‘They Crucified Me’: Tiger Woods Once Candidly Spoke About How the Golf Media Punished Him for His One Mistake

When you are a globally known sports celebrity, it is obvious to encounter media, and Tiger Woods was not untouched. It was media channels only where Woods received a huge fan following, and the news of his victories was flashing on tv screens.

However, it is only sometimes a path of roses with the media. It can be a blessing in disguise, but sometimes, it can be the reason for the fall.

The same was true when the media highlighted the golfer’s alleged scandal in 2009. Despite hard times, he rose like a champion. However, the highlight of the alleged scandal led to Woods’ separation from his former wife, Elin Nordegren.

There was another incident where the former number-one golfer did not have an excellent encounter with the media. He recalled the times during his interview with TIME by Lorne Rubenstein. 

Tiger Woods narrates the story of bitter taste with media

In 2015, Woods was about to turn 40; therefore, he decided to do an interview and detail the ordeals of his personal and professional journey. He chose his restaurant in Jupiter, Fla, as the venue for a one-on-one interview.

He had an ice pack on his back after his injury and told Rubenstein about his experience with the media. The reporter asked the pro golfer about the media attention he gets and how his experience has been.

Read more- Tiger Woods Once Portrayed His Displeasure On How Media Has Covered the Legend

Woods mentioned that he has always attended post-round interviews for eight years. However, it was once when he missed an interview, and the media was not pleased with it.

They crucified him, as the PGA pro said, “I think it was eight years ago, where I never missed a post-round interview. And the first time I did, they crucified me.” He then realized that he had been doing the interviews for a decade. No matter how good or bad he played, we could always find him talking to reporters after a golf round.

And in those years, he missed once, and the media ‘killed’ him for it. Earlier, there were few outlets present. Therefore, in the time of Nick Price, things were easier. However, in the time of Woods, there was more exposure possible.

Thus, the media could have taken it better whenever Woods missed the interview. Then he pointed out how many golfers pass for bad rounds. He said, “when I don’t do it, they just killed me for it. I go, O.K., guys, put it in perspective here. How many guys get a pass for shooting a bad round?”

How does Woods feel about the media?

The 15 times major championship winner does not despise the media. He stated that he has many friends in the media.

However, he knows they have made their career ‘negative’ and ‘outlandish.’ However, the golfer believed that it was their decision, their wish. According to him, there are good about media and some flip sides too.

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What are your thoughts about Woods’ comments? Let us know.