Posted on 07/06/2007 4:56:01 AM PDT by Slim Pickens
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.
I'm just guessing but I'd expect in your case unlike Tiger who has made millions using his two hands you don't have a pot to piss in and that's why you are apparently jealous over some other persons good fortune.
‘’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’
A great example of the greatness of America and what freedom can produce. How does that swing sound in person. I’m told that no one on tour sounds the same as he does when he drives the golf ball. Is that true?
Now THAT’s funny!!
No other sport has so long an implement with so small a hitting area ?
BUMP
Actually, I can break 120 (except at Oakmont where the average schmo is lucky to break 150)
As I recall, I prefaced my comments with “cynical me.”
No issue with Tiger. What he’s doing is great. He brought the tour to D.C. after the butthead commissioner, Tim Finchem, left the area high and dry, he’s making sure the troops are cutting a break, and he’s havin’ fun with them. All good stuff.
Cannot he (the son of the Green Beret who would join the special forces if not a golfer) be questioned for anything? How about playing in and taking appearance money at the Dubai golf tournament in the UEA, a country that supports Hamas?
I guess I should have used “omniscient” although he is omnipotent.
But can ya believe the firestorm set off by the li’l old troop visit comment? Just toss that firecracker and watch the entertainment.
Tiger is a class act. I knew this when I heard the story about how in the 1990’s then President Clinton requested that Tiger play a round of golf with him. Tiger refused him. I have loved Tiger ever since that day. I knew he was a man of integrity then.
He really didn't have too many problems getting out of the rough at Oakmont (unlike Furyk and Michelson), it was the greens that gave him fits.
Any US Soldier...If I weren't in uniform defending the country I'd be making much better money doing damn near anything else...
Talk is cheap.
Ummm ... His wife?
Tiger Woods Visits Naval Special Warfare
http://www.americasupportsyou.com/AmericaSupportsYou/Content.aspx?ID=44652091&SectionID=1
Tiger Woods Trains, Hosts Golf Clinic at Fort Bragg
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=26854
Tiger Woods Visits
USS George Washington Crew
http://www.defendamerica.mil/archive/2004-03/20040305pm5.html
“None of the other pro’s even came close.” Bubba Watson’s shots sound life a rifle shot.
“...the greens that gave him fits.” I he had sunk the two 4-footers on 13 for birdie on Sat & Sun, he would have won.
Michelson - played like an idiot and then blamed the course. Poor move, Phil.
Bubba's impressive too, I enjoyed watching him. Michelson's a jackass (I didn't feel that way before the Open). He injured himself in a practice round trying to hit out of one of the irrigation ditches...If I was playing a practice round, I probably would've taken the drop. Those ditches were MEAN.
He’s already a better pitcher than anything the Texas Rangers have in their starting rotation.
You give credit for really really wanting to (but not) being a soldier? I really really want to bring world peace. Can I get an attaboy?
“I was sitting right there...” Same here. Great seats. Could see 12’s drives and approaches (sometimes tough to see cups), all of 13 and the tees on 14. Plus, there was beer right there. What a country!
I hate golf, but I love Tiger (not in that way....)
Looks like Purple Man’s issue with Tiger Wood is plain old-fashioned jealousy
Sigh... did you even read the article? Seriously? Could it be that there's something in the article that he deserves credit for? (Shaking head in disgust).
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