Posted on 07/06/2007 4:56:01 AM PDT by Slim Pickens
If Tiger Woods werent a professional golfer, hed probably be a member of the militarys special operations community, Woods told reporters today at the Congressional Country Club here today.
I told Dad if I didnt make it (as a golfer) in the first few years, thats probably where Id go, he said. Id probably end up going into the military and I dont know what branch but Id 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 events host.
Tomorrow morning, the worlds 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.
Im really looking forward to it, he said. Ive seen their bios, but I havent met anyone yet, so Im really looking forward to that, and hopefully I wont 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 Americas military courses, and he especially likes the Air Force Academys course in Colorado Springs, Colo., he said.
Ive played a lot of military facilities around the country. For one, theyre 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 cant 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.
Tiger stays out the sand traps!
I dunno about Kelly. I do know that he went - for Thanksgiving.
Story: http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=537502
However, doing good is doing good. That being said, giving away 50,000 tickets at $35 a piece is only $1.75M. Being that cynical me thinks that even if he paid for them all, since Tiger’s net worth is over $80 million, it’s like me dropping a fiver in the homeless guy’s hat.
You're correct, the PGA would not risk losing it's cash cow....plus HGH is undetectable.
Let us all bow down at the altar of the great and omnipotent Tiger Woods.
‘’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’
Sound like a “hater” to me. Have you ever played golf?). Or are you just from the Nicklaus, Palmer, Player, Trevino era and wallowing in the past.(smile)I thank God for Tiger Woods every time I see him hit a golf ball.
Bump.
LOL. Can't break 120, can you?
What is your issue with Tiger?
I am cut to the quick with such an insightful repartee.
Anyway, you're post was very intelligent and informative. Thanks, no really, thanks...
Pasture pool......
You are an idiot! No one in sports works harder than Woods on physical conditioning. Read this months Men’s fitness magazine to analyze his workout. Steroids would be a hindrance in golf. Its four days of marathon exhaustion and mental fatigue. Roid rage would get in the way of the complete mental and physical composure and control necessary to chase that little white ball and put it in a 4 inch cup for four straight days. Woods just grew from a young boy to a mature man before our eyes
That’s ok king of the ant hill, we still luv you.
My dream!!! You've killed my dream!!
Professional athletes ARE performers.
Love it!
I was at the US Open this year, I actually feel special that I was able to stand 10 feet away from him...
Whoops...wrong Ranger.
Unless he does that cool bouncing the ball on the club face trick that he did in the Buick commercial...I'd pay to watch that...
LOL!
A good walk ruined.
HE is also a hell of an athelete(Dunk a basketball standing still)
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