my child to be like.  I wish him all the best on and off the course.  Always put family first!
Great posts by everyone but we have seen only the tip of the iceberg with Tiger. He has great things planned and golf is but one of them.
I have loved Tiger and his golf since he first went Pro. It is such a JOY to watch him, both on the course and off. I love to send his Tiger Woods Foundation a meaningful contribution of $'s every time he plays (and not just when he wins!) I loved anticipating, then getting to see those precious baby photos of Sam Alexis, Tiger and Elin.
    God Bless Tiger!   Frances Caramella Portland, OR
Sorry I missed the original airing on the Today Show, I had to work.  I just watched the internet version.  I started golfing because of Tiger Woods.  I love the game and love watching him on tv, especially when he's in the final pairing on Sunday, the SUNDAY RED!!  But, if he's not in the final pairing, I look forward to the "Tiger Magic."  Meaning, shaping each shot that only a Tiger can and come from behind to win.  I can only pray my son does great things as Tiger has.  I can only think of one word to describe Tiger, that word is CLASS.  THANKS TIGER!! from the Navajo Nation.
TIGER is one of the most unique persons we currently have on earth!!
I truly admire how his parents raised this man. I always said to my kids ... "you are a reflection of me", "how you conduct yourself in the world reflects on your parents".  Mission accomplished by Mr/Mrs Woods.
I have utmost confidence that Tiger will always be the same kind of genuine, sensitive, sincere man he is today.
I look forward to watching his golf career become history for the future.
I look forward to being allowed into his life to watch his family grow.
Blessings to you Tiger, Elan and Sam
I also became interested in watching golf because of Tiger - he is a great athlete and more importantly an awesome human being - a great tribute to his parents.  I am sure he and his wife will be great role models for their children. Great interview -Matt
Tiger is the man! Great athlete! First class citizen!
Obviously the product of loving ,inspiring  parents.
I pray he never stumbles ethically--the media will grind him up unmercifully--destroyin' a role model is what they thrive on---
Tiger's skills and capabilities seem to assure us of his continued integrity as a sportsman and his generousity--Long live the king!
Tiger you are just an awesome young man.  I know your parents are really proud and your Dad looks down and smiles every day.  My Mom passed away two years ago and she loved watching you play.  In fact she never watched golf until you came along.  Perhaps she has met your Dad, he would like her, a find Christian woman.  Good Luck to you and your family and continued blessings.  
i only learned how to watch and appreciate golf since Tiger started playing. He is a joy to watch and his shy smile makes me smile too. I hope he will remain in no. 1 until he passed the record and his fans will talk about it forever. I wish you more luck Tiger and God bless you and your family.


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