Tiger Woods is the most emotionally intelligent golfer there is – he is incredibly consistent and the results from week to week, year to year show it. He is one of the world’s great performers.
But he now has work to do in his life.
I don’t need to explain the details of Tiger’s recent behavior. If you’ve listened to a radio or watch TV, you know the story. It’s a very sad story. One of a young athlete who has always gotten everything he wanted. When feelings of wanting beyond his marriage emerged, he very simply acted upon them confident that he could do what he pleased and not worry about getting caught. After all, he’s Tiger Woods and he can do whatever he pleases.
Well, Tiger’s life has now changed – and he’s feeling stupid and has tremendous feelings of guilt. There are others to be accountable to (his wife and children) and his lack of awareness of those around him and the damage his actions have done are a red flag that there’s work to be done.
There are arguments whether this personal gaff will impact his golf career. I believe that unless Tiger deals with his emotions head on and expresses them through counselling or other means, a new negative self-image could be a blow to his performance on the course. He will come back self-conscious – and guilty feelings will rule until dealt with. Negative emotions will impact his thinking neutralizing the #1 weapon Tiger possesses over competititors – his superior emotional/mental abilities. The line is fine between good and great and he’ll need all his abilities to continue his domination.
Tiger lost his #1 emotional caddie several years ago – his Dad Earl. Earl was a key figure in Tiger’s life and provided him direction and counsel. It may be hat losing his “caddie” may have played a role in Tiger getting off the rails and staying focused on what was truly important – his wife and kids.
Tiger is the world’s #1 contender in golf but it seems he’s got work to do to be a contender in other areas of his life.
I won’t judge Tiger. I hope he learns from his mistakes this week and comes back stronger than ever. There certainly will be alot of interest in finding out.
