I realize this blog may stir negative responses but I couldn't seem to leave it alone.

As I perused the newest issue of Golf Digest, I noted in the Gallery section, the Editor's note that "His bylined instruction articles will not be published in Golf Digest during his time away from the game."  

Seriously??!  Now if Golf Digest were publishing Tiger articles on marriage fidelity or avoiding temptations and distractions on the Tour, I could see not publishing them.  But seriously?  Why am I not going to be able to read golf instruction articles bylined by the #1 golfer in the world?  But it's okay to publish articles by one of the great womanizers and party boys,  Sergio?  Is this the magazine's way of punishing Tiger for his off course sins?  Or is it how Golf Digest will appease those who are morally offended by Tiger's actions?  Now I've heard all kinds of arguments about why Tiger has let golf fans down, how he has lied about his life, etc. etc. etc.   

Some of the comments in Golf Digest Gallery were to stop their subscription because Tiger and Obama were on the cover last month.  I'd be more likely to stop reading Golf Digest because it failed to include the #1 golfer's bylines rather than because of it.

I for one, have never purchased a product simply because Tiger endorses it.  If YOU have, then I would suggest you make decisions for yourself on what brands of products you buy rather than relying on the latest/greatest star athlete's promotion.  Maybe based on quality, cost, workmanship, performance, durability?? Who'dve thunk something like that?

If some of you have told your kids to "be like Tiger" rather than being like Jesus or God, or someone you know who is above reproach, then SHAME on you.  If you let your kid's be influenced by marketing hype portrayed by an athlete, rather than teaching them to make sound decisions based on quality etc.,, SHAME on you.

If some of you feel Tiger has "obligations" to the world because of his accomplishments on the golf course, I am sorry, you have been let down.  My first question is "Why on earth would you place obligations on anyone?"  I have no sense of expectation from any professional athlete or public figure except in what they excel at.  I do not accept products or services because someone famous "brands" them.  For Golfers, I expect performance to the best of their abilities on the course, that is all.  If they do more, like Tiger has done, (schools, charities etc.) I applaud them for it.  If they fail in other areas, I am saddened that they cannot excel in them also.  But, I refuse to "write them off" as so many individuals, companies, etc. seem to have done.  

Maybe everyone should take a few steps back and re-prioritize their "worship" of all popular people, be less prone to throw stones at those who fail our expectations and make better decisions on products and role models for ourselves and our children.  And above all, be more prone to forgive than to condemn.