Tiger Woods: Impact On Minority Golfers, Catching Nicklaus, and His Future

The Masters begins today and Tiger Woods absence is a major part of the discussion surrounding the event.  Arguably the most transcendent athlete post Michael Jordan, his participation draws higher ratings and intrigue to any event he participates in.  Woods currently has 14 major championships; he has not won a major since the 2008 U.S. Open.  Knee surgery, a sex scandal, age and other injuries including back surgery which currently has him sidelined are making prospects of him breaking Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 major championships more difficult.  Last week ESPN’s “First Take” discussed the lack of black golfers at the professional level.  Finances are a major factor, but there are others as well. 

Woods Impact On Minorities

Tiger Woods winning his first Master’s in 1996 was an historical event.  Following that win Woods continued his dominant play for many years and his influence on the golf and society were transcendent.  He inspired people of all ages, race, and classes to pick up the game of golf.  Nike’s golf division was built on Woods’ impact. 

When the question was posed on “First Take” last week some may be surprised after giving it thought that more minorities are not playing golf at the professional level.  Personally, I am not for many reasons, the most obvious being the cost of the game from equipment, lessons, and green fees.  Other factors that were not discussed on the program are the role of parents.

Golf is a game that requires master coaching to become successful.  It is taught more than caught.  It is safe to say that the majority of golfers we will see this weekend at the Masters were taught the game by their fathers.  In those instances their fathers were very good golfers who had the resources for additional instruction and practice rounds on difficult golf courses.  

In my opinion in could take a generation before more minority golfers at the professional level.  The generation of minorities Tiger Woods inspired have to become parents and teach their children the game.  It has been 18 years since Woods history making win at the Masters, that is not enough time for that impact to be felt. 

The First Tee Program, an initiative of the PGA Tour and the World Golf Foundation in 1997, a year after Woods historical Masters victory, is designed to create affordable and accessible golf facilities, with an emphasis on serving kids who have not had access or exposure to the game.  Hurdles for economically disadvantaged children and minorities picking up the game are places they could physically get to, and places that they could afford.  As great as the program is it cannot replace the role of a parents involvement.

Learning to play golf is similar to learning how to play an instrument.  Observing someone else and attempting to do it yourself is not sufficient to become successful.  Someone who understands the golf swing, etiquette, and idiosyncrasies of the game has to give instruction in addition to of hours of practice.   In most instances with golfers at the professional level their fathers laid that foundation.

Catching Jack

It has been six years since Tiger Woods won his last major tournament.  At the time he was 32 years old with 14 majors and it appeared to be a foregone conclusion that he would surpass Jack Nicklaus record of 18 major championships.  With knee surgery following his U.S. Open win in 2008 and the sex scandal that followed later in the year and early into 2009 he has not been the same golfer even winning five events last season.

Woods was one of the few golfers very open about his dedication to fitness.  With his success more golfers took their fitness seriously and now there are 1,000 sq. ft. fitness trailers at events.  Golfers have swing coaches and personal trainers.  Upcoming golfers who were inspired by Woods are now in there 20’s establishing their own careers and having success such as Rory Mcllroy.

After his injury and scandal Woods did not have immediate success.  He showed vulnerability.  My belief is his inability to compartmentalize his personal issues carried over into his performance on the golf course.

What Lies Ahead

Tiger Woods

Other marquee golfers when asked about Woods absence this week have acknowledged that the tournament will not be the same.  This is the first Masters without Woods since 1994.   Phil Mickelson stated, “"It's a weird feeling not having him here, isn't it? He's been such a mainstay in professional golf and in the majors. It's awkward to not have him here. I hope he gets back soon."

There isn’t another golfer on tour who is “must see TV” like Woods.  The game does not have another polarizing figure that can attract casual fans to the game.  Fans hold on to the dominance that he is six years removed from.

Thanks to Tiger, Nike earned 34 minutes, 22 seconds of TV exposure at last year's tournament. Mcllroy, by comparison, netted Nike just 10 minutes, 27 seconds of airtime, according to the sports marketing firm Repucom.

Woods will soon return from back surgery.  Jack Nicklaus recently stated that he feels Woods has time to break his record.  "I feel very bad for Tiger. He's really worked towards my record," Nicklaus said. "I still think he'll break my record.”

"As long as he is physically able to do it ... He's 38 years old and he's probably got another 10 years at least of being able to compete -- that's 40 more majors to win five of them. It shouldn't be too difficult."

What will be difficult is another physical setback, a deep field of competitors, age, and loss of mental edge that he will not be able to regain unless he’s dominant again for a significant period including winning major tournaments.  Woods does have time, but it is not something he should take for granted or us as fans assume is enough for him to break a record he has set his sights on.