For years I've observed several interesting phenomena about sports fans. They love underdogs, true greatness in athletes and their accomplishments AND they can't wait to find fault with them and to tear them down. It's the later one I find both fascinating and puzzling.
Tiger Woods is the latest example of this "build 'em up, tear 'em down" psycho conflict fans go through. Destined for greatness and not allowing anyone to stop him, Woods has rushed to the pinnacle of golf in record setting time. In the process, he has trampled on the accomplishments and fans memories of such greats as Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. With his game and emotional, sometimes brash style, he has said, "I'm here, I'm good, live with it." The thing that makes him both successful in golf and exciting in person is his ability "talk the talk and walk the walk."
It's way too early to call Woods the "greatest" golfer of all time. To be called the "greatest ever" can only be bestowed after many years of consistency and success at every level of golf. Woods appreciates that and also understands that being called the "greatest ever" is a debate he cannot control. This ability to not worry worrying about things he has no control over is one of the cornerstones of his success and personal happiness.
Like Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali, Joe Montana, Billie Jean King, Wayne Gretzky or any other truly great athletes, he's not afraid to fail. He totally understands exactly what it takes to be successful. If he wins, he wants the glory and if he loses, he'll take the blame. What makes him unique among the truly great athletes is he's known it since birth. That wisdom and the practice of it athletically usually comes at a later time in a great athlete's career.
Woods is the end result of many wonderful things. He comes from a culturally diverse background of an Asian mother and African American father. His father was in the military and that added to his cultural influences and experiences. He had the love, direction and encouragement of both his parents growing up. His determination was forged by a father that encouraged and helped his son play a "white man's" game at an early age. Thus, Tiger saw golf as an opportunity, not as a preconceived concept and a barrier. Add to the genes, god given ability, brains and passion, and you have not only a great golfer, but also a man who would be successful at whatever he decided to do. What makes him so successful in golf, at such an early age, is his ability to understand he controls his own destiny in his chosen path and has the focus to determine his success or failure.
Having said all this, the puzzlement becomes why we tend to try to find fault with his success and greatness. His domination of golf has left his fellow pro golfers frustrated, angry and jealous. This reaction shows both why he dominates them and why they can't compete. Many have said Tiger's domination hurts golf, yet his tournament television viewership is at record levels. People who don't know a putter from a pitching wedge tune in to watch this 24 year old pitch to within 2 feet of the hole. He has created more interest in golf from non-golfers, as well as golfers, than anyone ever has. Tiger is the talk of the world, like Muhammad Ali was, like Michael Jordan was. He's magic. To his fellow pros he says, "Either raise your game to beat me, or get out of my way." The choice is theirs.
For fans, their reaction is more complicated and conflicting. We cheer the underdog, we tear down the hero. Part of that reaction is the time we live in. Life is not as simple as it once was. We don't appreciate things as they appear to be. Rather, we begrudgingly acknowledge success, even admire it, while at the same time look for fallacies and look around for something or someone else to bestow our temporary adulation upon. Another reason for the fan's cynicism is the emotional heartache they've suffered. Their favorite players leaving them bewildered for other teams and financial greener pastures. Sports heroes who have sullied the fans idealistic image of them by using drugs, spousal abuse and jail time. No, it's hard for fans to believe that Tiger Woods won't also break their hearts. So, how do they protect that emotional investment? By briefly enjoying him, being wary of his ability, looking for unseen flaws and casting doubts on his sincerity and style. To do so is a loss for the fans. A loss of truly enjoying and appreciating not only a special athlete, but also a special person.
In the final analysis, what Woods' fellow golfers, the media or fans do in accepting him is inconsequential to him. He understands he can't please everyone. Also, he understands himself so well, he knows the only person he has to satisfy in golf and life is the person he sees reflected in another winners trophy.
I feel better now.
I'm Ron Barr.
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