AP Lists 9 Reasons to Dislike Tiger Woods

The world’s top-ranked golfer Tiger Woods is often the target of jealousy.

His enormous wealth and fame makes it hard to find fault with him. In the report “Not Everyone Loves Tiger Woods, and Here Are a Few Reasons Why,” the Associated Press yesterday carried an interesting story on people’s perceptions about the favorite to win the Masters championship.

① HE`S NOT FAN FRIENDLY — Woods get all the attention from fans, but shuns giving autographs and stares straight ahead when walking through crowds. In addition, he curses so loudly after hitting a bad shot that parents have to cover their children’s ears.

② HIS CADDIE IS A PAIN — Stevie Williams earns more than a million dollars a year as Woods’ caddie, and goes to any lengths for his boss. He even snatches cameras from offending fans and calling Woods’ rivals names.

③ HE’S TOO PERFECT — A blonde model for a wife. Two cute children. Florida mansion and private jet. Amid the severe economic crisis, who wouldn’t feel like a dwarf in front of him?

④ HE SCARES PEOPLE — Woods is revered or even feared by his fellow players. Many who played against him blew their shots. Woods is also known for not allowing a come-from-behind victory.

⑤ HE`S WON ENOUGH — Woods was 21 years old when he won his first Masters. If he wins this week, he’ll be within one win of tying Jack Nicklaus for the most Masters titles in a career. Woods keeps breaking records held by golf legends one after the other.

⑥ HE WON’T PLAY THE PAR-3 — Players compete in the annual Par-3 contest to show off their game and families while fans get a chance to interact with them. Woods has never played in the event, however.

⑦ HIS CLOTHES CLASH — While Woods is one of the snazzier dressers on tour, he often displeases fans with his collarless round-neck shirt and colorful golf wear.

⑧ HE`S TOO SCRIPTED — He has won many championships in dramatic Hollywood style. In last year’s U.S. Open, he hobbled his way down the 18th hole and then sank a putt to force a playoff he eventually won. Last month, he won the Arnold Palmer Invitational after being five shots behind.

⑨ YOUTH NEEDS TO BE SERVED — Woods is 33, and new would-be rivals are emerging from another generation. In this year’s Masters, teenagers Rory McIlroy, Danny Lee and Ryo Ishikawa are drawing attention.

kjs0123@donga.com