Woods shows he's selfish

Good to see Tiger Woods' golf game wasn't drained after the Ryder Cup.

Fresh off another historic drubbing at the hands of the team-oriented, determined Europeans, Woods blazed through the field Thursday at the American Express Championships -- one of the more prestigious non-major tournaments -- to the tune of an 8-under-par 63. Apparently, he's taking the embarrassment to the Europeans to heart.

Another breakneck start shows Woods, the game's dominant player, has only one focus in mind: Tiger Woods. He played nice at the Ryder Cup, teaming with Jim Furyk and winning a match here and there. He talked about team and acted like the Ryder Cup was meaningful.

But until Woods proves he isn't one of the most selfish characters in sports, he's just another money grubbing prima donna America should love to hate.

Don't let his slick, well-spoken persona deceive.

During the telecast of the first round Thursday, other players that competed in the Ryder Cup admitted they were running on fumes in post-round interviews. It's hard to believe Woods was running on fumes judging from his performance Thursday, and he should have been exhausted just days after participating in the most celebrated tournament in golf.

Woods shot a 29 on the front nine and leads the tournament by one stroke.

When the United States basketball team failed at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, experts argued the source of the loss was a lack of commitment and cohesiveness. Success would only come from a long-term, dedicated group, sacrificing personal goals for national pride. That rang especially true for the game's best and brightest.

Those righteous detractors should rebuild that same case when addressing the atrocious finish of the U.S. golf team. Woods, who can be classified as the best and brightest, must commit himself to something more than green jackets and dollar bills.

Individual success and glory are commendable goals, but athletes don't achieve mythical status until they can transcend the sport, attract more than the garden-variety weekend warrior who wants to have Woods' swing.

Given his individual successes, Woods is on the verge of becoming the most recognizable golfer ever. Hopefully, Woods won't rely on a new round of endorsements and commercials to broaden his visibility and appeal. Maybe he'll dedicate himself to something more than, well, himself.

Just don't expect Woods to exhaust himself to do so.

S. Scott Rosenberg covers Greeley schools for the Tribune. He may be reached at 392-4441 or by

e-mail at srosenberg@greeleytribune.com