How come Tiger's "afraid" of the South

[ElWagonne]

I preface this by saying, I actually like Tiger, but.....

His avoidance of Southern tournaments (Majors & WGC events excluded) baffles me. Outside of Bay Hill, Wachovia and previously mentioned events, he never comes down here. For instance, I don't think he's ever graced Memphis, New Orleans, Houston, or San Antonio with his presence. He hasn't played in Dallas since his missed cut streak ended in '05. What do you think it is? Is it the heat (yes, I'm aware that he won the PGA in that sweatbox known as Tulsa)? Does he not like bermuda greens? What could it be? I realize he doesn't owe his southern fans a thing, but a fan can only hope.....

[goblue107501]

My best guess is that since he schedules everythign around the majors so those events proably just don't fit. I know the St. Jude is usually the week before the U.S. Open(??) and the only event I can remember him playing the week before a major is the WGC at Firestone. He does play quite a bit in Florida so I doubt it is the bermuda. Due to the weather, many of the southern tournaments are played in the spring and fall. He never plays in the 'Fall Finish' after the Tour Championship, and only plays in a couple of events before the Masters, maybe one before The Players, then one or two before the U.S. Open.

[Shorty]

I preface this by saying, I actually like Tiger, but.....

His year is based around preparing for major and WGC events. He also plays events where there is a particular sponsor affiliation he needs/wants to honour. These are the only considerations. It obviously just doesn't meet these needs.

[ElWagonne]

Maybe he can sandwich in a Southern event now that he's dropped Buick from his sponsorship duties (ideally I'll hope for the Nelson, since I've already taken a day off and bought a ticket)

[Deuceman]

I think his allergies play a role in him not coming to Southern venues, especially Houston..........JMO

[MiniMoe]

Maybe he just hates Bermuda grass?

[BASHERBAKER69]

....Maybe he's worried about the Klu Klux Klan (not). I guess that's what you wanted to hear...i don't think he should be 'afraid' of the South.

[GolfingNewbie]

i saw a documentary on tiger which contained an interview with a young (12 or so) tiger where he was talking about the prejudice he feels when he use to travel for junior tournaments. That kind of impression you get when your a kid stays with you forever. I would say its not that hes afraid of the South. He probably just doesnt have fond memories of it or doesnt feel comfortable there.

[Prairie Golfer]

Tiger is so afraid of the south that he deicided to live there.

[tjy355]

Maybe he can sandwich in a Southern event now that he's dropped Buick from his sponsorship duties ...

I heard he's going to sign with Piggly Wiggly.