UNITED KINGDOM / FILE: GOLF - Tiger Woods is on the defensive ahead of the British Open as he reluctantly fields questions about the task of restoring his battered public image
Record ID:
726016
UNITED KINGDOM / FILE: GOLF - Tiger Woods is on the defensive ahead of the British Open as he reluctantly fields questions about the task of restoring his battered public image
- Title: UNITED KINGDOM / FILE: GOLF - Tiger Woods is on the defensive ahead of the British Open as he reluctantly fields questions about the task of restoring his battered public image
- Date: 14th July 2010
- Summary: ADARE, COUNTY LIMERICK, IRELAND (FILE JULY 2010) (REUTERS) WOODS TEEING OFF AND BEING APPLAUDED BY THE CROWD
- Embargoed: 29th July 2010 13:00
- Keywords:
- Topics: Sports
- Reuters ID: LVACEYVEOSKNL4SRVCJIWLZ3QM3H
- Story Text: The joyless look in Tiger Woods' eyes said it all. It is one thing for the fallen hero to say he is trying to "become a better person" but convincing the media and public is another matter entirely.
This is the 150th anniversary of the British Open and at St. Andrews on Tuesday (July 13) Woods addressed the world's media for the first time on British soil since last year's tawdry revelations about his private life.
It is a measure of the spectacular public unravelling of his life that the 14-times major winner is grilled not on his form or memories of St. Andrews, where he has twice won the British Open, but on the impact a string of sexual dalliances has had on his approach on and off the course.
This week Woods is attempting to become the first player to win three Opens at St Andrews - the home of golf - and is the overwhelming favourite with the bookies to win his fourth British Open.
Appearing at a TV news conference which followed a more hostile press briefing, Woods was given an easy start by an American journalist who asked if there would be anything better than winning the Open at St Andrews.
Woods smiled and said: "No. No, of all the Open championships you want to win, this is it."
After that, there was not much humour as Woods stood at the microphone and fielded questions about his image and its possibility of redemption.
"I'm not really worried about that. I'm trying to become a better person each and every day and I'm still trying to win golf tournaments," he replied.
Asked if he could give as much to golf as he used to while re-evaluating his life, he responded: "I haven't practiced anywhere near as much as I used to, ever since I had kids and I was still able to win championships and win majors and win tournaments all around the world. My kids are the two most important things in my life and that won't ever change."
One reporter said some fans no longer liked him as much as they used to and asked if he understood how they felt.
"Yeah," he replied curtly.
The reporter continued: "Does it hurt to hear people say that?"
"It's understandable," said Woods.
Pressed further on how he expected the spectators to react to him he replied: "Well the fans have always been extremely respectful of all the players and that includes me over the years and there's no reason why it should be any different."
Was there still some way to go before his image could be restored?
"I'm just trying to become a better person and that starts with one day at a time," said Woods.
"Would a win here go some way along the road to maybe redeeming your public image," asked the journalist.
"Well, it'll make me feel good golf-wise, there's no doubt about that. As fas as everything else, everyone's entitled to their opinion," said Woods.
Speaking about his preparations for the tournament, Woods said: "I'm hitting the ball well, just trying to get my speed right on the greens here and trying to understand how the weather's going to play a part in this championship."
He brought the news conference to a rapid close, departing with the line: "That's it. Thanks guys, appreciate it," and it was glaringly obvious he didn't.
South African Ernie Els, who won the Open in 2002, said Woods was justifiably the tournament favourite.
"Tiger Woods is the number one player in the world and he's here for a reason, because he's very good, and he's won here before, he's won here twice, so he's got to be the real favourite going into this week."
Love him, or loathe him, anyone who finishes ahead of Woods on Sunday night stands an outstanding chance of winning the 150th anniversary Open. - Copyright Holder: FILE REUTERS (CAN SELL)
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