Apologies to Miceli

[brocks]

A few weeks ago, when Tiger skipped the pre-tournament press conference and instead answered fans' questions via video, Alex Miceli went on TGC that evening and ranted about how wrong that was, because it took professional golf writers to ask interesting questions. I posted that IMO the fan questions were much more interesting than the predictable questions Tiger gets from the reporters each week. Well, today I was proven wrong. At the media day for the upcoming ATT National, Tiger fielded questions from professional golf writers, and I saw why they get paid the big bucks. "Q. How will you know you're back? Will it take something clicking on the range? Winning a tournament or major? How do you know you're back to where you want to be? TIGER WOODS: Well, I won a tournament already." To be fair, that was almost two months ago.

[colin007]

Not sure I see the point of your thread. Sarcasm doesn't always translate well online...

[iacas]

Originally Posted by colin007

Not sure I see the point of your thread. Sarcasm doesn't always translate well online...

I think you saw the point just fine.

[Beachcomber]

I cringe on Saturday mornings while I'm driving to the golf course, and turn on XM Radio to hear Miceli's voice as the co-host of the Grill Room.  So anything Miceli says... Especially when it comes to Mr. Woods, is pretty much gibber jabber that is written off as nonsense.

That said... I doubt it's too difficult to score a press pass to one of these pre-tournament press conferences.  So the quality of questions from the 'press' are always suspect.

[BallStriker]

here are my thoughts......

1.  micelli is an overall decent guy, but got a bit too greedy and went outside the comfort zone...and is getting burned....bye bye....

2.  as for tiger, well....he didn't win the masters but he is one of few that has won two significant tourneys in the last 6 months (imo&fy;).....not bad for a slump....

[Mr. Desmond]

A lot of writers are afraid to ask Tiger tough questions, because if you do, like Micelli, he labels you as a troublemaker, and refuses to talk with you.

Basically, Tiger has reduced the press to mice.

If you want to get any info from Tiger, you've got to do a Feherty - praise Tiger, tell him how wonderful he is, and then ask a question in a disarming way.

You can't do it like Micelli, who is too direct.

[turtleback]

Originally Posted by Mr. Desmond

A lot of writers are afraid to ask Tiger tough questions, because if you do, like Micelli, he labels you as a troublemaker, and refuses to talk with you.

Basically, Tiger has reduced the press to mice.

If you want to get any info from Tiger, you've got to do a Feherty - praise Tiger, tell him how wonderful he is, and then ask a question in a disarming way.

You can't do it like Micelli, who is too direct.

Asking a question that you know is not going to get an answer, asking it again after you are told flat out that it isn't going be answered, and then asking it again for good measure is not "asking the tough questions", it is being an a-hole and abusing your position in the press tent to get some press for yourself.

ps:  Sorry for the repeat, if it shows up.  I responded to the post preceding this one by mistake.  I requested that that one be deleted but I don't know if that will happen.

[zipazoid]

I have never cared for Miceli. Don't know if it's the bow tie or the smarmy attitude or what. Back when TGC would have him debating with Andrew Magee on tour issues I thought, 'STFU Miceli. Magee plays the tour. You don't.'

He comes off as a guy that just likes to stir the hornet's nest just for the sake of stirring it. Which is exactly what he did with the 3 questions in a row with Tiger on Haney's book. I thought Tiger gave a great reply when he said 'You're a beauty'.

So if were Tiger I wouldn't answer his questions either. He's not God's gift to journalism. On the contrary, he just tries to stir trouble & make himself the issue. He's a hack.

[newtogolf]

This, Miceli wants to be the media rebel who takes Tiger on head to head then whines when Tiger dismisses his questions.  He's annoying on the Grill Room and in press conferences because of his arrogance.

Originally Posted by zipazoid

I have never cared for Miceli. Don't know if it's the bow tie or the smarmy attitude or what. Back when TGC would have him debating with Andrew Magee on tour issues I thought, 'STFU Miceli. Magee plays the tour. You don't.'

He comes off as a guy that just likes to stir the hornet's nest just for the sake of stirring it. Which is exactly what he did with the 3 questions in a row with Tiger on Haney's book. I thought Tiger gave a great reply when he said 'You're a beauty'.

So if were Tiger I wouldn't answer his questions either. He's not God's gift to journalism. On the contrary, he just tries to stir trouble & make himself the issue. He's a hack.

[allin]

Press conferences aren't about journalism, they are about public relations and promoting the tournament. Most sportswriters recognize this and soft pedal their questions. After all if you ask a tough question then whoever sponsors the tournament and buys ads in newspapers and on TV will find a way to make your life miserable. Tiger unhappy, means no Tiger, sponsors unhappy, sportswriter possibly unemployed.

[Mr. Desmond]

I like people who stir the pot, even if it is useless or obnoxious.

I like to see the rise they get from the other person.

Tiger, you ignorant sl*t, meet Micelli, the pompous, self-righteous a-hole.