Thou Shalt Not Break Tiger’s Rules
Wednesday - July 27, 2011
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Steve Williams broke the first commandment. Thou shall not speak of Tiger Woods in anything but the most glowing terms.
Stevie didn’t fare much better with the second: Thou shalt have no golfer before me.
For those sins, Williams was summarily fired.
Jesus forgives, Tiger doesn’t.
The not-so-sudden move should have been anticipated. No one in Tiger’s inner circle has ever survived a public release of information, and while Williams was closer than all others, the rules still apply.
Where such action fits into the Four Noble Truths of Tiger’s preferred method of worship remains to be explained.
We are told suffering is caused by craving, and his need for total obedience and his inability to view reality as it is, not just as it appears to be, can surely lead to suffering.
And that’s the biggest problem with Woods dumping his one-time close friend. He now has no one who cares enough to tell him what he needs to hear that, in fact, sometimes he does act like the north end of a south-bound mule. Williams did that. He was more than a caddy, he was a real friend. The last thing Tiger needs is another lap dog. He already has Mark O’Meara and John Cook to fill that role.
Though not a common occurrence, Williams, when needed, had no problem defending himself to his employer and at decibels similar to the dirt track race cars that occupy a good portion of his time away from the golf course. The honesty between the two created one of the most equal golfer/caddy combinations in history, and definitely the most successful.
But for no better reason than ego, entitlement and jealousy, Woods has cast off yet another confidant, further alienating himself from reality.
And don’t think Tiger haters aren’t relishing the irony of Woods punishing his caddy for stepping out on their monogomous relationship.
In Buddhism, Samadhi is the mental discipline required to achieve mastery over one’s own mind, and therefore one’s life. This is done by making an effort to improve and being able to see things for what they are with a clear conscience.
Clearly, Woods is a long way from enlightenment.
Steve Williams doesn’t need anyone to defend him. He’s generally considered the best caddy on tour, and after carrying bags for Ian Baker Finch, Greg Norman and Raymond Floyd, a comfortable retirement had been assured. But with Woods it was different. In the uber competitive Woods, Williams found his competitive soul mate. Someone who craved victory as much as he did.
It was the perfect relationship until Tiger’s insecurities and Nixon-style paranoia once again overtook his ability to think clearly.
Now his former best friend and employee is sharing those 12 years of championship experience with a competitor who has the talent to win majors and to push Tiger further down the road of irrelevancy.
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