by: Michael Vermes

Intimidating and unbeatable are words that were often associated with golfer Tiger Woods. With a career consisting of 14 major wins, 24 regular PGA Tour victories, Woods is in the midst of a win-less streak that has spanned longer than a year. The 35 year old has been chasing the record of eighteen major victories, set by Jack Nicklaus, for his whole career. The pressure on Woods continues to mound from media outlets, such as ESPN. Many question if breaking this record is any longer a realistic goal.

The once fan-favorite has become a media punching-bag over the past year and cannot seem to get any rhythm back in his golf swing. In November of 2009, Tiger Woods’s life changed right before his eyes. At 2:25 A.M, the athlete crashed an SUV into a tree which began a downward spiral in his life. This would only become the start of the toughest year for the professional golfer. After reports surfaced on the situation, the final news was that Tiger Woods had an affair with eleven mistresses.

The now divorced golfer faces several new challenges ahead. Already having lost twelve million dollars in the divorce settlement, the father of two will have to decide how to explain the situation that took place off the golf course to his children in the future. After receiving treatment at a sex-rehab facility in Mississippi, all parents in the world could only hope that this will help the explanation come a little easier.

Through all of the events that have occurred to Tiger Woods, the new question is whether people are supposed to be filled with sympathy or distaste. After a monotone apology to the media on ESPN after the facts had been released, the attempt to repair his image began. Tiger Woods insisted to reporters that he will become a new person on and off the golf course. This change is yet to be seen, as his anger on the golf-course remains, with foul language and poor body expression after terrible golf swings.

Tiger Woods often refers to letting go of the goals his father once set for him, as a big reason for his downfall. Letting go? Throwing out is more of the word that fits into the sentence correctly. The fact that the transgressions did not only occur with one female states a lot about his state of mind and character at the time. Tiger Woods’s popularity declined over 50%, according to polls, after his affairs became public. Not only did he lose the favoritism of the public, but lost several endorsement deals. This includes a lucrative one with Gatorade.

Moral values have always been a high priority in family oriented households. Whether these values range from honesty to respect, they all hold the same common goal of giving the best to the family. Tiger Woods did anything but help the future of his family.

Sympathy has been a common word thrown around when referring to his lackluster performances on the golf course and his downward crash off the playing field. Sympathy? Would sympathy be used if a blue collar American had an affair with even one other woman? Would people be willing to give them a second chance? A bigger question is should Tiger Woods be expecting a second chance from all of the fans that once called him an idol.

The now 7^th ranked golfer in the world has a lot of puzzle pieces to put back together before regaining the trust from several sports fans. The pain endured by his now ex-wife Elin Nordegren is far more superior than that felt by Tiger Woods due to media criticism. The “private” life of Tiger Woods has become a laughing stock to the public and has taken his creditability to uncharted territory.

The former number one golfer in the world is continuing his push for eighteen major victories. Hunter Mahan, another golfer, made it clear that Tiger Woods is no longer the dominant figure he previously was in the sport. “We stopped being intimidated by him,” Mahan stated. Tiger Woods has continued to try to refine his swing in order to make his name frequently viewed in the top ten of leader boards for golf tournaments again. Despite his efforts, sports fans wondering if Tiger Woods can win one more major, is becoming a more frequent regularity.