Tiger Woods says baby, wife more important than golf

As he prepares for this weekend’s US Open, Tiger Woods is facing questions about the next major golf tournament of the year — next month’s British Open — if, for no other reason, he is unsure of whether he’ll even be able to compete.  With his wife Elin due to deliver their first child in July, and the tournament scheduled to begin July 19, a decision will likely need to be made — and according to Tiger, the decision will be an easy one:

I really don’t know what is going to happen.  Hopefully the baby will be healthy and arrive on time.  But at the moment, I cannot be certain about my schedule…Being there for the birth is the most important thing.  Not a golf tournament.  If Elin is going to have the baby the week of the Open, I don’t go.  It’s that simple.

Source:  Telegraph.co.uk

 

Comments

I love how he’s put his family first. So what if he misses the British Open. There will be next year. He’ll never be able to relive being there to witness his [first] child being born, and I can sense he’d regret it if he did.

- FC on June 13th, 2007

I absolutely adore Tiger! This is exactly how every father should react. No matter what you have to do, you are there for the birth of your children, no exception. And for me, simply hearing Tiger say, being there is the most important thing–not a golf tournament–if she has the baby, i am there…I don’t go to the tourney…that just means EVERYTHING…and I think it’s part of why I am so excited for this baby–they will make such amazing parents…it’s all about priorities. KUDOS to Tiger–no doubt his father is smiling down at him right now for the father he already is and that is one lucky baby! LOVE Tiger and Elin!

- Megan on June 13th, 2007

Lebron James should read this and follow his example! Tiger has his priorities straight.

- Sarita on June 13th, 2007

He’s already the best daddy and his baby hasn’t even been born yet. They are such an adorable couple and I can’t wait to see their baby. You can really tell how much they love each other and their baby is going to be so lucky.

- PSB on June 13th, 2007

They are such a beautiful couple. I cannot wait to see their little baby!

- Mrs. Treatment on June 13th, 2007

“Lebron James should read this and follow his example!”

No kidding. I wonder how his son or daughter will feel when they’re older and have to find out that their father missed their birth and left their mother to give birth alone so he could “be there for the team.” You picked the wrong team, Bud!

- Lauren on June 13th, 2007

I find it bizarre that we, myself included, feel the need to say good on Tiger for having his priorities straight. I can’t imagine a person who would CHOOSE sport, the team, work, anything over being at the birth of their child. Tiger sounds committed and loving. It will be a gorgeous baby.

- Bella on June 13th, 2007

You can’t really compare LeBron James’s situation with Tiger’s. Tiger will have another shot at the British Open next year, while LeBron might not get another chance to be in the Finals. Plus, basketball is a team sport, so LeBron leaving would affect his whole team. Golf is an individual sport, so Tiger leaving only affects Tiger.

- Ashley on June 13th, 2007

Ashley–

I think the situations are quite comparable. It’s not about the level of sport or how many people are playing–it’s about priority–I don’t care if you are the president or a gas station worker…if you’re significant is having a child, you are there–plain and simple. And as for the team vs. individual argument…that’s the point of a team–if one doesn’t perform, others need to step up–I am sure his team woudln’t fire him for being at the birth of his child–and the argument can be made that Lebron is 22 and will have MANY more chances at the Championship…nobody is debating his fathering abilities, I am simply saying that he took the time to be there for the conception and as a FATHER–as a man–he should be there when that child comes into the world, I don’t care what his profession is. It’s his responsibility–and frankly, it should be his PLEASURE as Tiger obviously does. JMHO

- Megan on June 13th, 2007

I agree Ashley, LeBron’s situation is different. And don’t think of this as his job, but as his dream, his dream to win a championship. Plus we don’t know his situation in terms of what his girlfriend told him. If it were MY boyfriend/husband/whoever, I would insist that he play and if he makes it in time great! Think of American Idol’s Phil Stacey, he missed his second daughter’s birth for just the audition. But it was with the insistence and blessing of his wife. Missing his child’s birth does not make him a bad father.

- Kelly on June 13th, 2007

What does LeBron’s situation have to do with Tiger? They are two different people in two different situations and should be able to make decisions based on what’s best for them.

- terri on June 13th, 2007

This child is going to be gorgeous. I just wish Tiger’s dad was here to be a grandpa. It’s sad. No doubt that Tiger’s strong commitment to Elin and his family comes from the values his dad instilled in him. Won’t it be so cute to see him playing golf with his little boy/girl?

As far as LeBron James goes, who cares? If he and his fiance are fine with her giving birth without him, what difference does it make? He’s no doubt going to be there to rear the child, that is what is most important, and lots of dads miss the birth because they are at war, missed a plane, got stuck in traffic, or whatever.

I couldn’t care less about NBA finals, and his obligation to rearing his children should come first, but he also needs to set a good example for his sons by sticking to his commitment to his team. This is more than just a game; it’s how he provides for his family. It’s his paycheck. It’s their home and their supper.

- sarawara on June 14th, 2007

One reason for being there for the baby’s birth is that I think it is very important to the wife and strengthens the marriage.
Not being there might be something the wife will be upset about for years.

I bet the media will fight to be the first to publish pictures of the baby and to release the name of the baby.

- Ham Bone on June 14th, 2007

What a great day! Just woke up to the news hearing the birth of “baby Woods” and it’s a she with a beautiful name..Sam Alexis….love it. So thrilled for Tiger and Elin. They are such an adorable, smart and caring couple. Having this baby is such a blessing after such an eventful past year with Mr. Earl Woods passing. I hope everyone in the press will give them respect and time for some family privacy. They deserve it, God bless them as they enjoy this wonderful time of their lives.

- Mama Geri on June 19th, 2007