Ediotiral: Tiger's hard road out of the rough

OPINION: It is hard not to like Tiger Woods.

Since he emerged on the golfing scene as a precocious teen he has enthralled both committed golfing fans and those who agree with Mark Twain that the game is "a good walk spoiled" alike with his huge talent, poise, gentle demeanour and downright likeability.

He's had to grow up in public and, until last weekend, seemed to have carried it all off perfectly.

With a beautiful wife and two healthy young kids, the world's highest paid and most talented golfer appeared to have it all.

The way he has handled the scandal which erupted after he crashed his car near his home over the weekend has, if anything, added to the perception.

To be sure, Tiger has sinned. While the tabloid media pore over the more salacious details – with the truth more than likely to be the first casualty in the tabloid war – it is clear that he has been playing away from home for some time.

He has euphemistically referred to his "transgressions", and it seems that he has a long history of philandering. He may not have gone into great detail publicly, but he shouldn't be expected to. He has said enough to confirm that where there was smoke there was fire.

It is that honesty once he realised the game was up that has impressed in the last week, and the steps he has taken to protect the main victims of his mistakes – his wife and children. His biggest test remains as he tries to repair his marriage and heal the hurts he has inflicted on his family.

Tiger's approach to this situation is in marked contrast to another global icon who was shown to have feet of clay, Bill Clinton. Mr Clinton was America's most high profile serial philanderer whose huge charisma was only matched by his ability to continue to deny the obvious, even when the truth was staring him in the face.

Tiger has taken a far better approach, which is to fess up and get on with it.

The mess he finds himself in is his responsibility and he shows every sign of facing up to it.

It is hard to believe that Woods, probably the most recognised sportsman in the world, thought he could get away with it. Given that he has it all, his behaviour looks reckless and shows more than a hint of self-destructiveness. But it probably also reflects the immense pressure he is under to constantly be at the top of his game. Those who would rush to judge him should try to imagine themselves in his shoes for a while.

Ultimately, the mistakes Tiger has made are his and his family's to deal with. He should now be left to get on and work them out with his family.

- © Fairfax NZ News