It Was Golf or Special Ops for Tiger Woods

American Forces Press Service ^ | John J. Kruzel

[SandRat]

WASHINGTON, July 3, 2007 – If Tiger Woods weren’t a professional golfer, he’d probably be a member of the military’s special operations community, Woods told reporters today at the Congressional Country Club here today.

“I told Dad if I didn’t make it (as a golfer) in the first few years, that’s probably where I’d go,” he said. “I’d probably end up going into the military – and I don’t know what branch – but I’d certainly want to be in the special operations community.”

Indeed, Woods underwent four days of Army special operations training at Fort Bragg, N.C., in conjunction with a golf clinic he hosted there in April 2004. Woods’ late father, Earl Woods, wore the Green Beret for 12 years as a Special Forces soldier during his 20-year Army career.

“That just seems to be more of a fit considering what I grew up with, and I certainly understand it and can relate to it,” Tiger said. “But somehow I ended up here. I made a couple putts in those years.”

Woods is hosting the AT&T National golf tournament here July 3-8. Besides “getting a W” – or winning the tournament – Woods said honoring the men and women serving America was one of his overarching goals as the event’s host.

Tomorrow morning, the world’s top-rated professional golfer will play a practice round, called the Earl Woods Memorial Pro-Am, with pairings that include Army Sgt. Maj. Mia Kelly and Air Force Master Sgt. Andrew Amor.

Woods said he is excited about playing alongside the servicemembers.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” he said. “I’ve seen their bios, but I haven’t met anyone yet, so I’m really looking forward to that, and hopefully I won’t get beat too bad.”

The golfer said that when he turned 10 years old, he began to play on military golf courses, using his status as a “military dependent.”

“I had my little card, and I could flash that and get on the golf course,” he said. “The only frustrating thing was a lot of military bases had an age limit of 10. I thought I could play before that.”

Woods has since hit the links on many of America’s military courses, and he especially likes the Air Force Academy’s course in Colorado Springs, Colo., he said.

“I’ve played a lot of military facilities around the country. For one, they’re cheaper,” he joked.

As a tribute to golf fans in the military, Woods has arranged for tournament sponsors to distribute 30,000 free tickets to active U.S. military personnel. Those attending will be able to enjoy the view from a special seating gallery, and snack on discounted concessions after showing military identification.

“I know I can’t serve with them, but I just want to say, ‘Thank you’ in some way, and this is our way of being able to do that,” he said.

“Even though my dad was retired, I basically grew up on a military base, and just understanding the commitment that it takes each and every day, for the service men and women, what they do for us, I just think that it was something that should be honored,” Woods said.

Related Articles:
America Supports You: Tiger Woods to Honor Soldiers, Families
America Supports You: Tiger Woods to Honor Servicemembers
Tiger Woods Trains, Hosts Golf Clinic at Fort Bragg

[doc1019]

Da’man.

[LeoWindhorse]

the other thing Tiger Woods has going for him is that his mom is Thai

[padre35]

““I’ve played a lot of military facilities around the country. For one, they’re cheaper,” he joked. “

I don’t think we will be seeing Tiger on the “once rich but now broke” list.

Earl Woods was a Green Beret? How cool is that?

[jwalsh07]

Good kid, raised right. Kudos to Mom and Dad.

[jwalsh07]

Earl Woods was a Green Beret? How cool is that?

A piece of trivia for you. So was Bubba Watson's old man.

[GW and Twins Pawpaw]

Outstanding.

[doc1019]

Never liked golf and thought it was the most boring thing to watch on TV. However, since Tiger got into the mix, my wife and I both watch all the time and love it (especially when Tiger is playing). Outstanding young man who has done more for the sport of golf than anyone else in its history … in my opinion.

[perfect stranger]

Earl Woods bio. from wiki.

Father and son- Great Americans.

[doodad]

Well, she is Thai and white. His Dad was black and indian. Hence Tiger’s cablinasian self identity.

[ItisaReligionofPeace]

I’ve grown to really like Tiger Woods over the past few years. This just acts to further cement my admiration for him. A good man.

[P-40]

Never liked golf and thought it was the most boring thing to watch on TV.

It is good for insomnia. Seriously.

[Maverick68]

*gasp* a sports figure worthy of ADMIRATION?!? Seriously, what a great guy and deserving of all the praise heaped upon him....

[NittanyLion]

As a tribute to golf fans in the military, Woods has arranged for tournament sponsors to distribute 30,000 free tickets to active U.S. military personnel. Those attending will be able to enjoy the view from a special seating gallery, and snack on discounted concessions after showing military identification. “I know I can’t serve with them, but I just want to say, ‘Thank you’ in some way, and this is our way of being able to do that,” he said.

Either he's a genuinely great person, or he has the best PR sense of any celebrity out there.

Either way, this is awesome.

[LeoWindhorse]

nope , she is pure Esarn Thai,not a halfling

[padre35]

“Well, she is Thai and white. His Dad was black and indian. Hence Tiger’s cablinasian self identity.”

Hmmm so i am a prusspolengish?

Cool......

By whatever Definition, “Winner and Tiger Woods seem to identify him rather well...

But with all the military folks attending, I bet it won’t be a free bar event...LOL

[numberonepal]

*gasp* a sports figure worthy of ADMIRATION?!?

You can look to most of the gentlemen on the Tour for that.

[JennysCool]

It’s the real McCoy. Tiger has done a lot for the troops over the past few years.

[Inquisitive1]

Either he's a genuinely great person, or he has the best PR sense of any celebrity out there.

[Edgar3]

My 10 year old son idolizes Tiger, and I don’t mind a bit. He’s reading tiger’s book “How I Play Golf” at the moment. He can soak it up like a sponge. A mostly good role model, for sure.

[doodad]

LOL so she is not a hobbit. I thought I remembered Tiger saying the ca part of the cablinasian came on her side. No deal either way, I still think the guy is the greatest golfer of our time.

My Dad was Special Forces as well. Death from above.

[doc1019]

Not on drugs (couldn’t play as well as he does if he were), not a wife beater, not a philanderer, not a “me, me, me” celebrity. Doesn’t put down America or our troops. Would have willingly served in the military. Educated. Strong work ethic. Rich beyond his wildest dreams yet doesn’t flaunt it. Hasn’t been arrested for drugs or DUI. Doesn’t need rehab.

What is this world coming to?

[Baynative]

[doc1019]

Now that is a picture to be proud of.

[RushingWater]

Y'all seen that email about his house? Wow. Nevermind. Just snoped it out, not really his house.

[onedoug]

“Fore!”

[tophat9000]

I don’t think we will be seeing Tiger on the “once rich but now broke” list. Earl Woods was a Green Beret? How cool is that?

Well you know where Tiger got the name Tiger?... his dad fought in Vietnam and named Tiger after a So. Vietnamese army commander Earl Woods served with...

More I learn about Tiger and his dad Earl the more I'm impressed what stand up men there are

[ASA Vet]

Although I don’t remember her, I went to JUSMAG often enough I probably did see her there.

[aculeus]

Good man.

[lesser_satan]

Hence Tiger’s cablinasian self identity.Nah, Caliban was a deformed savage (if you were referring to The Tempest character). Tiger is, as far as I can see, quite a good guy.

[lesser_satan]

Sorry, I misread your post. Please disregard mine.

[ASA Vet]

You are correct. There were very few ThaiAmerican adults back then.
I don't recall ever meeting one our age, although many of us produced some.

[Sacajaweau]

I never watched into Woods came along either. Maybe it was because I was young and televised golf always seemed like an “old farty” game. These guys today...well, they’re just plain cool!!

[doc1019]

And, for the most part, gentlemen.

[padre35]

“I misread...”

Err, “okay” Tiger Woods is doing a good thing, let’s just sit back and relax and enjoy a good thing Eh?

[LeoWindhorse]

the words ‘thai girl’ and ti-ger rhyme for good reason

[Beowulf9]

I love Tiger too, but he still hasn’t beaten Jack Nicolaus’s record, 18 major’s. Last one when he was 46, though. Tiger’s only 31.

So, will the Tiger beat the Bear?

[Wolfie]

He’s got plenty of money, why not now?

[my_pointy_head_is_sharp]

I’m not sure what people admire about Tiger Woods other than his skill in golf. It certainly can’t be for his sportsmanship. Ever see him bash the ground with his club or throw it around? I had never seen poor sportsmanship in golf until Tiger Woods came along. He certainly doesn’t fit the mold of the gentleman golfer. I can’t understand what he’s a role model for.

[Dick Vomer]

well ya missed Arnie, Lee, Craig (Walrus), and there was a golfer back in the 60's that tied his 7 iron to the back of his car as he drove home from the masters....

Puhleeze....Tiger is a competitor and a man. Hot tempered....yep. Cusses? I suppose. If you want civil behavior among competitors try..... Bridge I suppose.

[Lijahsbubbe]

If Tiger Woods weren’t a professional golfer, he’d probably be a member of the military’s special operations community

I could totally see this. He might be a great golfer but he may have missed his calling!

[ItisaReligionofPeace]

He is athletic. He is focused. He doesn’t have a beer belly and smoke cigarettes. He seems to be level headed and I’ve heard a few comments from him regarding our military. I’m not that familiar with golf or his supposed tantrums, but I admire a fierce competitor and by all accounts he is this.

[dennisw]

My own uncharitable take is Tiger is full of it and would have washed out or never amounted to much. I’m not interested in golf and not a fan of his. He looks like a pu**y. Once more, that’s my take from what I know of him

[ItisaReligionofPeace]

You’re probably right because athleticism, intelligence, muscle strength, and focus, have no place in the military (/sarcasm)

[numberonepal]

can’t understand what he’s a role model for.

Even Jack, Arnie, Bobby and the other old school guys had their days. The difference is they didn't have a camera trained on them from multiple angels for every single tournament shot they played. In other words, no one is perfect.

Let's see what else is admirable about Tiger Woods.
He's the most talented golfer to ever walk the planet hands down.
He's brought more recognition to the game than anyone else ever has.
He's definitely here to stay to play the game (at least until he breaks Jack's Major record). He doesn't need the money from purses.
Billions in philanthropy.
Ardent supporter of our military men and women.
Super hot wife.

[peggybac]

Tiger in 2016?

[numberonepal]

And there's also this little diddy that I find admirable:
Sergeant Makes Birdie Putt for Tiger in Earl Woods Memorial Pro-Am

[Hot Tabasco]

Ever see him bash the ground with his club or throw it around

Ever see Nicklaus do it? Ever see Nicklaus with a real bad attitude? And you won't either because the media won't show it.

I had the pleasure of following him a number of years back at a seniors event at the TPC of Dearborn and he was having a horrible round. I also watched him hack his way out of waist high grass taking 3 shots just to get back on the fairway. Mr. Nicklaus was not the saint that day that everyone thinks he is......

Furthermore, I had a video camera with me (I had spoken to 2 different course rangers to see if it was ok and they both assured me it was since it didn't make any noise or flash). I had just videoed him bogeying a hole when he caught sight of me and stared right into the camera and gave me the meanest look I'd ever seen on him. I was about 30 yards away too.

On the next hole I was positioned in the middle of the crowd halfway up the fairway when 2 security men came up from behind and demanded I put the camera away or they would confiscate it. I started to explain what the rangers had told me and they told me to shut up and put the camera away. I did as I was told.

There's no doubt in my mind that Nicklaus told security about me and that they acted on his direction because when he got in the golf cart taking them to the next tee he said something to the guy driving the cart who then picked up a walkie talkie and said something.....