Tiger Woods is the best golfer in the world by a large margin and Roger Federer is the best tennis player in the world by a large margin. When you look at this photo taken at the CA Championship yesterday, you're looking at a picture that will be viewed in 80 years the way today we'd view a picture of Babe Ruth and Jim Thorpe. But the great thing about sports is that the rules are the same for everyone, from the greatest player in the world to the worst. And it's a little disappointing to learn that Woods violated a PGA rule by inviting his buddy Federer inside the ropes when Federer showed up to watch him yesterday.
"They said they didn't want to do a favor because other players otherwise want the same treatment," Federer said. "I guess just one Roger Federer was coming to the golf course today, so it was nice they got me inside the ropes."
Shorter Federer: The PGA has rules about who can come inside the ropes, but I'm Roger Federer so I'm above those rules. As for Woods:
"I'm sure I'll get fined for it," he said with a laugh. "I don't mind paying because he was starting to get hassled pretty good. That's not why he came out here. He came out here to enjoy himself and watch me slap it around a little bit."
Shorter Woods: My famous friend is above the rules for other players' friends, and the PGA won't fine me enough to make a dent in my sizable bank account.
I like both of these guys. But next time they decide to hang out together, they ought to either do it in the privacy of their own homes, or accept the fact that if they do it at a PGA tour stop, they have to obey the PGA's rules.
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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 2)
1. Well, think of it this way.....if it were baseball and it was against MLB rules and Roger Clemens wanted to come into the clubhouse.....would ya'let him?? What if he were your personal friend?
Posted at 7:18AM on Mar 22nd 2007 by Bobby
2. So what? Why is this news anyway? Any little thing Tiger does is a big deal. If it were Vijay Singh who had done this, it would not have even made the blog.
Posted at 7:19AM on Mar 22nd 2007 by Golf & Tennis Lover
3. The rules Are the rules & no one is above them.Thats democracy
Posted at 7:58AM on Mar 22nd 2007 by Peter J. Murphy
4. Wow, rules don't apply to rich/famous people? Don't let OJ find out.
Posted at 8:20AM on Mar 22nd 2007 by steve
5. there goes the respect i had for tiger!
Posted at 8:24AM on Mar 22nd 2007 by ken
6. Is Sandy Berger(Burglar)in cuffs yet?
Posted at 8:29AM on Mar 22nd 2007 by Chaz
7. Come on ... you're talking about this like it's The Love Boat or something. I'm surprised the PGA didn't bring Roger in themselves, this only adds to their snooty image which I thought they were trying to move past, specifically with the help of el Tigre.
Posted at 8:46AM on Mar 22nd 2007 by gvoll05
8. The PGA Tour may have rules about who can be inside the ropes during practice rounds, but it has to be totally subjective as to who those people can be. Not only have I seen golf instructors inside the ropes (e.g. David Leadbetter), walking with the players during practice rounds, I've also seen equipment company reps. They schlep scores of clubs and such around for the players to try out before the actual competition begins. So who cares if Federer wanted to walk with Tiger?! You could say he's a Nike rep.
Posted at 8:54AM on Mar 22nd 2007 by RMustakeem
9. Your a goof for making such a big deal of this. If he had made Roger stay outside the ropes and caused a big scene then you would have said "See how Tiger treats his friends; wouldn't even let the #1 tennis player in the world disturb his game".
Posted at 9:51AM on Mar 22nd 2007 by Mike
10. Thank you RMustakeem for adding sensible fact based perspective to the message board, namely that Tiger Woods who has done more to support the game and livelehoods of its participants than anyone else in recent history has not done anthing wrong when compared to much less deserving individuals. Give him a break, and get a life.
Posted at 9:56AM on Mar 22nd 2007 by paul swizer
11. Rules are made to be broken.
Posted at 10:39AM on Mar 22nd 2007 by atlantic city
12. It was a PRACTICE round, for cryin' out loud!!! Get a grip, Media! And it's a PGA TOUR rule, not a golf rule. The rules of golf are governed by the USGA, so why the hell this is such a big deal to anyone I'll never know. Call me when the tournament actually begins...
Posted at 10:47AM on Mar 22nd 2007 by Buddy
13. I am not in the huge legion of Tiger fans, that being said, the PGA has some really rediculous ways to shoot itself in the foot. Had this been the final hole of the PGA Championship, that is one thing. But this is a practice round, and having another "Elite" Sport pro like Federer AT a PGA event, is only beneficial to them. Had Roger needed a "backstage pass" then they should of simply issued one.
Saying that "if we dont stop it now all sportstars will now want special treatment" is the Dictionary posterchild for "oxymoron".
The PGA is so far in the black because of Tiger, and has ridden HIS coattails at every opportunity, either give THE star of the PGA some slack like they do other reps at this and other events, or expect some serious public relations issues in the near future.
Posted at 11:54AM on Mar 22nd 2007 by dave
14. I love Tiger Woods and have been following his career since he was 13 and played in a tournament with 2 of my sons in So. Cali. I don't think he broke a rule for Gods sakes! It was a practice round and he was protecting his buddy. Go Tiger!!!!! ;-)
Posted at 12:34PM on Mar 22nd 2007 by Jeri
15. come on .... grow up
IF Tiger calls u in, will u go in or stay back and say "rules, rules"
funny
Posted at 12:37PM on Mar 22nd 2007 by sanirogers
16. Thank You Dave... That just about says it all as far as I am concerned. The PGA would not be where it is today or have such RICH coffers if not for all the fans and loyal followers of Tiger Woods. I would not let my friend be hasseled by the crowed either I don't care how much money it would cost !!!
Posted at 1:50PM on Mar 22nd 2007 by G Sylvester
17.
Why a pic of babe Ruth and Jim Thorpe? JIm Thorpe??!!! Are you comparing Tiger's career to Tim Thorpe's? a former baseball player who came to golf and the PGA tour late in life and who maybe won three times on the regular PGA tour? This smacks of racism.
Or is the comparison soley based on colour? You need to explain this comparison because Babe Ruth and Jim Thorpe would not even have been taking a pic together. Different eras and different levels on the totem pole? Forget colour and nationality, and Roger and Tiger are as similar as it gets.
Posted at 2:06PM on Mar 22nd 2007 by Jack Rubenstein
18. The PGA Tour should limit 1 to 2 guests per player in practice rounds to give them some kinda of reality to their golf. Most the of the time they are simply playing out there with the same caddie every week...the only difference is the golf course!
Posted at 2:59PM on Mar 22nd 2007 by Chris
19. The PGA Tour should limit players to have 1 to 2 guests join watch them to at least keep them company during practice rounds. Week after week these players are only out there with their caddies and become alienated to the rest of the world. The only difference is the golf course from week to week.
http://chrispierpont.wordpress.com/
Posted at 3:13PM on Mar 22nd 2007 by Chris
20. #18 Jack Rubenstein
To quote John McEnroe, "You cannot be serious."
Posted at 3:50PM on Mar 22nd 2007 by treysix