Woods needs to work on more than golf swing

Tiger Woods didn't reveal his plans after finishing tied for fourth in the Masters, but he acted like someone who should go on a long vacation. His failure to win a fifth green jacket was understandable considering he was coming off a five-month self-imposed leave of absence to deal with the fallout of his sexual escapades. But his failure to control his temper during play after he vowed he would try to do so defies logic.

In his first public apology after the scandal broke, Woods acknowledged that he had failed and hurt a lot of people who looked up to him as a role model. So you would think he would be thankful for being warmly received by galleries at Augusta National. He said their acceptance of him upon his return meant a lot to him after the first round. But as the tournament progressed and Woods started fighting with an out-of-sync swing, he fell into his old habit of swearing and cursing in fits of frustration.

You would think someone who said he was going to return to the Buddhist teachings of his youth would understand that this is bad karma. If karma is the totality of a person's actions in any one of successive states of that person's existence, and is thought of as determining the fate of the next stage, then it shouldn't be too hard for Woods to understand why Phil Mickelson prevailed Sunday.

Woods, because he can't or won't change his boorish behavior, has become a villain in the eyes of many. This was pointed out to Oldgolfdawg in Facebook feedback that he received from old friend Dennis Fiely, a top-notch film critic during his career with The Columbus Dispatch.

Fiely commented: "Same old Tiger, swearing on the course, testy with the media and instead of thanking golf fans and the Masters for graciously welcoming him back, he whines about finishing fourth. Doesn't sound like rehab -- which is all about humility -- is working. What a contrast to Phil and his family!"

It struck Oldgolfdawg that Woods' reaction to losing to Mickelson by five shots was egocentric to a fault. The fact that he didn't offer congratulations to a worthy champion dealing with family issues of his own was petty. Woods had always displayed a measure of grace in losing before, but it was lacking when he walked off the 18th green Sunday and showed during an interview with Peter Kostis. Woods was too self-absorbed about his failure to tip his cap to Mickelson or to be grateful for just being back in his element -- tournament golf.

Tiger defenders will say it's his drive and determination that has made him the world's No. 1-ranked golfer. But it's going to be pretty lonely up there for Tiger if he doesn't learn to find a better balance in his life and accept the fact that he can't always have things go his way. It's obvious he hasn't come to grips with his emotional outbursts yet and gets defensive when asked about it. Yes, Tiger was seen signing more autographs for kids and he did appear to interact with the galleries more in an effort to show his appreciation for their support. But his emotional outbursts after hitting bad shots remain an issue.

It would be refreshing if Woods were fined for his temper tantrums on the course. Asking PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem to reprimand its biggest meal ticket is asking a lot, but the fines could go toward any worthy charity, except the Tiger Woods foundation, and would serve as a reminder to everyone that no one is entitled to boorish behavior, not even Mr. Woods.

For an interesting take on the Woods-Mickelson rivalry, check out this link:
http://www.golf.com/golf/tours_news/article/0,28136,1981176,00.html