Tiger Woods thought his father was “talking crazy” years ago when saying his son was having a global impact on par with some historical leaders. Woods believed he was a golfer, not a revolutionary. His job was wrestling a golf course, not saving the world.
“I didn’t understand what he was talking about,” said Woods yesterday at Congressional Country Club. “I thought he was talking crazy. But maybe he saw something I didn’t and I didn’t know it. Maybe as all parents, you try to plant seeds in our kids to inspire them to do great things. Maybe that was it. Whatever it is, whatever he did then, I’m very proud of what he believed in me, what he saw in me, what I could do.”
Woods, 33, is more than a decade into a career that is fulfilling the greatness expected. He’s no longer the young man who sidestepped the many causes thrust upon someone on a first-name basis with America. Woods now understands playing golf is just part of being an icon. Making a difference off the course is important, too.
Woods was in town to promote his AT&T National on July 3-6 that funds local charities and Woods’ coming learning center in Washington. The centerin Los Angeles that has helped thousands of children — and plans to expand to Asia and Africa, too. It’s Woods’ chance to make a difference away from protestors who want him to be the face of their strife.
“People obviously want me to be more involved in all causes. I can’t do that,” Woods said. “I have been very focused in what I want to do through my foundation and I think we are making a tremendous impact as of right now just in this country, but eventually around the world.”
The Tiger Woods Foundation is much like former Redskins Darrell Green’s Youth Life Foundation in helping needy children with their education. It is a windfall of help from someone who’d rather change the world through those at a young age than fight age-old battles.
“There are so many kids that need help,” He said. “Obviously, we have a lot of kids here that need our help. We’re going to try to do that now. There are also a lot of kids around the world that need our help as well.”
And then there’s the military. The son of a soldier is once again embracing his father’s old comrades by giving tournamenttickets to 30,000 active and retired servicemen and families. Woods isn’t talking about the Iraq war’s pluses or minuses. He’s worrying about everyday soldiers.
“They don’t get enough thanks and we’re here to do that,” Woods said. “We’re here to say thank you.”
Actually, there are many people now thanking Woods. And for good reason.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].
