Tiger is Coming Back

Well its no secret that Tiger Woods is returning to golf at the Masters. It has been talked about and debated since he released a statement though his webpage. I for one am pleased that he is coming back. Not because I want to see him play, but because he owes golf a debt.

The man is extremely rich. He is rich because he can play golf very, very well. If it were not for his golfing abilities, Tiger Woods would never have received all the endorsements. In these times of economic challenges, which happens to coincide with several sponsorship renewals on the PGA Tour. Currently the only consistent draw on the tour is Tiger.

No Tiger, no money.

I realize he is a bit of a sideshow act but, if he isn't drawing people the tour could be in real trouble. There is no heir apparent. There is no one to look to today in golf that could pick up the torch and carry the tour. Tiger is it.

He has a responsibility to leave the sport in better condition than when he arrived. Golf has treated him well and he must do the same. Not returning to golf would be the most selfish act he could have done. It is good to see that Tiger is coming back. I know he is going to make a dump truck load of money and he will continue to benefit from golf but it is the only way that he can keep it going until the next one comes along.

Tiger's Words

In the middle the Olympic Winter Games Tiger Woods gave his first press conference since the incident. He spoke for quite a while. He admitted he was wrong and asked to have his family left out of what he did. He did everything you are supposed to do except tell us when he is returning to Golf.

I understand that he needs time to learn how to behave properly. I know his view of reality was distorted and he needs to realign with the rest of us. Having said that, I believe Tiger Woods has a responsibility to Professional Golf and the PGA Tour to return to playing golf as soon as possible. Everything he has originated out of playing golf. He has taken so much over the years. His fortune is based on him golfing. I understand he will benefit from going back but there are so many people relying on his star power to run the golf machine.

At the end of the day, professional sport is entertainment. People pay (directly or indirectly) to see the best in the world do what they do. It is no secret that more people watch golf when Tiger plays. Not a few more, a significant number more. Like every sport, Golf needs as many spectators as it can get. Golf needs Tiger Woods swinging clubs.

Because of everything that Tiger Woods has taken from Golf, he must give back as soon as possible. Anything else would be disrespectful.