Breaking 90

Yesterday, I asked the question whether not golf, particularly pro golf, could survive the Tiger Woods sex scandal. Interestingly, the Waggle Room golf blog asked the same question, and the answer was a lot more optimistic than mine:

Still, for all of the disappointment that has been expressed about Woods’ activities – and the actions of those looking to capitalize off of his fame and fortune – there has probably never been more interest in golf.  Ever.

Forget the Win for the Ages.  Nevermind the Tiger Slam.

Because of Tiger Woods’ accident, rumor mill, and subsequent confession, golf has never had more eyes even indirectly afixed on it.

What’s interesting about this is I couldn’t agree with Ryan more. This year, golf may very well have more eyes and more ‘cultural relevance’ than it has had in years. The problem is, for me, I think this is where the problem starts.

Attention, whether good or bad, is not a bad thing for golf, and without a doubt, this scandal is going to create a unique opportunity for the sport here in America. Problem is, who is going to seize that opportunity? Outside of Tiger, are there any male golfers in the US who can command the attention of all these people looking in on the sport and not give it back?

If so, then this scandal will indeed be a good thing for golf.

Problem is, if not, the attention will likely avert to Tiger. Unless something dramatically happens in the next few months to improve his likeability, there’s a really good chance when the morbid curiousity of this scandal fades, the PGA Tour will find itself with fewer fans and lower ratings than before Tiger backed his Escalade into a tree.