Tiger Woods spitting backlash is the lasting story at Dubai. Before the Tiger Woods spitting clip was caught, however, it was already going to be a rough day for him. By the time he showed his frustration at the 12’th green, his chances of winning the Dubai Desert Classic had dwindled to nothing. He came into the final round with a real shot, yet he came up short on a Sunday once again. Therefore, the Tiger Woods spitting incident may not be big on its own, but it adds to his latest miserable perfect storm.
The week started so promisingly for him, as he had a 66 on Friday to climb into contention. Even with a 72 on Saturday, he gained three more shots on the leaders. Normally, this would set the stage for a Sunday charge to victory, but that isn’t guaranteed anymore.’
By the time the Tiger Woods spitting ordeal started, he was on his way to a 75, and a tie for 20’th place. Missing a par putt on the 12’th was merely the latest setback, which led him to spit right in front of the cameras. As such, he was fined an undisclosed amount by the European Tour yesterday.
Golfers often spit on the course, which is why many don’t treat this as a big deal. However, this particular golfer has a grander spotlight, which illuminates every little thing he does. Recently, it’s been illuminating every little setback of his, both on and off the course.
As such, the Tiger Woods spitting controversy is likely lasting more because he is struggling. Back when he was the world’s No. 1, and an unsinkable icon, it was easier to brush aside the bad stuff. He has always shown off his anger after bad shots, yet since he didn’t have so many of them before, it was easier to forget them.
Perhaps this garnered more outrage because it was outside of America as well. The color commentators didn’t let up on him after they saw it, whereas American commentators are sometimes more restrained in criticizing his on-course behavior. Yet since the spit was so clear for all to see, they might have been just as hard – especially on a bad day for him.
If he won on Sunday, the Tiger Woods spitting clip would have been a mere subplot. But since it happened on another poor final round, to extend his career-long drought, it is easier to highlight the bad stuff. Once he starts winning again – or if he does – people will be more inclined to prop him up again.
Things may never be like the old days, when the world’s former No. 1 could get away with anything. Nowadays, even incidents like the Tiger Woods spitting video can become big – especially since he doesn’t have more positive headlines to balance it out.
Sources
Los Angeles Times- “Tiger Woods fined for spitting on green at Dubai”
The Guardian- “Does it matter if Tiger Woods spits on a course?”
