Tiger Woods' latest fall from grace poses questions for the future running of men's professional golf as well as the personal life of the 15-time major champion. Such has been Woods' standing in the game, his influence has grown with seniority despite a history of wayward driving stretching back
Some stories feel too sudden, too heavy to fully take in. What began as just another working day for a beloved actor has now left an entire industry in shock, struggling to process a loss that came without warning. Bengali actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee died on Sunday (March 29) after an accidental
Italy have one more obstacle standing between them and a return to the World Cup in the shape of Bosnia and Hercegovina, who host the Azzurri on Tuesday in what promises to be a tense qualification play-off final in Zenica. The prize for Italy is a spot in Group B at this summer's finals alongside
Days after drawing scrutiny during a recent AI summit in Delhi, Galgotias University has withdrawn a controversial policy that penalised teachers with pay cuts if their students scored poorly, barely two months after rolling it out. The private university was recently under scrutiny and online
Seven months ago, few outside of the Australian state of Victoria had heard of the town of Porepunkah, with its population of just over 1,000 people. But the fatal shooting of two police officers by local Dezi Freeman last August, and the manhunt that followed
Will crash shake golf from its dependency on Woods?
Will crash shake golf from its dependency on Woods?
Tiger Woods' latest fall from grace poses questions for the future running of men's professional golf as well as the personal life of the 15-time major champion.
Such has been Woods' standing in the game, his influence has grown with seniority despite a history of wayward driving stretching back almost two decades.
Never mind the multiple infidelities revealed after hitting a hydrant and tree (2009), a reckless driving conviction (2017) and a high-speed crash that miraculously involved no other vehicle (2021), Woods has been golf's go-to guy.
On Friday, he flipped his Range Rover on a quiet residential street on Florida's Jupiter Island and the world was treated to another dishevelled mugshot of one of sport's most famous faces.
Charges of driving under the influence (despite passing a breathalyser test for alcohol), refusing a urine test and property damage will follow due process.
Meanwhile, we wait for a response from Woods and wonder if he will show up at Augusta for next week's Masters. The odds are against.
And already observers are wondering whether this is the incident that should finally shake golf from its Tiger Woods dependency, because the sport has repeatedly seemed duty bound to turn to the 50-year-old to shape its future.
Augusta wanted a new public nine-hole golf course - The Loop. Let's get Tiger to design it.
The PGA Tour sets up a committee to decide its future shape. Let's get Tiger to chair it.
The US needs to win back the Ryder Cup. Let's get Tiger to be Captain America.
The list goes on.
Woods has been a player director on the PGA Tour Policy Board since August 2023 and vice-chairman of the PGA Tour Enterprises board for the past two years.
The tour also brought in a special rule to make Woods eligible for all of their big money Signature Events, even though the current world number 3,736 has completed all four rounds in only four tournaments since 2020.
His TMRW Sports company, in conjunction with Rory McIlroy, set up the TGL Indoor league, supported by the PGA Tour. Its second season concluded last Tuesday with a perspiring Woods making a TV ratings-boosting appearance in the finals.
"His on-course presence is matched by his voice or his off-course presence," PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan told ESPN four years ago, when his circuit was desperately trying to fight off the threat of the breakaway LIV Golf league.
I think his peers look at him as a leader; the leader on the golf course, but also a leader off of it.
But for how much longer?
Will Woods be present for the scheduled opening of The Loop next week?
Or will he be lying low, as he has done when previous car crashes have revealed a troubled side to his life?
And if he does disappear from the fray, how can he continue to chair the US tour's future competitions committee? Bosses want the time ahead mapped out by the end of June - for them the timing could not be worse.
This might be a dawning moment, when the golfing world realises that someone capable of winning a record-equalling 82 PGA Tour titles might not be the best qualified to shape its future.
Holing pressure putt after pressure putt to dominate golf tournaments does not equip one to understand a balance sheet, cashflow projection or forecast rights revenues.
Such talent and sporting temperament did put him in a spotlight that no other golfer has ever endured and it would seem such scrutiny for a fundamentally shy man may have been too much to bear.
And so even on golfing matters, Woods' credentials are being questioned. Is he the best man to lead a Ryder Cup team? He only appeared on one winning side in eight attempts and often gave an impression he would rather be elsewhere.
Furthermore he was too busy to captain the 2025 team and has not exactly jumped at the chance of doing the job next year.
American officials want their captain appointed quickly and Woods is hardly in the right place to be able to accept their job offer. They are likely to be actively trawling an alternative list, set to be headed by former Open champion Stewart Cink.
Another alternative might have emerged in Gary Woodland, a vice-captain at Bethpage last year. Woodland's stirring Houston Open win on Sunday, his first since brain surgery 30 months ago, came three weeks after revealing a PTSD diagnosis and is the stuff of sporting legend.
Woods has often been lauded for his comebacks from injury which have fed his remarkable reputation, but Woodland has achieved his with a grace that has always seemed beyond his near namesake.
Of course, Woodland has never led the harshly spotlit life of Woods, but his openness regarding his struggles is an interesting counterpoint to Tiger's ultra-private existence.
Dangerously, it takes car smashes for the problematic side of the former world number one's life to be revealed.
And this latest fender bender might be the one that finally illuminates dashboard warning lights for those bosses who have always so hastily turned to Woods in the past.
Source: BBC
Related Posts: Woods bailed after arrest following crash Tiger Woods charged with driving under the influence after crash Another car crash and another arrest - what now for Tiger Woods Defying Digital Dependency Will Tiger Woods face DUI charges Tiger Woods drives like a bat out of hell Tour friend hopes to see Tiger Woods on Champions very soon Tiger Woods' Masters 2026 stint depends on ‘unwritten’ rules after DUI arrest Tiger in net, blackstone in woods Tiger Woods might be planning to switch careers
US President Donald Trump has indicated that he may send troops to seize control of Iran's key oil export terminal at Kharg Island in the northern Gulf. So what's behind this, how would it work and what are the risks? Kharg Island has long been Iran's chief outlet for its oil exports
Just now
Tottenham Hotspur have entered into advanced talks with Roberto de Zerbi, with the former Brighton manager now willing to take charge immediately, according to sources. Multiple sources had said that while the Italian was open to the head coach role
Just now
In call with Dutch PM, Modi flags need for early peace in West Asia amid Iran warIndia and the Netherlands have strengthened cooperation in areas such as water, health, clean energy, defence and security in recent years. Published on: Mar 31
Just now
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Struggling with lumpy smoothies? Try these 10 powerful juicer mixers from Sujata, Prestige, Philips, moreThese appliances come with powerful motors that are ideal for extracting fruit
Just now
RBSE 12th Result 2026: Where, when and how to check Rajasthan Board Class 12 results Updated on: Mar 31, 2026 7:52 AM IST By HT Education Desk | Edited by Papri Chanda Prefer HTon Google Quick Read Share via Copy link The Board of Secondary Education, Rajasthan
Just now
Ranbir Kapoor introduces Ramayana at LA event, calls Lord Rama ‘conscience keeper of billions’Ranbir Kapoor, director Nitesh Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra spoke about their upcoming film Ramayana at a special screening in Los Angeles recently. Mar 31, 2026
Just now
As March 31 falls on a market holiday next week, investors effectively have just one final window — March 30 — to optimise their tax outgo for FY26 through tax-loss harvesting. With March 31 (Tuesday) falling on a market holiday next week, investors effectively have just one final window —
Just now
A recent report by the Auditor General of Canada has found that countries with a high risk of fraudulent student visa applications usually have low approval rates, with India being an “important exception”, The Indian Express reported on Monday
Just now
Asian markets today: Asian markets declined on Tuesday, March 31, as surging crude oil prices and the escalating Middle East conflict kept investor sentiment fragile. South Korea’s Kospi fell more than 4%, while the small-cap Kosdaq declined over 3%. The South Korean won weakened 0.63% to 1,526
Just now
For many young people, their love for animals is more than simple admiration. Today, there are several meaningful career paths that let you work closely with animals while supporting their welfare and conservation. Here are eight careers that unite passion with purpose.For many young people
Just now
Jammu and Kashmir pacer Brijesh Sharma made his IPL debut for Rajasthan Royals against Chennai Super Kings. Sharma, bought at his base price, impressed in the Bengal Pro T20 League with his wicket-taking ability. His journey from humble beginnings highlights the growing talent pool from the region
Just now
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Amazon Gaming Fest brings up to 75% off on gaming laptops, consoles and gaming gearScore exciting gaming deals on brands like ASUS, Lenovo, Sony
Just now
In a recent public statement, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan criticized Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her election campaign's lack of depth. Pradhan argued that this has led her to divert attention towards less significant matters. He emphasized urgent issues such as the rising youth
Just now
Man accused of exposing himself to woman, touching her inappropriately at Whole FoodsThe Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is asking for the public's help in identifying the 6-foot-1 man accused of exposing himself to a woman. Published on: Mar 31
Just now
The war between the United States and Iran has entered its fifth week, with US President Donald Trump repeatedly suggesting that the conflict is nearing its end. However, behind the messaging lies a more complicated, and potentially contradictory, reality
Just now
Senior Maoist, 8 other operatives surrender in APCPI (Maoist) leader Chelluri Narayana Rao surrendered to Andhra police, citing the movement's decline and loss of public support, along with eight others. Published on: Mar 31, 2026 7:42 AM IST By Srinivasa Rao Apparasu
Just now
United States President Donald Trump on Monday said that the US military will “obliterate” all of Iran’s electricity plants, oil wells, the Kharge island and “possibly all” desalinisation plants if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened by Tehran
Just now
In a strong move, the Education ministry in an order has constituted a three-member probe panel to review the affairs regarding the leadership, functioning and management at the National Institute of Technology Kurukshetra, as per sources in the ministry
Just now
Comedian Pulkit Mani’s video mocking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for how he interacts with foreign dignitaries had notched 16 million views on Instagram when it was taken down by the platform in mid-March on the orders of the government. Two days later
Just now
It's been more than four years since the troubled teens of East Highland High School were last on our screens and now the long-awaited show returns on 12 April for a third season. The latest trailer sees the characters leave the classroom behind and follows them in early adulthood
Just now
Tensions are high in Manipur's Ukhrul and Kamjong districts following the alleged killing of four NSCN-IM cadres by a rival faction. In retaliation, an NSCN-IM office was torched. Naga organizations are demanding a transparent inquiry, while the Chief Minister urges peace and assures government
Just now
Pisces Horoscope Today for March 31, 2026: You may handle some crucial responsibilitiesPisces Horoscope Today: Those who are into arts, music, and painting will have new opportunities. Published on: Mar 31, 2026 5:11 AM IST By Dr J.N Pandey Share via Copy link Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20) Daily Horoscope
Just now
In its order, a two-member bench of the appellate tribunal said the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has clear jurisdiction under Section 60(5) of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) to hear such matters and pass necessary directions
Just now
American actor and retired professional wrestler John Cena will be making a return to the grandest stage, this time as host of WrestleMania 42. Cena announced on social media that he is headed to Las Vegas. After retiring from in-ring competition last December after his defeat to Gunther at
Just now
Who are Jaden Ivey’s parents? Meet mom Niele Ivey and dad Javin Hunter Published on: Mar 31, 2026 7:03 AM IST By Shirin Gupta Share via Copy link NBA player Jaden Ivey was waived by the Chicago Bulls. His mom, Niele Ivey, is a basketball coach at Notre Dame, and his dad, Javin Hunter
Just now
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit his home state, Gujarat, on Tuesday, 31 March. The prime minister will inaugurate the Samrat Samprati Museum in Gandhinagar on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti and the Kaynes Semicon Plant at Sanand, Ahmedabad
Just now
Bengaluru doctor shares frustration as 1 hour of rain cuts power 20 times: ‘We talk of AI and whatnot’Dr Deepak Krishnamurthy, took to X to express his frustration, posting that in just one hour of rain, electricity had gone off and returned 20 times. Updated on: Mar 31
Just now
