Is the Tiger gossip a golf story?

A TV shot of Woods' crash SUV

That seems to be the question some are asking. Yesterday, while reading Geoff Shackelford’s site, the question was raised about whether Shackelford should be writing about the topic. I was asked the same question about my initial post regarding Woods’ accident. Reader “Albert” wrote:

Is it really necessary to point us to some unsubstantiated story on Woods love life. Is that the best you can do? What garbage. And in any event, why is it your business to write about his bedroom? How would you like it if somebody wrote about what you do in your spare time? You should get a job with the Enquirer, because that is your level right now.

I get that. I don’t really care what Tiger Woods does in that few hours when he isn’t a) working out b) practicing his short game c) playing with Hank d) practicing his short game (again). The problem is that Tiger Woods, regardless of how carefully he’s guarded his privacy, is a public figure of his own making. After all, he’s paid millions to publicly endorse a wide variety of goods and services, ranging from Nike to Accenture. And could Accenture be any more relevant? After all, the company’s home page has a picture of Woods on it with the slogan “It’s what you do next that counts.” Timely.

Truthfully this is a celebrity story that crosses over to golf. If Woods has a piece on the side, one that travels with him to tournaments in Australia, then that links to golf (and I love the fact that Woods’ website has a question from a fan about “life on the road,” while another is titled “On Top Down Under.” I’m sure those double entendres are unintentional.) And if the car accident causes him to miss his own charity silly season event — and reports are saying he hasn’t confirmed whether he’s playing or not — than that also influences his golf career. If his personal life becomes exceptionally complicated, it would seem sensible that it would also start have implications on his golf career. With all of that in mind, this is a golf story — though one about a golfer who transcends the sport.

The issue that I think most are struggling with is why a seemingly minor car accident seems like such a major issue with the Woods camp. If this isn’t a big deal — then explain it and move on. Maybe he was tired and fell asleep. Maybe he’d had a fight with his wife — most would sympathize, though I think the implication now would be that any dispute would be linked to the Enquirer story.  But if this car accident wasn’t an issue — than why is Woods now refusing to speak with police?

This morning police say that will move forward with the investigation without his cooperation.

And for those that care, celeb website TMZ.com are claiming this is the real story behind the crash:

However, TMZ.com alleged that Woods’ facial injuries were inflicted by his wife, who had “gone ghetto” during a row over his reported affair with party organiser Rachel Uchitel. Uchitel has vehemently denied the claims, which first surfaced in the National Enquirer.

Nordegren followed Woods out of the house and struck the car windows with a golf club as he drove away, the website claimed, causing him to crash into a fire hydrant.

Oh, and for good fun, go to the forum on Woods’ site. Lots of crazies over there — and everyone has a theory. One guy even claims the accident was caused by Woods serving to miss a neighbour’s dog. I’m sure there are lots of loose animals wandering around Isleworth at 2:30 am.